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| Letteratura Africana | Islam | Cristianesimo | Arabic Literature |
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| Abusimbel | Assuan | Dahab | Luxor |
| Alexandria | Cairo | Hurghada | Sharmelsheikh |
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| Cairo Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo_4 Samer Bassam Cairo is the capital of Egypt, and with a total population in excess of 16 million people, one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East (which regions it conveniently straddles) - it is also the 13th largest city in the world. Situated on the River Nile, Cairo is famous for its own history - preserved in the fabulous medieval Islamic city and in Old Cairo - and for the ancient, Pharaonic history of the country it represents. No trip to Cairo would be complete, for example, without a visit to the Giza Pyramids, to nearby Saqqara, or to the Egyptian Museum in the center of town. Though firmly attached to the past, Cairo is also home to a vibrant modern society. As you fly into to Cairo, Egypt you will be left speechless as you look out the window and see the contrast of the setting. Out of one side of the plane, you will see the vast arid desert which seems to be never ending; out of the other side is a busy city which looks like a modern day oasis. Travelers from all over the world have been marveling at Egypt 's wondrous antiquities for thousands of years. Although these antiquities still exist today, a visit to Cairo , Egypt is more than an immersion into the past, as it also encompasses many modern day amenities which anyone will be sure to enjoy. Just walking around downtown and in the older residential parts inside the wall of the city where craftsmen work on the sidewalks outside their homes is also a real pleasure. It is easy to meet real Cairenes that are eager to discuss anything with you. Some of them try to lure you into their carpet shops; others are really interested and interesting to talk with. If you are hungry, make sure to try the most popular Egyptian dish, Koshray. Koshray is a traditional Egyptian meal that consists of a delectable combination of macaroni, spaghetti, rice, black lentils, chick peas, garlic sauce and a spicy tomato chili sauce, all topped with fried onions. A visit to the pyramids and the Sphinx is a must, since these icons are landmarks of the country's fascinating history. Beware, however, of the aggressive friendliness of Egyptian camel drivers and policemen, who may try to earn a few Egyptian pounds from you (they call it bahshis, or a tip) for small favors; to avoid this, simply ask another friendly tourist to take your picture, instead of one of the locals. While in the city make sure you visit the museum first before going to see pyramids, as it will help you appreciate the culture of ancient Egypt even more. It is advised not to make the pyramid visits on Fridays, due to mass at noon time 12pm-1pm, during which time the pyramids are closed. __________Sights Edit This cairo traffic & shops cairo traffic & shops matthew ipcar Cairo has many sights, enough for a week or two. Here they are divided into sections according to their nature. Some of the sights you almost cannot afford to miss include the Pyramids (would you consider skipping them?), the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum. They are the unique remainders of the oldest civilization of the planet. Try to get a good taste of islamic culture as well by visiting some of the mosques and the old town. Visiting these sights will give you some understanding of the basis of present day life in Egypt. Furthermore the Coptic quarter offers some interesting sights worth exploring. The City of Death is a category apart and merits a visit as well. Contributors February 28, 2007 change by rfujitani (1 point) Display all or display just: Coptic Quarter Graves and Cemeteries Hotspots Mosques Museums Palaces general Show best rated on top | Show in alphabetical order [Add Sight] Ibn Tulun Edit This Ibn Tulun mosque is one of my favourites. A good example of the classical style of religious buildings in Cairo. type: Mosques World66 rating: [rate it] Greek Orthodox Cemetery Edit This Cemetery Coptic Quarter Cemetery Coptic Quarter photo by: Wendy Cuijpers On the bounders of the Coptic Quarter lies a huge cemetery. Most graves look like small shrines. It's a very quiet place. As always when being in a cemetery, be respectful. type: Graves and Cemeteries World66 rating: [rate it] Al Azhar Edit This Al Azhar Mosque and the university have been the focal point of islamic learning for the last thousand years and continue to be an important centre for islamic studies today. You can visit the university and the mosque and they are good examples of islamic architecture. type: Mosques World66 rating: [rate it] Egyptian Museum Edit This Aknaten Statue in the Egytian Museum Aknaten Statue in the Egytian Museum photo by: Mike Altschule The biggest sinlge attraction within the city center for tourists is the Egyptian Museum. The sprawling sandstone building on Tahrir Square is packed with antiquities: mummies including the pharaohs Ramses II and III and Seti I, the contents of the tomb of Tutankhamen’s (King Tut) and many many other highlights from the oldest of civilizations. Don’t overlook the excellent collection of Greek and Roman artifacts. You may want to spend more than one day here, or make it in two afternoons. