The Citadel is one of Cairo's landmarks - its history and secrets

 

 

 Table of Contents

 

 Introduction

 Early History

 Construction

 Medieval Era

 Role and Expansions

 Notable Events

 Modern History

 Brief Periods of Abandonment

 Restorations and Further Expansions

 Mid-19th Century Onwards

 Architecture and Layout

 Walls and Gates

 Mosques

 Museums and Other Structures

 Secrets and Legends

 Hidden Tunnels and Rooms

 Hauntings and Folklore

 Significance as a Modern Tourist Site 

 Conclusion

 Frequently Asked Questions

 

 Introduction

 

The Citadel; is one of Cairo's most iconic landmarks. Perched high atop Mokattam Hill near downtown Cairo, the medieval Islamic fortification offers sweeping views of Egypt's bustling capital. More than just a popular tourist destination, the Citadel has a long and storied history stretching back over 800 years.

 

First constructed in the 12th century AD, the Citadel has served as a military garrison, royal residence, seat of government, and more under various ruling powers of Egypt including the Ayyubid, Mamluk, and Ottoman dynasties. Today the site occupies an area of more than 2.5 square kilometers and contains mosques, museums, and other historic buildings within its walls. 

 

Beyond its obvious historical and architectural significance, the Cairo Citadel is also home to many intriguing secrets, forgotten rooms, and spooky legends. Let's explore the complete history of this ancient landmark and uncover some of its mysteries.

 

 Early History

 

 Construction

In 1176, the Ayyubid ruler Salah al-Din (known in the West as Saladin) commissioned the construction of a fortification on Mokattam hill to protect Cairo against potential Crusader attacks. Strategically situated high above Cairo with clear sightlines across the city, the site he chose offered natural defensive advantages.

 

The initial Citadel complex built by Salah al-Din included high walls and several buildings serving military functions. Though much of Salah al-Din's original Citadel no longer stands today, a few structures remain including the so-called "Saladin's Wall".

 

 Medieval Era

 

 Role and Expansions

Under subsequent Mamluk sultans in the 13th-16th centuries AD, the Citadel continued to be used as a royal residence and seat of government in Cairo. Major expansions took place as sultans like al-Nasir Muhammad and al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa'it Bay constructed palaces, and mosques, and added lengthy perimeter walls.

 

Serving as the home of Egypt's rulers for centuries, the Citadel was the center of political life. Its towers, walls, and gates protected rulers and nobles while impressive mosques and palaces within reflected their prestige and authority.

 

The basic layout established by the Mamluks in medieval times still forms the core of today's Citadel complex. Numerous historic buildings dating to the Mamluk period like the Mosque of Muhammad Ali still stand, making the Citadel a treasure trove for students of medieval Egyptian architecture.

 

 Notable Events

As well as being the political heart of Cairo through the Mamluk period, the Citadel has born witness to many pivotal moments in history:

- 1517 AD - Cairo was taken over by Ottoman forces, ending the Mamluk dynasty

- 1798 AD - Citadel captured by Napoleon's French expedition to Egypt

- 1882 AD - `The Urabi Revolt centered on the Citadel before British bombardment

 

Passing through periods of conflict, abandonment, and renewal, by the 19th century the Citadel entered a new phase. While remaining important militarily and politically, it took on new roles that continue today as a tourist site and architectural monument.

 

 Modern History 

 

 Brief Periods of Abandonment

 

In the early 1800s after the French withdrawal, Egyptian ruler Muhammad Ali undertook various restorations. But in the decades that followed, the Citadel lacked attention. Large parts were left empty, loosely guarded, or even abandoned entirely. Structures decayed without maintenance and artifacts were stolen or destroyed. Locals came to live within the walls illegally.

 

Still valued for its strategic position overlooking Cairo, the Egyptian army regained control in the 1870s but the Citadel's days of glory seemed to be in the past.

 

 Restorations and Further Expansions 

 

 Mid-19th Century Onwards

 

Things began to change with ambitious restoration plans in the mid and late 1800s under the subsequent rules of Abbas I and the British occupation. Certain parts remained military areas restricted from the public, but other sections were opened up.

