Capitals of Islamic Egypt and Their Founders

If you believe that Cairo is where it is today, then you are in for an intriguing shock about what it was like in other times. Egypt's capital wasn't born in a day. In other words, being part of the fabric of Islamic Egypt, the capital has had five other places that served as capitals throughout the centuries. Each time a new dynasty came into power, a new city was built just a couple of kilometers from the previous one. 

Thus, if you intend to take a trip to Egypt, learning what happened to the capitals of the world should help you make the most of your Egypt journey since you will also have the same trip through time along with your sightseeing.

1. Fustat: The Tent City That Started It All (641 CE)

In 641 CE, our tale begins, just when the forces of Islam and Arabic came to Egypt under the leadership of the extraordinary military general, Amr ibn al-As. Not seizing the chance to conquer the old Roman stronghold called Babylon, Amr ibn al-As preferred to create a new army camp just north of the town at the very bank of the Nile. 

He called this place Fustat (translated from Arabic as "tent"). There is a legend that tells how, when Amr ibn al-As was on the verge of leaving for another expedition, a pigeon made its nest inside his tent. That's why Amr ibn al-As was obliged to leave the tent right there! The place soon turned into a lively commercial center and the first Islamic capital of Egypt. You can visit the dating Mosque of Amr ibn al-As—the first mosque ever constructed in Africa.

2. Al-Askar: The Abbasid Garrison (750 CE)

With the rise of empires and their corresponding powers, the map changed as well. Upon the conquest of the vast Islamic world from Baghdad in 750 CE, the Abbasid Dynasty wanted its own administrative center.

The city which they established was called Al-Askar, meaning "the camp." This city, built northeast of Fustat, was a home to Abbasid soldiers and loyal officials. Even though nothing has survived in terms of the city’s physical substance, Al-Askar was essential in the process of Egypt’s urban transformation.

3. Al-Qata'i: The Vision of Ibn Tulun (868 CE)

Afterward, a brilliant commander of Turkic descent named Ahmad ibn Tulun entered the scene. Granting himself considerable independence in Egypt, he established a new capital north of the city called Al-Qata'i, which means "fief" in Arabic. 

With plans to expand, he constructed vast royal palaces, administrative buildings, and famous hippodromes. His most important creation is the magnificent Mosque of Ibn Tulun that has stood the test of time. It is the oldest mosque in Egypt that has kept its original form and also boasts the rare and marvelous helix-shaped minaret that gives everyone an opportunity to take in the magnificent scenery of the city from a bird's-eye view.

4. Al-Qahira: The Birth of Modern Cairo (969 CE)

If you ever tried to find out about the origins of the word “Cairo”, read on! In 969 CE, Fatimid Caliphate took Egypt by storm and sent its commander Jawhar al-Siqilli to build a fortified royal city not far from Al-Qata'i.
The name they gave the new city was Al-Qahira, meaning “The Victorious”, which was later altered and pronounced as Cairo by the Europeans. Over time, the area of the royal city expanded and incorporated not only the city of Fustat but also Al-Askar and Al-Qata'i, becoming the center of Egypt.

5. The Citadel: Saladin’s Mountain Fortress (1176 CE)

Ultimately, after legendary Kurdish military leader Salah ad-Din (Saladin) established Ayyubid rule in 1171, geography took another evolution. 
Rather than find quarters in the crowded city center, he positioned the center of royal and military power on the high and rocky spurs of Mokattam Hills, thus constructing monumental Cairo Citadel. This fortification kept Egypt safe during Ayyubid, Mamluk, and Ottoman times.

Planning Your Ultimate Adventure

It is difficult to identify the five separate capitals, manage the historic cities, and organize the trip as a whole, especially if you try to do all these activities on your own. This is why the best option for travelers is to purchase a travel package for Egypt from experts in the field.

If you want an elitist trip, you can choose five-star boutique hotels and knowledgeable historical consultants. In case you plan another type of Egypt tour, you will also be glad to know that a travel package is able to make arrangements for you.

When trying to find a travel package for Egypt, it would be great if your trip included excursions to the medieval Islamic Cairo and the cruise on the Nile. Exploring the breathtaking sights of Cairo and at the same time enjoying the calm rhythm of life on the river will be a fantastic experience.

Tips for Your Historic Walk

As you compile your custom trip package to Egypt, ensure you consider the following tips, so you can enjoy your trip without any issues:

Choose a good pair of walking shoes: With centuries of history, the old roads, stone stairs, and ancient routes would be better visited in good walking shoes, rather than fancy shoes.

Be dressed properly: Since you are entering traditional neighborhoods and historic religious sites, you should wear clothes covering your knees and shoulders.

Ask for the service of a local guide: Egypt has many fascinating stories to tell. Good Egypt tour packages should contain knowledgeable guides who will lead and educate tourists.

Ready to Cross Boundaries of Time?

Egypt is a place that engages your mind and doesn't let you escape. From the ancient Fustat tents to the drop of the Nile during your trip to Egypt, there is always a new sight to gaze upon.

If you are ready to make your dream of seeing Egypt a reality, look into the best travel packages that are available. It does not matter if you want a full travel experience of Egypt or specialized tours to calm your mind—the magic of Cairo welcomes all!