The Early History of Cairo

Cairo has a rich early history. The original settlements on the site of the city date back to antiquity, with evidence of habitation going back to the 6th millennium BC. Over the centuries, the region was ruled by various empires and dynasties, including the ancient Egyptians, the Romans, the Byzantines, and the Islamic caliphates.

The modern city of Cairo was founded in 969 AD by the Fatimids, an Islamic dynasty. Under their rule, Cairo flourished as an important cultural, political, and economic center. It became a hub of Islamic art, architecture, and science, and served as the capital of the Fatimid empire.

The Islamic Conquest and the Establishment of al-Fustat

The Islamic conquest of Egypt occurred in the 7th century AD, during the Rashidun caliphate. In 641 AD, the Islamic army led by Amr ibn al-As conquered the area that is now Egypt. The conquest led to the establishment of a new city called al-Fustat.

The Abbasids and the Cities of al-Askar and al-Qatta’i

During the rule of the Abbasid dynasty, which governed the Islamic empire from the 8th century AD, new cities were founded in Egypt, including al-Askar and al-Qatta’i.

In the 10th century AD, during the rule of the Fatimid dynasty, al-Qatta’i was founded. This city was located north of Fustat and closer to the Nile River. Al-Qatta’i became the new administrative center of Egypt and served as the capital of the Fatimid empire.

The Fatimids and the Establishment of al-Qahira

In 969 AD, under the leadership of General Jawhar al-Siqilli, the Fatimids conquered Egypt from the Abbasids. They decided to build a new city that would reflect their power and prestige. This city was named al-Qahira, meaning “The Victorious,” and it was built north of the existing city of Fustat.

The Ayyubids and the Construction of the Citadel

During the power struggle between Shawar, King Amalric I of Jerusalem, and the Zengid general Shirkuh in 1169 AD, Salah al-Din was appointed as the new vizier of Egypt. Under his rule, Salah al-Din constructed the Cairo Citadel, which served as the seat of the Egyptian government until the mid-19th century.

The Mamluks and the Golden Age of Cairo

In 1250 AD, Cairo became the capital of the Mamluk dynasty, which took control of Egypt. Under their rule, Cairo grew into a center of Islamic scholarship and a major trade hub between Africa, Europe, and Asia. By 1340 AD, Cairo had nearly half a million inhabitants and was the largest city west of China.

The Ottomans and the Modern Era

The political influence of Cairo declined after Vasco da Gama discovered a sea route around the Cape of Good Hope between 1497 and 1499 AD, allowing spice traders to bypass Cairo.

The Ottomans took over from the Mamluks in 1517, making Cairo a province with Constantinople as its capital. Despite these political changes, Cairo remained an important economic and cultural center throughout the 16th and 17th centuries. The city facilitated the trade of coffee from Yemen and textiles from India to Anatolia, North Africa, and the Balkans. Merchants from Cairo played a crucial role during the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

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