The Night Cairo Was Founded
A Historic Event That Shaped Old Cairo – with Narmer Tours
With Narmer Tours, visiting Old Cairo is not only about seeing monuments—it is about reliving the very moment when history was made. One of the most fascinating events connected to the monuments of Islamic Cairo is the founding of Cairo itself in 969 AD, an event that still echoes through its ancient streets and landmarks today.
A City Born Under the Stars
In 969 AD, the Fatimid general Jawhar Al-Siqilli arrived in Egypt on behalf of the Fatimid Caliph Al-Muizz Li-Din Allah. Instead of ruling from the old capitals of Fustat or Al-Askar, Jawhar decided to build an entirely new city—one that would become the heart of a new empire.
According to historical accounts, astrologers were consulted to choose the most auspicious moment to begin construction. Bells were tied to ropes around the site to signal the exact time to start digging the foundations. But fate intervened—birds landed on the ropes, ringing the bells early. Astrologers declared that the planet Mars (Al-Qahir) was rising, a symbol of power and dominance. As a result, the city was named Al-Qahira—“The Victorious”, known today as Cairo.
From Royal City to Living Heritage
The newly founded Cairo was designed as a royal city for the Fatimid caliphs, enclosed by massive walls and monumental gates such as Bab Al-Futuh, Bab Al-Nasr, and Bab Zuweila, which still stand today. At its heart rose Al-Azhar Mosque, established in 970 AD, destined to become one of the world’s greatest centers of Islamic learning.
Walking today along Al-Muizz Street, visitors follow the same path once used by Fatimid caliphs, soldiers, and scholars during ceremonial processions that celebrated the birth of Cairo as a capital of power, faith, and culture.
A Turning Point in Egyptian History
This single event—the founding of Cairo—changed Egypt forever. It marked the beginning of Cairo’s rise as one of the most important cities in the Islamic world. Over the centuries, Ayyubid, Mamluk, and Ottoman rulers added mosques, madrasas, palaces, and markets, transforming the city into a layered masterpiece of history.
Every monument in Old Cairo stands as a chapter in the story that began on that extraordinary night in 969 AD.
Experience the Story with Narmer Tours
With Narmer Tours, this historic event comes alive through expert storytelling and guided walks across Old Cairo’s most iconic landmarks. From the ancient city gates to Al-Muizz Street and Al-Azhar Mosque, guests don’t just see history—they walk through the moment Cairo was born.
Old Cairo is not simply a destination.
It is the result of a historic decision that shaped a civilization.
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