Tucked away amid the modern urban area of Cairo lies one of the world's oldest Islamic cities, with its famous mosques, madrasas, hammams and fountains.
Cairo's population, once both ethnically and religiously diverse, is now predominantly Muslim. A significant number of Egyptian Christians, the majority of whom observe the Coptic Orthodox faith, continue to dominate certain districts in the city.
Fustat (Arabic: الفُسطاط, romanized: al-Fusṭāṭ), also Fostat, was the first capital of Egypt under Muslim rule, though it has been integrated into Cairo.
Yes, Cairo is generally safe for tourists today, especially in well-known areas like Downtown, Zamalek, and near the Pyramids. There's a strong tourist police presence, and locals are friendly. Like in any major city, just stay aware of your surroundings and avoid political demonstrations.
Tourists are generally treated with warmth, hospitality, and respect in Egypt. The country has a rich history and a vibrant tourism industry, and locals often appreciate and welcome visitors from around the world.
How to spend 2 DAYS in Cairo | Islamic Cairo Tour | Travel Itinerary
Is Cairo a rich or poor city?
“Cairo's wealth masks stark inequalities. While its high-net-worth residents enjoy a cosmopolitan lifestyle, nearly 28% of Egyptians were living in poverty as recently as 2016.”
Tucked away amid the modern urban area of Cairo lies one of the world's oldest Islamic cities, with its famous mosques, madrasas, hammams and fountains. Founded in the 10th century, it became the new centre of the Islamic world, reaching its golden age in the 14th century.
The city is most famous for containing the famous Giza Pyramids Complex that holds one of the Seven Wonders of the World the Great Pyramid of King Khufu, the world's oldest and biggest statue the Sphinx and the house of mummification the Valley temple.
In the 7th century, Egypt was invaded and conquered by the Islamic caliphate by the Muslim Arabs. When they defeated the armies of Byzantine Empire in Egypt, the Arabs brought Islam to the country.
What is Islam Like in Egypt? While there are very conservative currents of Islam in Egypt, such as the Muslim Brotherhood organization, there are also Egyptians who do not strictly follow Islamic precepts.
The majority of Muslims in Egypt are Sunni, with many affiliated with various Sufi orders. The Ahmadiyya community is estimated at around 50,000 individuals. Estimates of Egypt's Shia population, including Twelvers and Ismailis, range from 800,000 to as many as two to three million individuals.
A: The word Islam literally means "submission" in Arabic, referring to submission to God. Muslim, one who practices Islam, refers to one who submits to God.
There are number of former synagogues in Cairo, the capital city of Egypt. The number of Egyptian Jews in the city has decreased significantly from its peak. As of December 2022, there were twelve remaining synagogues but only three native Egyptian Jewish inhabitants in the city.
While many tourist hotspots accept cards, you may need cash in other places. While Cairo is safe for most tourists, female travelers should be aware of the potential for sexual harassment.
In general, Egypt is considered safe for expats, especially in areas where foreigners commonly live, such as Maadi, Zamalek, and New Cairo. These neighborhoods are home to international schools, embassies, and expatriate-friendly services, making them secure and well-patrolled.
Abdul-Wahab El-Kadi. Despite being one of the symbols of civilization throughout human history, Greater Cairo has many slum areas, hosting a population of three million people living in deteriorating conditions and lacking the basic human necessities.
Even males are not allowed to go bare-chest. On closed days, people are not allowed to wander the streets. Drinking alcohol other than the licensed restaurant is not allowed. Use or trafficking of illegal drugs is a serious offence.
(Oct. 18, 2017) On October 9, 2017, the former Grand Mufti of Egypt (the main, official religious scholar), Sheik Ali Gomaa, issued a new fatwa (religious decree) allowing women to have permanent inked tattoos on their bodies. However, the same religious decree bans males from getting permanent tattoos.
only eat fruit they can peel. avoid unpasteurised milk, cheese and ice cream. avoid food that has been left uncovered in warm environments and exposed to flies. ensure all meat is cooked thoroughly before you eat it, avoiding any meat that is pink or cold.
