60 | Viking Explorer Society News
10 ings You Need
TO SEE IN CAIRO
Eg ypt's capital, Cairo, is known as "Umm al-Dunya" (The City of a Thousand
Minarets) and is a bustling hub of ancient history and architecture.
Here are some fascinating facts about this city.
1. GIZA PYRAMIDS:
Just outside Cairo, the Giza Plateau is home
to the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This
architectural marvel was built as a tomb for
Pharaoh Khufu and remains one of the most
iconic structures in history.
2. THE SPHINX:
Adjacent to the pyramids, the Great Sphinx
of Giza, with the body of a lion and the head
of a pharaoh, is one of the largest and oldest
statues in the world, dating back to
approximately 2500 BC.
3. ISLAMIC CAIRO:
This historic area boasts a wealth of medieval
Islamic architecture. Notable sites include the
Al-Azhar Mosque, one of the oldest
universities in the world, and the stunning
Sultan Hassan Mosque, renowned for its
massive size and intricate design.
4. COPTIC CAIRO:
This ancient part of the city features the
Hanging Church (Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic
Orthodox Church), built on the ruins of a
Roman fortress. It is one of the oldest
churches in Egypt, with a history dating back
to the 3rd century AD.
5. CAIRO CITADEL:
Constructed by Saladin in the 12th century,
this fortress offers panoramic views of Cairo
and houses the magnificent Muhammad Ali
Mosque, also known as the Alabaster
Mosque, which is an architectural highlight
with its Ottoman influences.
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At home in Cairo with Rasha Madi and Ahmed Bekheet
