Skip to main content

In Cairo, different architectural styles mingle with each other

Egypt's plans to celebrate its multi-layered Islamic heritage stumbles upon coronavirus measures.

GettyImages-1207925821.jpg
Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo, Egypt, March 20, 2020. — KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images

CAIRO — Islamic Cairo includes roughly 800 Islamic monuments, including mosques, hammams, water fountains and schools, each reflecting the architectural styles of every Islamic era in Egypt, beginning with the Muslim conquest by Amr ibn al-As (693-642) in the seventh century.

In recognition of this heritage, the Islamic World Organization for Education, Science and Culture (ISESCO) selected Cairo as the capital of Islamic culture 2020 last year. If it had not been for the outbreak of the coronavirus that restricted public events, April 5 would have been the first day of a whirlwind of festivals, cultural events and tours that would have put in the spotlight the archaeological and historical heritage of the Egyptian capital.

Related Topics

Subscribe for unlimited access

All news, events, memos, reports, and analysis, and access all 10 of our newsletters. Learn more

$14 monthly or $100 annually ($8.33/month)
OR

Continue reading this article for free

All news, events, memos, reports, and analysis, and access all 10 of our newsletters. Learn more.

By signing up, you agree to Al-Monitor’s Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Already have an account? Log in