The Old Part of Cairo - The Islamic Quarter
written by camerao
on April 27th, 2008
(0 votes)
Take your small and discreet LC-A and leave the noisy and glittering Cornish El Nile, with its hotel buildings you can find all over the world in the same style, and take time (as much as you can) to walk through the old heart of Cairo.
But not as a curious tourist, who puts his nose and his camera unasked in every house and at every person, but with open eyes to the friendly people and their simple but satisfied life. And you will feel like hundred years ago in the deepest orient.
For the northern part start at Hussein Mosque – forget about Khan el Khalili, you’ll met a lot of little bandits there, and you’ll only spend a lot of money for a lot of rubbish – follow straight on Muizz li Din Allah to gate Bab el Futuh, turn to right, and through gate Bal el Nasr walk parallel back to Hussein Mosque, the place, you have started.
The northern part is more well-known, and has got more important old buildings, while the southern part is more used by the habitants to make their purchases. This part looks more picturesque. A lot of buildings are not refurbished since the earthquake 20 years ago.
You start at Al Azhar Mosque, at vegetable market, follow Muizz li Din Allah, now to the south, and later Mugharbilin, and it’s your decision, to walk up and down through the small lanes on your left. Don’t worry if you get lost, friendly people will help you, to find your way.
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