The Development History of Cairo

• Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is one of the world’s most fascinating cities where ancient and modern history meet. Known as “The Mother of the World” (Umm al-Dunya), Cairo has grown through thousands of years, shaping not only Egypt but also the Arab and African worlds.

           Ancient Roots

1. Long before Cairo itself was founded, the area played a central role in Egyptian civilization. The ancient city of Memphis, founded around 3100 BCE, was once the capital of Egypt. Later, Heliopolis and the fortress of Babylon (in today’s Old Cairo) became important centers of religion, culture, and trade.

             The Rise of Islamic Cairo

• The true story of Cairo begins in 641 CE, when the Muslim general Amr ibn al-As conquered Egypt and established Fustat, the first Islamic capital in Africa. Over the next centuries, new capitals were built nearby:

Al-Askar during the Abbasid era.

Al-Qata’i, built by the Tulunid ruler Ahmad ibn Tulun.

Finally, in 969 CE, the Fatimid dynasty founded Al-Qāhirah (“The Victorious”), which became the city we know today as Cairo.

         A Medieval Golden Age

Under the Mamluks (1250–1517), Cairo became one of the richest and most powerful cities in the world.

The famous Al-Azhar University, founded in 970, became the center of Islamic scholarship.

Magnificent mosques, madrasas, and bustling markets were built, giving Cairo its nickname: “The City of a Thousand Minarets.”

      

            Ottoman and Modern Cairo

In 1517, the Ottomans took control of Egypt, and Cairo became part of their empire. Though it lost political independence, it remained a vibrant cultural hub.

During the 19th century, Egypt’s ruler Muhammad Ali Pasha and later Khedive Ismail modernized Cairo with European-style boulevards, bridges, and palaces. Parts of the city were designed to look like Paris, blending Western and Middle Eastern styles.

            Cairo in the 20th & 21st Centuries

After Egypt gained independence, Cairo became the capital of modern Egypt. The city grew rapidly into a mega-city of over 20 million people. Today, Cairo faces challenges such as overpopulation, pollution, and traffic congestion.

Yet, it remains a city of contrast and beauty:

Ancient monuments like the Pyramids of Giza nearby.

Medieval Islamic treasures in Old Cairo.

Modern skyscrapers and the New Administrative Capital rising in the desert.

Cairo is more than a city—it is a living history book. From Pharaohs to Fatimids, from Mamluks to modern times, every corner of Cairo tells a story. It is a place where the past and present coexist, making it one of the most unique cities in the world.