Things to do in Cairo

哈利利市场是开罗最具传奇色彩的阿拉伯传统集市，14世纪起便是丝绸之路的重要贸易中心。迷宫般的狭窄巷道两侧密布金银器店、香料摊、手工艺品作坊，铜灯、纸莎草画等特色商品琳琅满目。核心区的费沙维咖啡馆（成立于1773年）仍保留着阿拉伯文学家的聚会传统，而市场穹顶下闪烁的彩色玻璃与清真寺尖塔构成独特的伊斯兰风情画卷。尽管商业化明显且需警惕高价陷阱，但喧闹的讨价还价声、空气中弥漫的薄荷茶与香料气息，仍使之成为体验埃及市井文化的必访之地

At that time, on the way from Luxor to Hurghada, I began to miss the Nile River infinitely. Every time I saw the river, I couldn't help but marvel in my heart. It was just a natural scenery, but it had an unreal beauty, flat and vast. I always lived in southern China and always thought that rivers came from valleys, magnificent or winding, with mountains on both sides, but the Nile River was still flat on both sides. I think there would be no Egypt without the Nile River. In such a hot and dry place that is not suitable for living, it should be this river that can pass through thousands of years without changing and keep people. Now, I have been away from Egypt for more than ten days. The most frequent flash in my memory is still the Nile River. Its beauty seems to allow anything to happen. I suddenly understand Agatha very much. If you face such a miracle every day, it is not surprising that you can write any story. Finally, I actually want to say that the Old Falls Hotel is worth staying (if the budget allows, but the afternoon tea is very bad, so be careful.

The oldest church in Egypt. Very important church, related to the history of the Christian faith in Egypt. The original foundations are from the Babylonian era. There is a glass floor that allows you to see the underside of the church floor. There are beautiful wooden window and door frames. Beautiful staircase. Worth going in and seeing it!

In Cairo, mosques and minarets are ubiquitous buildings. In Arabic, minarets are called "minars," which refer to the place where the muezzin stands to call people to prayer. Since the 7th century, with the widespread spread of Islam in West Asia and North Africa, the art of mosque architecture has continued to develop, and minarets have evolved into various styles, becoming an indispensable part of mosque architecture and a highlight of Cairo.

Cairo's "City of the Dead" where countless people live | Kalafah Cemetery. This is a unique cemetery area, officially known as the "Kalafah Cemetery". As early as the Fatimid period, this area was used as a cemetery, and over time it gradually expanded into a "city". Many families built mausoleums with courtyards and rooms for their deceased relatives to live in during memorial services. These buildings are of various styles. However, with the rapid growth of Cairo's population, the housing shortage problem has become increasingly serious. Since the middle of the last century, some poor families have begun to move into the "City of the Dead" and transform mausoleums into residences. Today, it is both a cemetery and a home for thousands of people, forming a unique scene of coexistence of life and death. Despite the simple conditions, the residents work hard to make a living, making this area a concrete embodiment of the overlap of Cairo's history and reality.

It feels good to walk around the old town, hahaha

After passing through the garbage city and arriving at this ancient church, I marveled at human wisdom and awe of faith. You can take a taxi online and ask the driver to wait. It is not easy to take a taxi back. The ceiling of the church has no colorful glass and gorgeous decorations, but it is extremely sacred and quiet.

Al-Azhar Mosque, located near the Hariri Market in Cairo's Old City, Egypt, was begun in 970 by Fatimid general Zahir. Spanning 12,000 square meters, it is one of the oldest surviving mosques in the Islamic world. Named after Fatima, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, the mosque was initially a religious site. In 988, Caliph Aziz established a school within its annex, becoming the precursor to Al-Azhar University. The complex includes courtyards, 13 platforms, 9 gates, and 6 minarets, exhibiting North African and ancient Spanish Islamic styles. During the Fatimid dynasty, it served as a center for the dissemination of Shia Islam. After being closed by Saladin of the Ayyubid dynasty in 1171, it was reopened by Baibars I of the Mamluk dynasty in the 13th century and transformed into a Sunni academic center. In 1930, according to Egyptian law, the mosque and university were formally separated. In 1961, Al-Azhar University added modern disciplines such as engineering and medicine and established branch campuses both domestically and internationally. The Imam is appointed by the President and is responsible for managing religious affairs and adjudicating disputes. The modern Al-Azhar education system covers primary school to university and accepts only Muslim students.

An old mosque located in Old Cairo. It looks new as it was recently renovated.

One of the most beautiful ancient synagogues in the world. Learn about Judaism in Egypt. No longer open for prayer or worship. Just as a tourist attraction. Beautifully restored building. But not enough information about the history and building function. Pity: no photography allowed!