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ISLAMIC EGYPT (History)

In 642 ADE,Egypt was conqured by the Arab Muslims who were welcomed by the Copts, because they rid them of the long dark Byzantine rule and allowed them to elect their own Patriarch. From Fustat,the 1st Capital capital in Egypt (in the Islamic Period) (now part of Cairo), Egypt was administrated as a province of the Islamic Khalifate until 868, when it was announced a new independent rule in Egypt by Ahmed Ibn Tulun who established The Tulunid Dynasty (868-935),followed by the Ikhshid Dynasty(935-969) until the Fatimid dynasty (969-1171) were the only Shietes (an Islamic sect) who ever ruled Egypt. Their palaces were built inside a fortress called "al-Qahira", which expanded to become modern Cairo. Their first Caliph built Al-Azhar mosque in 972, which continues to be the foremost center of theology in Islam and the oldest continuously practicing university in the world.

Internal power struggles, famine and external pressures led to the downfall of the Fatimid empire at the hands of Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi "Saladin", who is the founder of the Ayyubi dynasty (1117-1250), and who built a fortress wall around Cairo and the surrounding settlements, ending with the Citadel as a defense post against the Crusaders. Salah al-Din is revered as one of the greatest heroes of Islam as well as Arab nationalism, for his brilliant military and administrative mind and for defeating the Crusaders.

It was during the Ayyubi dynasty that the Mamluks (literally meaning owned by) were brought into Egypt from the Black Sea Area and Asia Minor where they were raised educated and trained. They became the core of the army and were given a measure of freedom that allowed some to rise to prominent positions of power. They seized power founding Mamluk dynasties (1256-1517 ADE). They were the only to stop Mongol invasion of the Near East. Their rule ended by the Ottoman conquest of Egypt in 1517 AD.

Ottoman rule meant that Egypt (1516-1798) returned back to being a province of a larger empire ruled from Istanbul. Although the Ottoman Turks were brilliant military strategists and developed a rich Islamic civilization, they were poor colonial administrators. Their direct involvement in government rarely extended to more than enforcing tax collection, relying on the Mamluk. This lack of concern manifested in neglect and deterioration facilitated the French invasion of Egypt in 1798.

Mosque of Ahmed Ibn Tulun

This is the third "large mosque" (gamee) built in Egypt. It is characterized by its spacious hall (saha), its unique spiral minaret and a large collection of gypsum decoration.

Mosque of AL Azhar

The first Fatimid mosque in Cairo, it was founded in Midan Hussein by Gawhar al-Sikilli in AD 971 as both a mosque and Madrasah (school). It is named after Fatma al-Zahraa, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad. It is considered the oldest Islamic University, the first lecture having been delivered in AD 975.

Mosque of Sultan Hasan

Located at the end of Al-Qalaa (Citadel) Street, it was founded by Al-Nasser Hassan Bin-Mohammed Bin-Qalawon, a Mamelouk ruler, as a mosque and a school accomodating the four main sects (madhhabs) of Sunnism.

The Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali

Built in AD 1830 on the northern elevated part of the Citadel, the mosque is visible to most parts of Cairo.

The Citadel of Saladin

Known as Al-Qalaa (the Citadel) and built by Salah-Al-Din Al-Ayyubi (Saladin) in AD 1183. Overlooking the city of Cairo from the Muqattam Hills, it houses a number of important monuments including the Mosque of Soliman Pasha, the Alabaster Mosque, the 90-meter deep Bir Yusuf (Joseph's Well) Al-Gawhara Palace, and a military museum.