Cairo/Old Cairo

File:Mosque Amr ibn Al-As Entrance - Mosque of Amr ibn al-As Old Cairo (Arabic, Masr al-Qadima) is the extensive neighborhood of southern Cairo from the southern boundary of Cairo/Garden City|Garden City down to the precinct commonly known as Coptic Cairo.

Cairo/Old Cairo Halal Travel Guide

Old Cairo is the home of Cairo's Coptic Christian community. The Coptic Orthodox Church claims to date back to Saint Mark the Apostle in 42 AD and thus lays claim to being the world's oldest Christian denomination. While the majority of Egyptians converted to Islam in the 12th century and the Church has survived through centuries of persecution, not only from hostile Muslim rulers such as the Fatimids, but also at the hands of the Crusaders, who viewed the Coptics as heretics. Today, Egypt has some 12 million Copts, but the narrow alleyways of Old Cairo still have the feel of an island set apart from the rest of the city. Visitors are welcome to visit Coptic churches, even during services, which are now mostly held in Arabic. Copts use the Julian calendar, so Christmas falls on January 7 and Easter can fall on a different date.

How to travel to Cairo/Old Cairo

By Metro

The Metro is by far the easiest mode of travel into this neighborhood. Mar Girgis GPS 30.006208,31.229449 station on Cairo Metro Line 1 is instantly outside the Coptic Cairo quarter. From Midan Tahrir in central Cairo, take the Metro south, "direction Helwan"; coming back follow "direction El Marg". The fare is LE2 and trains run every few minutes. Exit the station east onto pedestrianised Sharia Mar Girgis. The Coptic Museum is straight in front of you and the Hanging Church is 100 m right (south). Go left (north) 200 m for the entrance to the other main sights in the Coptic precinct but you could easily miss it's the small staircase leading down from the street, as if into a basement. Instead it enters a series of little alleyways - most churches and the synagogue are along here, clearly signed.

What to see in Cairo/Old Cairo

Oldcairomap - Map of Old Cairo

• Mosque of Amr ibn al-As - The Mosque of Amr ibn al-As was built (in Fustat) in 642, as Cairo's first mosque, following the Arab conquest of Egypt. It has been rebuilt several times and most of what you see now is from the 18th century or later.
• National Museum of Egyptian Civilization - A museum covering all of Egyptian history from early mankind to the present day. It opened in 2017 with a few exhibitions. Material will gradually be transferred from other collections such as the downtown Egyptian Museum. It's intended that the permanent collection will be in two parts, one chronological the other thematic. The chronological areas will be Early Dynastic/Archaic, Pharaonic, Graeco-Roman, Coptic, Medieval, Islamic, modern and contemporary. The thematic areas will be Dawn of Civilization and the Nile, Writing, State and Society, Material Culture, Beliefs and Thinking and the Gallery of Royal Mummies.

Coptic Cairo

• Babylon Fortress - Religious Complex | Established by the Roman emperor Trajan, at the entrance of the former canal to the Red Sea, it became a fulcrum of the Roman Empire|Roman occupation. Not long after the fall of the Empire, some of the very first Coptic monuments were built upon its foundations. }}
• Coptic Museum - Established in 1908 and restored in 2015 to a high standard and the museum houses Coptic art and artifacts from Late Antiquity, from the late Roman empire through to the Islamic perioid and beyond. The presentation is clear in English, French and Arabic with generally well thought-out lighting. The display of mainly stone architectural fragments on the ground floor shows the development of the early fusion between Christian and Egyptian symbolism. They also demonstrate that the early Christian perioid was much cruder in its use of stone than its Pharaonic ancestors. Several frescoes from the early monasteries are displayed. The tapestries and embroideries on the second floor illustrate more homely but highly developed arts. The building itself is a treat, with elaborate wooden screens called mashrabiyya on the windows and ornately carved wooden arabesque ceilings.
• Hanging Church - St. Maria Church, Arabic: Kineeset al-Muallaqa - This church was built in 690, upon two bastions of the Roman fortress. Its nave is suspended over a passageway. Its wooden roof is supposedly shaped like Noah's ark.
• Church and Monastery of St. George - Agios Georgios, Mar Girgis - The Church of St. George dates to the 10th century or earlier, but was re-built in the early 20th century after a fire in 1904. Although it's sited in the Coptic quarter and gives its name Mar Girgis to the neighbourhood, it's not a Coptic church, but Greek Orthodox, as a sign at the entrance testily points out. (The Greek lettering is the clue.) Indeed it's the seat of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria: their offices are here but not open to tourists. Unlike the basilica design of most early churches, Street George's has an unusual circular ground floor plan (as seen in the photograph), perhaps because it was built over circular Roman ramparts. The remains of bygone Patriarchs can be found downstairs in the church crypt, while out in the cemetery is another Greek Orthodox Church, that of the Dormition of the Virgin. The Festival (or saint's day - "moulid") of Street George is celebrated annually here on 23 April.
• Church of St. Sergius and St. Bacchus - Abu Serga - One of the oldest churches in Cairo, named for two early Roman martyrs and the interior is remarkable and distinctive. The basilica nave is decorated by 12 columns - 11 white marble and one red granite - and a beautiful iconostasis. It's built over a cavern where, supposedly and the holy family of Mary and Joseph reared the infant Jesus after their flight from Herod into Egypt. The cavern is accessible but has sometimes been flooded by groundwater. Street Bacchus saint-day and the flight into Egypt are celebrated annually here on 1 June.