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] Pyramid of Zoser Edit This Another famous attraction that is not in Cairo proper is Saqqara site of the Step Pyramid of Zoser and a number of interesting tombs (a doctor’s tomb has depictions of surgical operations and the Serapeum has the now empty tombs of 25 embalmed sacred oxen). Saqqara’s structures are much older than the Giza pyramids and the artwork in the underground tombs is more impressive than what’s seen in the Cheops Pyramid. The road to Saqqara is a site in itself past date plantations and scenic countryside. Get there early as the sight closes around 3 or 4 pm. Saqqara is more.. type: Palaces World66 rating: [rate it] al Mu'allaqa Edit This Mar Girgis - Hanging Chruch - Coptic Cairo Mar Girgis - Hanging Chruch - Coptic Cairo photo by: Sabarinath Iyer The basilica 'Al-Muaallaqah', meaning 'the hanging church', was built on top of the south gate of the Fortress of Babylon, hence its name. It dates as far back as the 4-th century AD, making it one of the oldest churches of Christianity. In 2004 a new tunnel under the church used by the early christians to run away in case the church was attacked. Dont miss the Church with a portrait of Virgin Mary with Infant Jesus. The Benz Ezra Synagoue nearby is worth paying a visit. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] email: marydozier@aol.com Mohammed Ali Mosque Edit This Cairo citadel Cairo citadel photo by: Tamar Shavi Not named after the boxer but after a ruler of Egypt, the Mohammed Ali Mosque in the Citadel of Cairo is one of the finest examples in its kind. Be sure to visit. The citadel itself is also nice. type: Mosques World66 rating: [rate it] Blue Mosque Edit This The Blue Mosque of Cairo is less impressive than the one in Istanbul, but still definitely worth a visit. Great islamic architecture and a peaceful atmosphere where you can sit and relax and get away from the busy city. type: Mosques World66 rating: [rate it] Papyrus Museum Edit This The Papyrus Museum explains you everything about this ancient form of paper that was so important for the development of civilization. Beautiful examples of old papyrus documents. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] Museum of Islamic Art Edit This The Museum of Islamic art has beautiful examples of Medieval art form the Islamic Empire. It is worth a visit for those interested in the culture of Islam or for those who want to get away for a day from Pyramids, Sphinxes and temples. As of April 2005 the musuem was being renovated please check with tourist information before making the trip to the museum type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] Coptic Museum Edit This The museum houses a rare collection of ancient Christian relics including remains of architectural works, textiles, icons and old manuscripts reflecting the history of Coptic civilization. The Museum has an official WWW home page. Click here Tel (+202)362.87.66 type: Coptic Quarter World66 rating: [rate it] St. George the Martyr Edit This St. George the Martyr St. George the Martyr photo by: Church Archive One of the more important churches of Coptic Cairo. Amidst a fury of burning candles, art of many different styles, periods and media (metals, oils, and mixed media) you will find depicted scenes from St. George's valiant fight for Christianity. In the nearby Convent of Saint George there was also a dramatic chain ceremony that many people took part in as acknowledgement of the suffering and persecution of St. George and others. type: Coptic Quarter World66 rating: [rate it] St. Barbara Edit This Founded in the 5th Century, the Church was rebuilt in the 10th Century and still retains its wooden door, a magnificent example of fine Coptic art. type: Coptic Quarter World66 rating: [rate it] Christian and Judaic sites Edit This And don't forget, there's also a rich Judaic and Christian history too. You can even visit the site where baby Moses was purported to have been picked up out of the nile. