The Al-Mu’izz Street and Khan Al-Khalili: Historical Jewels in the Heart of Cairo
Al-Mu’izz Street, also known as the “Great Street” or “Great Kasbah,” was named after Al-Mu’izz li-Din Allah, the Fatimid caliph. It lies in the heart of Cairo and stretches from Bab al-Futuh in the north to Bab Zuwailah in the south, covering a length of 1,500 meters. From Bab Zuwailah to the shrine of Sayyida Nafisa and further to Fustat, the street extends to about 4,800 meters. This historic street crosses the famous Jawhar al-Qaid and Al-Azhar streets.
A Unique Open-Air Museum
Al-Mu’izz Street is considered the largest open-air museum of Islamic antiquities in the world. It houses over 32 Islamic monuments from various historical periods, reflecting Cairo’s rich history and cultural heritage. Among the oldest monuments are those from the Fatimid era, such as Bab al-Futuh, Bab Zuwailah, the Al-Hakim Mosque of Amr Allah, the Al-Aqmar Mosque, and the Al-Fakahani Mosque.
Historical Monuments Along Al-Mu’izz Street
Fatimid Era:
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Bab al-Futuh
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Bab Zuwailah
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Al-Hakim Mosque
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Al-Aqmar Mosque
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Al-Fakahani Mosque
Ayyubid Era:
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Kamiliyya Madrasa
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Dome of King al-Salih Najm al-Din Ayyub
Mamluk Era:
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Complex of Sultan Qalawun
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Madrasa of al-Zahir Baybars
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Complex of Sultan Barquq
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Complex of Sultan Qansuh al-Ghuri
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Madrasa of al-Ashraf Barsbay
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Al-Muayyad Mosque
Ottoman Era:
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Sabil of Abd al-Rahman Katkhuda
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Sabil of Muhammad Ali Pasha
Archaeological Houses and Streets
Al-Mu’izz Street also includes several archaeological houses such as Beit Al-Suhaimi, Beit Al-Kharzati, and the Palace of Prince Bashtak. Alongside these magnificent houses, there are several notable streets and alleys, including Al-Kharnafsh Street and Al-Darhab-Al-Asfar Alley.
Khan Al-Khalili: A Famous Market
One of Cairo’s most famous markets, Khan Al-Khalili, lies between the Hussein Mosque and Al-Muizz Street. Originally, this location was the site of the eastern palace of the Fatimid caliph al-Muizz Billah, known as the “Saffron Floor.” In 1382 AD, Prince Jaharkes Al-Khalili built a caravanserai here. To this day, Khan Al-Khalili remains a significant tourist attraction with its numerous souvenir shops, handicraft stores, and cozy cafés, serving as a vibrant example of Cairo’s historical heritage.