Islamic Cairo is such an interesting section of Cairo to wander through. It’s basically a walled city with several old gates to enter through, and is choc-a-block full of mosques, people, and centuries-old traditions.
We came across an old caravanserai and took a tour through its marketplace and accommodation sections.
Later, we met a guy (the accountant of a mosque) who, on his way home after work, offered us a tour of his mosque, in exchange for some extra pocket money. He took us to the roof, and we got some amazing views of the city, and especially Islamic Cairo.
He showed us the ruins of what they called the “blue mosque”, because apparently it was one of few mosques outside of Istanbul (where the famous Blue Mosque is located) that has an interior of ornate blue tiles.
Really, Islamic Cairo was so impressive. I think it’s something about the juxtaposition of ornateness and incredible detail in architecture, alongside the inevitable ruins of time. Please go and lose yourself in wandering there!
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