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] _________Sights Edit This cairo traffic & shops cairo traffic & shops matthew ipcar Cairo has many sights, enough for a week or two. Here they are divided into sections according to their nature. Some of the sights you almost cannot afford to miss include the Pyramids (would you consider skipping them?), the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum. They are the unique remainders of the oldest civilization of the planet. Try to get a good taste of islamic culture as well by visiting some of the mosques and the old town. Visiting these sights will give you some understanding of the basis of present day life in Egypt. Furthermore the Coptic quarter offers some interesting sights worth exploring. The City of Death is a category apart and merits a visit as well. Contributors February 28, 2007 change by rfujitani (1 point) Display all or display just: Coptic Quarter Graves and Cemeteries Hotspots Mosques Museums Palaces general Show best rated on top | Show in alphabetical order [Add Sight] Ibn Tulun Edit This Ibn Tulun mosque is one of my favourites. A good example of the classical style of religious buildings in Cairo. type: Mosques World66 rating: [rate it] Greek Orthodox Cemetery Edit This Cemetery Coptic Quarter Cemetery Coptic Quarter photo by: Wendy Cuijpers On the bounders of the Coptic Quarter lies a huge cemetery. Most graves look like small shrines. It's a very quiet place. As always when being in a cemetery, be respectful. type: Graves and Cemeteries World66 rating: [rate it] Al Azhar Edit This Al Azhar Mosque and the university have been the focal point of islamic learning for the last thousand years and continue to be an important centre for islamic studies today. You can visit the university and the mosque and they are good examples of islamic architecture. type: Mosques World66 rating: [rate it] Egyptian Museum Edit This Aknaten Statue in the Egytian Museum Aknaten Statue in the Egytian Museum photo by: Mike Altschule The biggest sinlge attraction within the city center for tourists is the Egyptian Museum. The sprawling sandstone building on Tahrir Square is packed with antiquities: mummies including the pharaohs Ramses II and III and Seti I, the contents of the tomb of Tutankhamen’s (King Tut) and many many other highlights from the oldest of civilizations. Don’t overlook the excellent collection of Greek and Roman artifacts. You may want to spend more than one day here, or make it in two afternoons. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] Pyramid of Zoser Edit This Another famous attraction that is not in Cairo proper is Saqqara site of the Step Pyramid of Zoser and a number of interesting tombs (a doctor’s tomb has depictions of surgical operations and the Serapeum has the now empty tombs of 25 embalmed sacred oxen). Saqqara’s structures are much older than the Giza pyramids and the artwork in the underground tombs is more impressive than what’s seen in the Cheops Pyramid. The road to Saqqara is a site in itself past date plantations and scenic countryside. Get there early as the sight closes around 3 or 4 pm. Saqqara is more.. type: Palaces World66 rating: [rate it] al Mu'allaqa Edit This Mar Girgis - Hanging Chruch - Coptic Cairo Mar Girgis - Hanging Chruch - Coptic Cairo photo by: Sabarinath Iyer The basilica 'Al-Muaallaqah', meaning 'the hanging church', was built on top of the south gate of the Fortress of Babylon, hence its name. It dates as far back as the 4-th century AD, making it one of the oldest churches of Christianity. In 2004 a new tunnel under the church used by the early christians to run away in case the church was attacked. Dont miss the Church with a portrait of Virgin Mary with Infant Jesus. The Benz Ezra Synagoue nearby is worth paying a visit. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] email: marydozier@aol.com Mohammed Ali Mosque Edit This Cairo citadel Cairo citadel photo by: Tamar Shavi Not named after the boxer but after a ruler of Egypt, the Mohammed Ali Mosque in the Citadel of Cairo is one of the finest examples in its kind. Be sure to visit. The citadel itself is also nice. type: Mosques World66 rating: [rate it] Blue Mosque Edit This The Blue Mosque of Cairo is less impressive than the one in Istanbul, but still definitely worth a visit. Great islamic architecture and a peaceful atmosphere where you can sit and relax and get away from the busy city. type: Mosques World66 rating: [rate it] Papyrus Museum Edit This The Papyrus Museum explains you everything about this ancient form of paper that was so important for the development of civilization. Beautiful examples of old papyrus documents. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] Museum of Islamic Art Edit This The Museum of Islamic art has beautiful examples of Medieval art form the Islamic Empire. It is worth a visit for those interested in the culture of Islam or for those who want to get away for a day from Pyramids, Sphinxes and temples. As of April 2005 the musuem was being renovated please check with tourist information before making the trip to the museum type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] Coptic Museum Edit This The museum houses a rare collection of ancient Christian relics including remains of architectural works, textiles, icons and old manuscripts reflecting the history of Coptic civilization. The Museum has an official WWW home page. Click here Tel (+202)362.87.66 type: Coptic Quarter World66 rating: [rate it] St. George the Martyr Edit This St. George the Martyr St. George the Martyr photo by: Church Archive One of the more important churches of Coptic Cairo. Amidst a fury of burning candles, art of many different styles, periods and media (metals, oils, and mixed media) you will find depicted scenes from St. George's valiant fight for Christianity. In the nearby Convent of Saint George there was also a dramatic chain ceremony that many people took part in as acknowledgement of the suffering and persecution of St. George and others. type: Coptic Quarter World66 rating: [rate it] St. Barbara Edit This Founded in the 5th Century, the Church was rebuilt in the 10th Century and still retains its wooden door, a magnificent example of fine Coptic art. type: Coptic Quarter World66 rating: [rate it] Christian and Judaic sites Edit This And don't forget, there's also a rich Judaic and Christian history too. You can even visit the site where baby Moses was purported to have been picked up out of the nile. