About Cairo
If you’re looking for history or culture in the oldest cities in Cairo, its ancient sites, oldest districts, and its strongest advantages over other cities, then keep reading this article as we will explore the ancient districts in one of the most historical cities in the world.
Cairo is considered the largest, oldest city in the Middle East; where it was founded by the Fatimid general Jawhar Al-Siqilli, after the conquest of Egypt by Al Mu’izz li-Din Allah in 969 AD.
The Ancient City
Cairo has been developing and expanding since so long ago. Buildings, facilities, and services that include schools, mosques, hospitals, commercial agencies, all of that has been present in Cairo since the Fatimid Era. It expanded all the way to Al Ridaniya.
This urban expansion greatly affected the ever-increasing population of Cairo, which positively affected the urban development that Cairo has been undergoing in the last few decades. During all of this, many districts were built and have stayed for many years.
The most important of these districts include:
Masr El Gedida
This district was known as Heliopolis, as it’s located east of Cairo.
It was established in 1905 by Baron Empain, who has also built his famous palace there.
Baron Empain has managed to merge Masr El Gedida with Cairo through the tram system.
All buildings designed by Baron Empain in Heliopolis have unique Andalusian character, however, his own palace is more Indian themed.
Over the last century, more and more projects have been established in this district, attracting residents and helping it grow.
It’s now connected to all of Cairo through the metro system, which connects all the districts of Cairo together.
Shoubra
One of the biggest and most ancient districts of Cairo, Shoubra was founded in 1809 by the Wali of Egypt Mohamed Ali Pasha.
Shoubra in Coptic means a small village or field.
It’s located north of Cairo, and it’s the most populated district in it.
In the past, Shoubra used to have many palaces, gardens and trees. Lately however, most of these sites have been replaced by residential buildings where many people now live.
Other famous landmarks in Shoubra include: the Palace of Mohamed Ali.
El Maadi
El Maadi is one of Cairo’s oldest districts, established in the era of Khedive Ismail. It’s a suburban district south of Cairo.
The town was planned by the Canadian officer Captain Alexander J. Adams in the 18th century.
The Canadian officer responsible for planning this district has made sure it’s peaceful and quiet, filling its streets with trees.
El Zamalek
El Zamalek is an affluent district of western Cairo encompassing a portion of Gezira Island in the Nile River.
Zamalek is a Turkish word meaning a wooden hut.
This suburban district was founded by the beginning of the 20th century, and is home to the rich upper class.
Some of its most famous sites include: El Zamalek SC, AL Ahly SC, the Egyptian Opera House, Gezira SC, and the Cairo Tower.
This district also includes many embassies, making it stand out from other districts.