The city lies at the head of the Nile Delta, on the right bank of the Nile River. The name Cairo comes from the Arabic words EL Qahira, which means "victorious city." It was founded 640 A.D. It became the capital of Egypt under the Fatimite caliphs. In 1517 the Ottoman Turks captured the city. Napoleon and the French forces occupied Cairo between 1798 and 1801. The British took control in 1882 and remained in power until 1922 when Egypt became independent. It became a republic in 1952. Cairo is divided into an old quarter which shows little sign of Wester influence and a new quarter. More than 200 minarets rise above the streets of the old quarter. The mosque of Ahmed Ibn Tulun is probably the oldest and the finest. The famous university Al-Azhar was founded more than 1000 years ago. The modern or European quarter has broad boulevards, stores and restaurants line the streets, along with many modern buildings.
Cairo by Day http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Le--QLy_Xk8
The Real Papyrus http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFyPtp88t2g
Exploring the city's cultural landmarks that span three millennium of Egyptian history. The greatest unique collection of Pharaonic arts and treasures in the world is at the Egyptian Museum. No cameras are allowed and our bags had to be screened at the ground entrance and just inside the door of the museum. I forgot the alloted time but we got to see the Old Kingdom Collection, the Middle and New Kingdom galleries, and Greco-Roman periods and the famous King Tut golden mask treasures with his 2 sarcophagus and Solar boats.
We continued to Coptic Cairo to visit the Hanging Church (Suspended Church), dating to the late 4th and early 5th century. The basilica was named "Al-Mu'allaqah" because it was built atop the south gate of the Fortress of Babylon.
Then we walked to the Church of St. Sergius, a 5th century Coptic Church. The basilica is built on the cave in which the Holy Family stayed and is regarded by visitors as a source of blessing.
We're hungry
The smell of grilled chicken was so good, cooked at the entrance of the restaurant
Restaurant Greeter
Demonstration of many uses of papyrus plant
Published 11/29/10 lib's labyrinth blogspot
Web Page: Maze: Old Cairo
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