Cairo is home to more than 1/5 of Egyptโs population, so getting around takes patience! One of our destiantions was the ๐ฆ๐๐น๐๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ฎ๐๐๐ฎ๐ป ๐ ๐ผ๐๐พ๐๐ฒ. The mosque looms largeโฆ.a grand structure widely held to be one of the best examples of early ๐ ๐ฎ๐บ๐ฒ๐น๐๐ธ๐ฒ architecture in Cairo.
Mamelukes were slave soldiers that later won political control over several Muslim states. They used that power to establish a dynasty that ruled Egypt and Syria from 1250-1517. Constructed between 1356-1363 by Sultan Hassan, the site features a courtyard surrounded by four iwans (vaulted halls) and soaring minarets.
Architecturally, the mosque is revolutionary. Its scale, symmetry, and the use of monumental stonework were unprecedented at the time. Its 223-foot-high minaret remains one of Cairoโs tallest, and the entire complex exudes both solemnity and splendor. It’s no wonder that later rulers and architectsโOttoman and otherwiseโlooked to Sultan Hassanโs mosque for inspiration.
Directly facing this mosque was the massive ๐๐น-๐ฅ๐ถ๐ณ๐ฎโ๐ถ, one of Cairoโs largest mosques (1869-1912). It houses the tombs of many members of the Egyptian Royal Family, including the last monarch, King Farouk. (His sister was briefly married to the Sha of Iran, reigning as queen of Iran from 1941 to 1948.)
It was a fortunate day for us. Our guide ran into the famous ๐ฆ๐ต๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ, a high-level Muslim holy man. He practices Sufism, a mystic body of religious practice within Islam that focuses on Islamic spirituality, ritualistic, asceticismโฆ.the mystical expression of the Islamic faith. He talked with us and opened doors to tombs we would otherwise not have seen! Because of former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, the tomb of the Shah of Iran was here for us to see.
We ended our morning by walking the fabled ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ป ๐ฒ๐น-๐๐ต๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐น๐ถ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐ฎ๐ฟ. It’s a maze of narrow streets teeming with glittering gold, colorful silks, and exotic spices. After eating Egyptian cuisine at a local restaurant, we had an opportunity to wander the bazaar a bit more. Colorful market stalls sold quite a variety; roasted nuts, copper tea sets and vibrant galabeya, (the traditional Egyptian-style long gown.)
These opportunities are always fun, but between watching for pickpockets and trafficโฆ.it was hard to think of shopping! There was even a car/wheelbarrow accident along the narrow street, which must be an everyday occurrence.
The man in the suit was one of our ever-present gun-toting security guards who were with us wherever we went! The young people talking to us…..examples of the amazing friendliness and welcoming attitude we experienced all over.
Tonight we joined a charming family for our โhome-hostedโ dinner. They were a Christian family (10% of the population) with three small children. Our small group had a great meal: Mahshi, which is eggplant stuffed with rice. For dessert, we had pastries like kenaf, a crispy cake filled with cheese, and cheese-filled dumplings. We had plenty of time for conversation. They are an educated family, with the mom receiving her Ph.D. just yesterday! Dad works in finance, and they can also afford another vacation home a couple of hours away from Cairo.
The apartment was in the hectic and crowded Coptic section of Cairo, which did not look pleasant. Once we entered their home, however, things were neat, orderly, and clean. We always appreciate these opportunities for personal interactions.