Rhoda Island

• Nilometer - Dating back to 861 and the Nilometer is a large stone obelisk, inside a small building, that was used to measure the level of the Nile was measured and therefore the tax rates for the farmers fixed. The Nilometer became obsolete when the Aswan Dam was built. While this may not sound particular specular and the interior of the small building is surprisingly beautiful. It reminds of the endless staircase by graphic artist M.C. Escher and is an archaeological gem, whose stairs you can climb down if acrophobia is not your issue.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Cairo/Old Cairo

• S.S. Nile Peking - Dinner cruise - ☎ +20 2 25199726 - Opening Hours: Cruises at 8-10:30PM on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 3-5:30PM Friday; also open when not cruising for dining along the riverside. It's said that thit is the boat from Agatha Christie's famous novel "Death on the Nile". The boat features a dining room, where set menus are served and the Shanghai Pub and a deck from which to watch the Nile.

Shopping in Cairo/Old Cairo

There are a number of small shops along Mar Girgis Street, near the metro station, selling items including pottery and other crafts.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Cairo/Old Cairo

Small cafes along Mar Girgis Street are a bit tourist-trappy but have loos. Cross the metro tracks to the West side for more authentic Halal food.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Cairo/Old Cairo

Cairo/Old Cairo - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Cairo/Old Cairo, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Cairo/Old Cairo. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Cairo/Old Cairo and its surrounding regions. With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Cairo/Old Cairo. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values. The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Cairo/Old Cairo. Key components include: Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Cairo/Old Cairo: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Cairo/Old Cairo. Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Cairo/Old Cairo: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Cairo/Old Cairo, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Cairo/Old Cairo. Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Cairo/Old Cairo, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations. Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Cairo/Old Cairo, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values. Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Cairo/Old Cairo and beyond. Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Cairo/Old Cairo, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Cairo/Old Cairo, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Cairo/Old Cairo without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients." The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Cairo/Old Cairo is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Cairo/Old Cairo. About eHalal Travel Group: eHalal Travel Group Cairo/Old Cairo is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values. For Halal business inquiries in Cairo/Old Cairo, please contact: eHalal Travel Group Cairo/Old Cairo Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Cairo/Old Cairo

eHalal Group Cairo/Old Cairo is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Cairo/Old Cairo. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Cairo/Old Cairo. At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Cairo/Old Cairo ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property. For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Cairo/Old Cairo. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living. If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Cairo/Old Cairo, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values. For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Cairo/Old Cairo are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan 2024 Celebrations in Cairo/Old Cairo

Ramadan 2025 in Cairo/Old Cairo

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels in Cairo/Old Cairo

• io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&6665&&Grand+Nile+Tower&hotelId=275904&&.Zzaa812d2410cd412a8cab9b9-206204 Grand Nile Tower - Grand Nile Tower is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests in Giza. Both business travelers and tourists can enjoy the hotel's facilities and services. Service-minded staff will welcome and guide you at the Grand Nile Tower. Air conditioning, heating, wake-up service, desk, mini bar can be found in selected guestrooms. Enjoy the hotel's recreational facilities, including hot tub, fitness center, sauna, outdoor pool, spa, before retiring to your room for a well-deserved rest. A welcoming atmosphere and excellent service are what you can expect during your stay at Grand Nile Tower.

Telecommunications in Cairo/Old Cairo

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