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سور القاهرة الشمالي: A Glimpse into Cairo's Fortified Past

Explore the historic Northern Cairo Wall, a testament to Fatimid military architecture and Islamic Cairo's rich heritage.

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The Northern Cairo Wall, built in 1092 AD by Badr al-Jamali, is a testament to Fatimid-era military architecture. This well-preserved section of Cairo's fortifications offers a glimpse into the city's historical defenses and the grandeur of Islamic Cairo.

A brief summary to سور القاهرة الشمالي

  • 3738+7Q2, Al Banhawi, El Gamaliya, El-Gamaleya, Cairo Governorate, EG

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking along the uneven surfaces of the historic wall.
  • Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the architectural details and avoid dimly lit areas.
  • Check for local events or festivals happening at the wall, especially during Ramadan, for a richer cultural experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the end of Al-Muizz Street, the Northern Cairo Wall is easily accessible by foot. Walk north along Al-Muizz Street until you reach the Bab Al-Futuh gate, which marks the beginning of the wall. The wall extends eastward from this point.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Northern Cairo Wall via public transport, take the Cairo Metro to the Bab El Shaaria station. From there, you can walk for about 15-20 minutes to reach the wall. Alternatively, you can take a local bus or a taxi from the metro station to the wall. The metro fare is approximately 5-10 EGP depending on the number of stations.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Cairo. Simply ask the driver to take you to 'Sur Al-Qahira Al-Shimali' near Bab Al-Futuh. A short taxi ride from downtown Cairo (Tahrir Square) will typically cost between 20-30 EGP, depending on traffic.

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The Northern Cairo Wall, or *Sur Al-Qahira Al-Shimali*, is a historic fortification constructed in 1092 AD by Badr al-Jamali, the commander of the armies during the reign of the Fatimid Caliph al-Mustansir Billah. It was erected outside the urban area of Cairo to serve as a stronghold for the city, connecting to the older wall established by Jawhar al-Siqilli. Today, the Northern Cairo Wall stands as a remarkable example of Islamic military architecture. The wall features defensive towers made of smoothly sculpted stone. These towers are solid for two-thirds of their height, with the upper third containing square chambers that open into three or more rectangular *iwans* (vaulted spaces) ending in arrow slits. The wall itself consists of lengthy stone corridors and passages, reaching a height of over 25 meters. The wall includes two main gates: Bab al-Nasr (Gate of Victory) and Bab al-Futuh (Gate of Conquest). Bab al-Nasr is located on the northeastern side of the wall, measuring 24.20 meters in length, 21.63 meters in width, and 21.00 meters in height. Bab al-Futuh is situated on the northwestern side, consisting of two rectangular towers, each 22.33 meters high, with a rounded facade spanning 22.85 meters. These gates are considered masterpieces of military architecture in the Islamic civilization, showcasing the splendor and magnificence of Fatimid-era design. Visitors can explore the wall and its gates, appreciating the intricate architectural details and the historical significance of this ancient structure. The site also hosts cultural and artistic events, particularly during Ramadan, adding to its appeal.

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