 

Major developments in the 20th century include:

 

- 1918 - National Military Museum opens

- 1983 - Al-Gawhara Palace was renovated to become a museum

- 1990s onwards - Increasing archaeological studies and restorations of sites

 

The Citadel today appears almost as a small city within a city housing various landmarks and institutions while still maintaining its scenic, fortified aesthetic.

 

Integrating ancient and modern, it continues to take on new aspects - such as hosting major cultural events to engage Cairenes and tourists. 

 

 Architecture and Layout 

 

 Walls and Gates 

 

The walls and gates of the Citadel remain among the most recognizable and iconic landmarks.

 

The original Ayyubid period "Saladin Wall" on the Citadel's south-eastern side survives today along with several gates notably:

 

- The elevated Gate of Victory (Bawwabat al-Gawazat) 

- The Gate of Justice (Bawwabat al-'Adl)

- The Gate of the Steps (Bawwabat al-Safa).

 

The walls and gates evolved considerably over centuries reflecting state-of-the-art military architecture of their time using defensive features like angled approaches and multiple doors to withstand attack.

 

Walking the perimeter offers scenic views out across Cairo through these historic portals.

 

 Mosques

 

The mosques of the Citadel greatly reflect each era's architectural tastes. Excellent examples include: 

 

- The classic-style Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha from the 1830s built in the Ottoman style

- The 18th century Ottoman "Blue Mosque" with vibrant handpainted tilework

- The ornate late 15th-century Mosque of Al-Nasir Muhammad shows great Mamluk architectural sophistication

 

These mosques and their elegant minarets have become instantly recognizable symbols of Cairo's skyline.

 

 Museums and Other Structures 

 

Aside from the mosques, highlights include: 

 

- The lavishly-decorated 19th-century Al-Gawhara Palace

- The National Military Museum with artifacts spanning Egypt's military history

- Various medieval reception halls, courts, and residential structures 

 

Wandering through this assortment of buildings like traveling through time, one passes medieval Islamic armory workshops then suddenly emerges in front of a modern museum. This rich diversity makes the Citadel quite a unique site spanning over nine centuries in one location.

 

 Secrets and Legends 

 

 Hidden Tunnels and Rooms  

 

The Citadel's long history lends itself to many intriguing myths and secrets believed to be hidden within its walls.

 

With so many rulers inhabiting the site, stories abound of secret passages allowing them to covertly enter or exit as needed. Different legends tell of escape tunnels leading outside Cairo past the gates for emergency flights or covert supply lines.

 

This labyrinthian mythology persists today. In 2015 renovations uncovered a 500-metre-long medieval tunnel with unclear purpose. Finds like this continue to spark public imagination about what still lies buried under the Citadel. 

 

Other myths tell of lost jewels or armor of former sultans stashed away in hidden vaults under the Citadel, waiting to be found again one day.

 

 Hauntings and Folklore

 

With nine centuries of history have also come darker legends of supernatural happenings that appeal to superstitious minds.

 

Some believe the ghosts of former rulers or political prisoners still haunt certain Citadel sites. Tales include jailers walking the halls of the notorious "Zaim's Prison" or cries at night from tortured souls buried alive under the Citadel walls as punishment.

 

Adding to the ominous ambiance, narrow stairwells, and empty stone halls late at night likely fuel spooky modern myths. But these eerie stories only enhance the Citadel's enduring air of mystery today. 

 

 Significance as a Modern Tourist Site  

 

Today the Citadel represents one of Egypt's most popular tourist attractions, receiving over one million visitors annually in recent years. Its scenic elevated setting provides amazing panoramic views across Cairo.

 

But it offers more than just views for sightseers. Spanning nearly a thousand years of history, architecture, and culture, it provides a uniquely well-preserved insight into Egypt's past. Walking the Citadel site transports visitors between medieval palaces to modern museums.

 

The spectacular mosques with their elaborate domes and tall minarets have become some of the most iconic images of Cairo's skyline, recognized the world over.