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] __________Getting Around Edit This A typical view of traffic in Giza with fast tooting traffic and good humour. A typical view of traffic in Giza with fast tooting traffic and good humour. Duncan Harley Traffic in Cairo can be hell. Driving your own vehicle takes some guts. The best ways of transport are taxis and the subway system. Buses tend to be very overcrowded with people hanging out of the doors and it is often hard to find out where and when they are going. [Add Local transport mode] Airport Edit This Cairo International Airport is 23 km from the city centre. Transfer by coach or taxi, taking 30 mins but much longer during rush hour. Airport departure tax: E£ 19 Latest check-in time: International 90 mins, domestic 30 mins. There is an airconditioned bus that goes from the airport (on the far side of the parkinglot) to behind the Egyptian Museum for 2LE+0.5LE per piece of luggage. It is worth the walk to save the hassel of dealing with the airport taxi's. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Taxi Edit This Taxis are metered. Insist that the driver uses the meter or fix a price in advance. Keith Hekman: The taxis in cairo have not used their meters for years. They work quite well, but it is the riders responsibility to know the fare in advance. When you arrive to the place, get out, and hand the exact change back through the window. Then walk away. The driver may complain, but ignore him, if you know you have given him a fair price. I have found that most of the taxi drivers are nice. The key is self confidence (and a little bit of Arabic helps as well) A more.. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] River Bus Edit This Apart from the taxis, buses and metros which are known in all kinds of cities, Cairo has its river bus. Like a bus, it follows specific routes, but on the Nile, not on the road. They are mostly used by the Cairenes and very convenient. Although they don't go very fast, they don't suffer from traffic jams. One of the stops is next to the Ramses Hilton. If one of your destinations is along side the Nile, just ask at your hotel whether a river bus goes there. It's possible to take a river bus to the Coptic Quarter where a lot of churches, an enormous Coptic more.. World66 rating: [rate it] __________-Getting There Edit This [Add Global transport mode] l Edit This To get to Cairo from UK it would take around 4 ½ - 9 hours by air, flying is the only option to get to Egypt unless you travel from Cyprus that you can do by ferry. The flight usually costs £200-£1000 depending on how many stops you make and what class. type: By Air World66 rating: [rate it] __________Orientation Edit This The biggest part of Cairo is on the East bank of the Nile. The Pyramids and the Sphinx are on the West Bank. Zamalek is a small residential island in the Nile. If you are in Cairo for any legnth of time, Zamalek has several western-style grocery markets which may be less intimidating for an out-of-towner than those in downtown. Zamalek is also home to the one and only Gezira club, which occupies much of the island. The Opera house is also on Zamalek, and is a very nice stop if you have the time. Avoid Midan Talat Harb unless you want to be mobbed by touts-- but most of the rest of downtown makes lovely walking. The leafy streets of Garden City are just minutes away from where most tourists stay in downtown, but they are off the usual touristy path, and a lovely change from dusty downtown. On the other side of the Nile, Mohandaseen is mostly a residental district, but it has some nice places to grab some tam'mia and fatir or whatever. If you are really adventerous, Mu'qutum (the hills to the east of Cairo) is a great place to go spend an evening smoking sheesha and drinking asir aseb _________Nightlife and Entertainment Edit This i Cairo has always been famous for its nightlife. Display all or display just: Bars and Pubs Casinos Clubs Clubs and dancing Pubs Salsa Show best rated on top | Show in alphabetical order [Add Entertainment place] Darts Edit This Besides the possibilty of playing darts, also a good place for a meal and a drink. type: Bars and Pubs World66 rating: [rate it] address: Heliopolis Sheraton Hotel El Orouba Street tel: +20 2 2677730 Crazy House Exit Edit This photo