Al-Mu’izz Street and Khan al-Khalili: Historic Gems in the Heart of Cairo
Al-Mu’izz Street, also known as the “Great Street” or “Great Kasbah,” is named after Al-Mu’izz li-Din Allah, the Fatimid Caliph, and is located in the heart of Cairo. It stretches from Bab al-Futouh in the north to Bab Zuwailah in the south, covering about 1,500 meters. From there, it continues southward to the Shrine of Sayyida Nafisa and then to Fustat, making the total length of this important street approximately 4,800 meters.
Al-Mu’izz Street crosses major roads such as Jawhar al-Qaid and Al-Azhar and is considered the largest open-air museum of Islamic antiquities in the world. It houses more than 32 significant buildings from various historical periods:
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Fatimid Era: Bab al-Futuh, Bab Zuwailah, Al-Hakim Mosque of Amr Allah, Al-Aqmar Mosque, the luxurious Al-Fakahani Mosque, and others
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Ayyubid Era: Kamiliyya Madrasa and the Dome of King al-Salih Najm al-Din Ayyub
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Mamluk Era: Sultan Qalawun complex, Madrasa of al-Zahir Baybars, Sultan Barquq complex, Sultan Qansuh al-Ghuri complex, Madrasa of al-Ashraf Barsbay, Al-Muayyad Mosque
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Ottoman Era: Sabil of Abd al-Rahman Katkhuda and the Sabil of Muhammad Ali Pasha near Bab Zuwailah
The street also includes many historic houses such as Beit Al-Suhaimi, Beit Al-Kharzati, and the Palace of Prince Bashtak. Numerous small alleys branch off from the street, including Al-Kharnafsh Street, which houses the House of the Kaaba, where the Kiswah (the cloth covering the Kaaba) was once made. Other alleys include Al-Darhab-Al-Asfar Alley, Burjawan Alley, and Jawhar Street.
At its peak, Al-Mu’izz Street was a bustling commercial center with up to 1,200 shops along the stretch from Al-Husseiniyah (outside Bab al-Futuh) to Sayyida Nafisa. The street retained its great significance as a trade and cultural center during the Fatimid and Mamluk periods.
Khan al-Khalili is the most famous street branching off from Al-Mu’izz Street. It lies between the Hussein Mosque and Al-Azhar Street and is a lively market for souvenirs, handicrafts, cafes, and more. The site of the Khan was originally the location of the Fatimid Caliph al-Muizz Billah’s palace, which contained the tombs of the Fatimid caliphs, known as the “Saffron Floor.” In 1382 AD, Prince Jaharkes al-Khalili destroyed these tombs and built the caravanserai known today as Khan al-Khalili.
Khan al-Khalili is a large square building with a courtyard surrounded by shops and residences on multiple floors. Today, it remains one of Cairo’s main tourist attractions and a vibrant cultural hub.