Cairo: Timeless tapestry of history and modernity

Cairo, the capital and largest city of Egypt, home to over 25 percent of the country's population, is a vibrant metropolis blending ancient history, Islamic heritage, and modern energy. It serves as the political, economic, and cultural heart of the country, celebrated for its rich architecture, ancient wonders, and bustling city life.

Cairo's origins date back to 3000 B.C., with the establishment of Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt. The city, as it is known today, began to take shape in 969 A.D. under the Fatimid dynasty, who named it "Al-Qahira" or "The Victorious." Successive rulers, including the Ayyubids, Mamluks and Ottomans, added layers of history, building mosques, madrasas and monuments that reflect Islamic architectural grandeur.

Cairo boasts two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Coptic Cairo, a testament to its Islamic past, and Memphis and its Necropolis, home to the iconic Giza pyramids. The city's medieval heart, marked by mosques, fountains and madrasas, showcases its role as a major center of Islamic culture.

Symbol of Egypt: Pyramids

The Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, stand as Cairo's most famous landmarks. The Great Pyramid, built for Pharaoh Khufu around 2550 B.C., remains the largest and most intact of the trio. Nearby, the enigmatic Sphinx continues to fascinate visitors with its 4,500-year-old gaze. However, unlike the pyramids, most of the statues have been under the sand for many years. In fact, engravings from the old years show only its head exposed.

The guides explained that all the pyramids were originally constructed as smooth, flat triangular prisms using limestone and capped with golden tops. However, due to destruction and looting by...