 

As conservation and renovations continue, discoveries emerge regularly keeping the Citadel a dynamic place and still unveiling its many hidden secrets from past ages - a process that will likely continue for centuries to come!

 

 Conclusion 

 

The Cairo Citadel's enduring mystique and charm owe greatly to its incredibly long and varied history. More than just some stationary monument, it evolved almost like a living thing over centuries, abandoned then revived again more than once.

 

Serving so many vital roles from military bastion to seat of power, royal court, garrison, prison, and today a thriving tourist hub - one site embodies so much span of Egyptian culture.

 

Walking its sprawling site with winding paths, and grand medieval mosques suddenly next to modern museums or Ottoman structures feels like wandering some ancient maze of architecture and myth. 

 

With its imposing position watching over Cairo below too, it's no wonder such a timeless aura permeates those scenic parapets. No doubt its towering presence above Cairo will continue to intrigue people for centuries more.

 

Are there still more hidden secrets buried away to uncover within the walls of this enduring Citadel? Very likely so - only adding to its mystique today!

 

 Frequently Asked Questions

 

 What year was the Citadel built?

 

The Cairo Citadel construction first began in 1176 AD under the rule of Salah al-Din (Saladin) during the Ayyubid period. Initial buildings were fairly basic fortified structures for military use. It expanded greatly over subsequent centuries under later dynasties like the Mamluks and Ottomans. 

 

 Who built the Citadel?

 

The original Citadel fortress atop Mokattam hill was commissioned by the Ayyubid Sultan Salah al-Din (Saladin). He strategically chose this location for its height towering above Cairo. After Saladin, the Citadel then greatly expanded under later rulers, especially during the Mamluk Sultanate era in the medieval period as a royal seat of power.

 

 Why was the Citadel built?

 

Salah al-Din (Saladin) ordered the original Citadel construction to protect Cairo against potential Crusader invasions in the 12th century. Being uphill gave a defensive advantage allowing troops early warning and preparation against attack from multiple sides. Its function later evolved more administrative and residential under Mamluk sultans. However, location and fortifications remained militarily strategic even through modern times.

 

 How big is the Citadel?

 

Today the historic Citadel complex spans an area of over 2.5 square kilometres with its vast perimeter walls and buildings contained within. This expanded greatly from Saladin's initial more modest fortification thanks to additions by later Mamluk, Ottoman, and modern Egyptian rulers. Walking across today covers over 800 years of architecture and history crossing in one site. 

 

 What major buildings are inside the Citadel?

 

Major landmarks within the walls include iconic mosques like the grand Ottoman-style Muhammad Ali Mosque, various medieval Mamluk palaces, 19th-century al-Gawhara Palace (now a museum), the National Military Museum, mosque, and palace ruins, plus the walls/towers themselves.

 

 What materials is the Citadel made of?

 

Buildings comprise a mix of stone, marble, and limestone covered with plaster. Many interior walls boast ornate stone, tile, or wood motif decorative work in traditional Islamic geometric/floral designs. Mosques in particular feature very intricate details. Fortification walls stand over 20 meters tall in places made of solid stone blocks.

 

 Are there secrets and mysteries about the Citadel?

 

Yes, its long history created many intriguing secrets and mysteries like hidden tunnels, lost treasure vaults, or ghost stories. Recent renovations keep finding new surprises like lost rooms, tunnels, and unexpected artifacts that spark public imagination about what remains undiscovered within the walls and under foundations yet to be revealed in the future. 

 

 Can you go inside the Citadel?

 

Yes, the Citadel is a hugely popular tourist attraction receiving over 1 million visitors per year. Guests can purchase tickets to go inside the walls during daylight hours. Many sections like museums, mosques, gardens, and historic buildings are open for public touring (some areas may have conservation works from time to time). Night-time entry is restricted.

 

 When was the Citadel abandoned? 

 

While always having some military or police presence, large portions of the Citadel became abandoned in the early-mid 1800s after the decline of Mamluk rule. Sections slowly fell into ruin from neglect for decades before major restorations began again in the late 1800s.