photo by: yestreen House, lots of dancers, bars and very loud music. type: Salsa World66 rating: [rate it] address: 1 Salah Salem Road tel: +20 2 3918415 Cairo Jazz Club Edit This Live music some evenings. Wednesday nights are the favourite and most crowded. Very popular place. type: Clubs and dancing World66 rating: [rate it] address: Midan Sphinx, Mohandiseen ClosingTime: 3:00 a.m. Cairo Sheraton Casino Edit This Mixed crowd gathers here to have a drink before setting of for one of the nightclubs or fails to leave this bar with its vibrant atmosphere. type: Bars and Pubs World66 rating: [rate it] address: 31 Abdel Khaliq Sarawat tel: +20 2 1238957 Bulls Eye Pub Edit This Samba, hiphop and live jazz music on some evenings. type: Pubs World66 rating: [rate it] address: 32 Jeddah Street tel: +20 2 7616888 Pub 28 Edit This Pub with sometimes bizarre music - cheesy oldies and Arabic pop mix with the occasional reggaeton number. Big ex-past hangout in Zamalek, good finger foods while you drink, especially the meatballs and tahini. Stays open until 2:00 am. type: Casinos World66 rating: [rate it] address: 28 Shagaret El Dorr St. Zamalek tel: 7359200 ______________Things to do Edit This Felucca down the Nile Felucca down the Nile Hiran Karunaratna In the neighborhood of Cairo you can do quite a few activities. These include camel safari's in the desert, Felukka rides on nile river and other things. [Add Activity] Horse riding Edit This i_1 photo by: dody Another trade mark of Cairo is to go horse-back riding in the desert. If you take a left on Pyramids Road, about one kilometer before you reach the Pyramids, the same way you would go to the Sound and Light Show, you’ll find a large number of stables with foreign names to attract tourists. i.e. “AB Stables” and “EuroStables”. Most of the stables have really good quality horses, a lot better than the ones you’ll find right by the Pyramids. Many rich Egyptians who own horses keep them here to be looked after. The prices range from 20LE to 40LE, depending on the horse more.. type: Hiking World66 rating: [rate it] Desert Trips Edit This photo Various travel agents in Cairo organize jeep safaris into the desert, where you can escape the immense noise pollution of Cairo and at the same time enjoy the silence and mystical beauty of the desert. If you’re not part of a tour, you’ll need to access a 4x4 in order to explore the desert. A nice excursion would be to take horses from one of the stables (mentioned on this page as well) and have a barbecue in the desert or maybe even spend the night there. The people at the stables can give you all the details about it. Spending a night out in the desert is an experience you more.. type: Hiking World66 rating: [rate it] Sailing Edit This Felucca down the Nile Felucca down the Nile photo by: Hiran Karunaratna When in Cairo, you’re bound to notice 'feluccas' sailing up and down the Nile with their huge white sails. A 'felucca' is an ancient Egyptian traditional sailing boat. In the old days they were used for both transport and trade. Today, sailing trips on feluccas are reserved for tourism and entertainment. You can get a group together and rent one for 30LE an hour. You’ll find boarding places nearby the Meridian Garden City Hotel and the Helnan Shepard Hotel. These feluccas are interesting because they sail throughhout the waters in the heart of Cairo and the scenery can be more.. type: Sailing World66 rating: [rate it] |
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Una veduta del centro moderno del Cairo Il Cairo (in arabo القاهرة; al-Qāhirah) è la capitale e la più popolosa città dell'Egitto, grazie a una popolazione stimata di 15 milioni di persone. È anche la più grande città dell'intera Africa e del Vicino Oriente e attualmente è la tredicesima metropoli in ordine di popolazione al mondo. Nonostante al-Qāhirah sia il nome ufficiale della città, Il Cairo viene chiamata semplicemente con il nome Egitto, Misr (arabo, مصر) pronunciato Masr in dialetto locale. Il nome al-Qahira significa La soggiogatrice. Questo nome è stato dato alla città (al-madìnat al-qàhira, "la città soggiogatrice" ) dai Fatimidi che, dopo avere espulso la dinastia ikhshidide, la fondarono a immediato ridosso dei precedenti insediamenti arabi di Fustàt (epoca del califfato "ortodosso"), di al-‘Askar (età abbaside) e di al-Qatà’i‘ (età tulunide), con l'auspicio che la nuova dinastia che la scelse per capitale potesse assoggettare il mondo islamico e restaurare a proprio vantaggio il califfato che essa riteneva usurpato dagli Abbasidi. Non fu l'ultima dinastia a insediarsi in questa città, perché essa divenne capitale degli Ayyubidi e dei Mamelucchi, cadendo infine sotto il controllo degli Ottomani che peraltro vi mantennero a lungo, come vassalli, gli sconfitti Mamelucchi. Dopo la spedizione di Napoleone I in Egitto e in Vicino Oriente il Paese fu affidato dagli Ottomani a un khedivè (una sorta di viceré), nella persona di Mehmet Ali, il cui ultimo discendente Fārūq fu deposto dal colpo di Stato dei Liberi Ufficiali di Muhammad Nagīb e di Gamāl ‘Abd al-Nāsir.
