How Had The Citadel of Saladin Protected Egypt?
The Citadel of Saladin: Egypt’s Medieval Fortress That Defied Invasions
Welcome to Cairo Citadel, one of the best places to visit in Egypt; A brutal attack was on its way to risk the land of the Nile River. So what the ruler of Egypt” “Saladin El Ayoub” had to do! The citadel of Saladin is where to live during this event and know how exactly this great army chief countered the danger of the Fatimid state and other external dangers.
Saladin El Ayouby decided in 1176 AD to establish the largest war castle that was built in the Middle Ages, set on Mokattam Mountain with a creative Engineering design and with a massive wall surrounding the Cairo and the Fustat cities together, so that one army would protect the two towns against any attack. This is the Citadel Of Saladin.
The Saladin Citadel of Cairo was built in the middle of this wall. And Mokattam Mountain was the ideal location to establish this fortress. That made attacking it difficult. So the army can attack vigorously and have a strong line of defence behind the soldiers. You can live the adventure like you are one of this army by visiting the citadel Saladin.
The Ayyubid Dynasty was one of the critical periods in Egypt. So, do not ignore visiting one of its remarkable features, the Saladin citadel in Cairo. But when you visit this great historical place, be accompanied by our professional tour guide. They know the story of each tile in the castle. Currently, don’t mi don’ttadin’s order to collect all the resources needed to construct the military structure. That is why you will walk around the most powerful forts in the whole world at that time.
How Saladin Provided The Citadel with the Water
Walking through the Saladin citadel, you will find a deep well called Joseph Well. Saladin ordered to dug this well to provide the soldiers and the inhabitants of his castle with water in the event of any siege. The other well that you will see belongs to Al-Nasir Muhammad Ibn Qalawun, who had taken control of Egypt in 1293. It had been built as the first well could not produce enough water for the number of people and animals that lived inside the castle. So, Qalawun built a well that carried water from the Nile River to the wall through wheels to transfer the water to The fortress through the canals built during the reign of Saladin.
Important Historical Event The Citadel Of Saladin Cairo Witnessed
The Citadel of Saladin witnessed several historical events during the Ayyubid and Mamluk periods. Even during the French invasion of Egypt, Mohammed Ali had controlled Egypt from The Castle. Also, he committed the most heinous crime in history, the castle massacre, to get rid of the Mamelukes.
The Historical Monuments Inside The Citadel
When you live these events, seeing all the important historical monuments, don’t ignore visiting the important mosques inside the citadel don’t. Nasser Muhammad Mosque is the oldest mosque in this citadel, built in 1318. This mosque is called the Mamluk Mosque of the Citadel, where the Sultans of Cairo used to perform the Friday prayer. Also, there you can find the Suleiman Pasha Mosque, built in 1528. In addition to a Mosque, Muhammad Ali Pasha is the mosque where Muhammad Ali was buried, although his body was transferred to Hosh al-Basha in 1857. While living the life of soldiers in this great citadel, look at the 13 towers built to guarantee the soldiers’ protection and the castle’s residents. They are: Al-Mokattam Towers,”l-Sefah, Al-Alwah, Karkailan, Al-Tarfa, Al-Matar, Al-Mblatt, Al-Muqsar, Al-Imam known as Al-Qarafa Tower, Al-Ramla, Al-Haddad, Al-Sahra, Al-Murabba.
Three museums are waiting for you there. One of them is the Museum of the Jawhara Palace. Also, you will see the throne of Muhammad Ali there, which was a present from the King of Italy, in addition to the Museum of Transport, which was opened in 1983. It includes a group of royal cars that date back to different historical periods. Also, there is the Military Museum, in addition to 3 palaces designed in Islamic designs. Inside the citadel of Saladin, you will be surrounded by 4 historical gates: El Mokatam Gate, Bab Ed Haddad, or the Iron Gate, The Middle Gate, and Al Azab Gate.
Why the Citadel of Saladin Tops the List of Places to Visit in Egypt?
TThe Citadel of Saladin is one of the recommended places to visit in Egypt due to many aspects that make it an important attraction to anyone who comes to Egypt, and here are some of them:
- Its historical importance in the Egyptian culture, as you will get to know more about the great Egyptian history and Islamic architecture.
- The Citadel also is a home for three iconic historical mosques, like the famous Mosque of Mohamed Ali, Suleiman Pasha Mosque, and Al-Nasir Muhammed Mosque.
- Additionally, the Citadel was a spot for various dynasties in Egyptian Islamic history, like the Ayyubids, the Mamluks, and the Ottomans, so you will witness a huge part of Islamic history.
- Also, the Citadel has museums that display military, royal carriage, and police items that will amaze you throughout your visit there.
- Finally, you will have the advantage of having a wonderful view of old Cairo and parts of the rest of the city, including the Giza Pyramids.
After all, you should not miss your visit to the Citadel of Saladin when you are in Cairo, as it is considered a must-visit site for anyone who is seeking history and mysteries, and one of the best places to visit in Egypt.
Info You Need to Know About The Citadel
- The Entrance Fee for The Citadel of Saladin is 550 L.E.
- The open hours for Sultan Hassan Mosque are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
