The Citadel
A view of the Mosque of Mohammed Ali Pasha
The Citadel was home to Egypt's rulers for 700 years. Housed within the walls of The Citadel are 3 mosques, several old palaces that are now used as museums and a couple of terraces with views overlooking the city. Construction began on The Citadel complex in 1176 and many different groups have controlled it since then. The most impressive structure within the walls is the mosque to Mohammed Ali Pasha, who rules Egypt in the 1800s. Made of alabaster, the mosque took 18 years to build.
Inside the courtyard of the mosque we noticed the thick layers of dust and city grime. Scaffolding had been erected, but at the time we were there no one was doing any work on it. We both commented on how this place did not seem to be kept up or taken care of to the level that you would expect for such a famous and important religious cite.
The alabaster inside the mosque was striking:
As were the enormous chandeliers suspended from the domed ceiling:
The next photo is a bit dark, but it captures a moment that happened repeatedly throughout the day. Young Egyptians, from 6 year olds like these to university students, continued to approach us and want to take our photos and speak with us in English or Arabic.
I did not encounter this, certainly not to this extent, prior to the revolution. It was nice to sit and talk with these young people (as best as we could manage in broken Arabic and English).
Sandalwood ceiling that was brought in from India:
The National Military Museum
After spending time in the mosque we walked over the the National Military Museum where we saw this statue:
Yes, that is actually a statue in honor of Egyptian soldiers who are, apparently, "the best soldiers on Earth".
But wait, what's this? Could it be?
Yes, this is "The best soldier on Earth"!
This commemorates the Decoration of the Pharonic Fly, which was given to the soldier who "relentlessly pursued his enemy" (much like the way the flies here in Egypt will not give up!)
Did Washington cross the Nile as well as the Delaware?
Ok, this next may be tough to make out, but that is an actual G.I. Joe action figure in the paratrooper display case:
And finally, while I realize this is juvenile, I couldn't resist documenting the catapult exhibit:
Al Azhar Park
Now on to the truly beautiful part of our day. Al Azhar Park is Cairo's answer to Central Park. A short drive from The Citadel, this park was built on land that once held mountains of centuries worth of garbage. It is an oasis in the city and we found many Egyptians out on this beautiful day enjoying the park.
The large tan building is the restaurant where we ate dinner.
A view of the city from the park.
The park had several fountains and a stream that ran through it.
Another mosque as seen from the park
A typical Cairo view of roof tops littered with satellite dishes
1 comment:
Wow, gorgeous architecture. Thanks for sharing these wonders - it's almost as good as traveling!
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