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GeografiaIl Cairo si trova sulla riva e sulle isole del Nilo, nel nord dell'Egitto, immediatamente a sud del punto in cui il fiume abbandona il corso del deserto e si rompe in tre branche che formano la regione del delta del Nilo. La parte più antica della città è sorta a est del Nilo, successivamente si è sviluppata verso ovest, inghiottendo i terreni agricoli vicino al fiume. Questa parte occidentale della città è stata costruita sul modello di Parigi dal khedivè Ismā‘īl a metà del XIX secolo, ed è caratterizzata da ampi viali, giardini pubblici e spazi aperti. La zona orientale più antica è invece molto differente: è cresciuta in maniera disordinata nei secoli e presenta piccoli viuzze affollati. Mentre la parte occidentale del Cairo ospita palazzi governativi ed è contraddistinta da architetture moderne, quella orientale è disseminata di centinaia di antiche moschee di maggiore o minor grandezza. Il vasto sistema idrico ha anche permesso alla città di espandersi a oriente oltre il deserto. Dei ponti collegano le isole sul Nilo di Gezira e Roda, dove vi sono molti uffici e palazzi governativi. Altri ponti attraversano completamente il Nilo collegando la periferia di Ghiza con il resto della città. La zona ovest di Ghiza, oltre il deserto, è parte dell'antica necropoli di Menphi dove sono situate le piramidi egiziane più famose, tra cui la grande Piramide di Cheope (l'unica sopravvissuta delle antiche sette meraviglie del mondo). Circa 18 km a sud della città moderna, si trova la città di Menphi e, poco distante, la necropoli di Saqqara. Queste ultime due sono le città predecessori dell'antica Cairo. La città ospita anche il più importante Museo Egizio del mondo.
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StoriaLa posizione locale del Cairo sarebbe stata troppo distante dal corso antico del Nilo per poterne trarre giovamento. Appena a sud della città odierna si trovano le rovine di Menphi, l'antica capitale dell'Egitto fondata nel 3100 AC circa da Menes dopo che egli ebbe unito i due regni dell'Alto e Basso Egitto, anche se la capitale successivamente è stata trasferita a Heliopolis, più a sud di Tebe e sotto la dinastia tolemaica, ad Alessandria d'Egitto. Il primo insediamento nella zona dell'attuale Cairo, fu un forte romano edificato attorno al 150 d.C. e conosciuto come Fortezza di Babilonia e sita in prossimità di un antico canale egiziano che collegava il Nilo al Mar Rosso. Una piccola cittadina copta cristiana crebbe lentamente attorno alla fortezza e fu contro questo insediamento che si scagliarono le armate di ‘Amr ibn al-‘Ās, provenienti dalla Palestina. La battaglia portò alla capitolazione della fortezza (le cui vestigia sono osservabili al di sotto del Museo Copto della Vecchia Cairo) e il conquistatore dette presto ordine che nell'area si edificasse un accampamento militare, Fustat, che divenne la capitale del neo-governatorato del quale ‘Amr divenne immediatamente titolare per volere del califfo ‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb. Presa per accordo la città di Alessandria d'Egitto - città importantissima della cultura ellenistica e seconda alla sola Costantinopoli, piena di simpatizzanti per l'Impero bizantino sotto il quale l'Egitto sino ad allora si era trovato a vivere - ‘Amr si limitò a godere dei privilegi connessi alla sua carica, incontrando non poche critiche fino alla sua successiva deposizione da parte di ‘Uthmān ibn ‘Affān. Per tutto il periodo del califfato ortodosso l'Egitto non dette altra notizia di sé altro che per il forte malumore derivante dall'azione anmministrativa del suo governatore ‘Abd Allāh ibn Sa‘d, che contribuì non poco all'assassinio del califfo. Per tutto il periodo omayyade le cose non cambiarono e il Paese si avvantaggiò molto della saggia amministrazione del fratello del califfo ‘Abd al-Malik ibn Marwān, ‘Abd al-‘Azīz ibn Marwān. Ugualmente distratta fu l'azione abbaside in Egitto e fu per dar corso alle spinte regionalistiche e alle esigenze di decentralizzazione in un califfato ormai troppo dilatato per essere ben funzionante che Ahmad ibn Tūlūn prese il potere inaugurando una felicissima rinascita del Paese, sia sotto il profilo economico sia sotto quello politico e culturale.
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