Cairo Castle (Saladin Castle)

Mısır’s capital, Cairo Castle, located on the land in Cairo, is one of the most striking defensive structures in Islamic architecture. Construction of the castle began in 1176 under Sultan Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi and served for centuries as one of Cairo’s principal military and administrative centers. Strategically situated on the Muqattam Hills, as the Egyptians say, the castle provided a vantage point from which a large portion of the city and the Nile River could be observed.

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The castle was built as part of Sultan Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi’s strategy to protect Cairo from Crusader attacks. Construction began in 1176 but remained incomplete after the sultan’s death. It was completed in 1207 by his nephew Sultan al-Kamil, who made the castle the official residence of the Egyptian rulers.

After the Ayyubids, various structures were added and restored by the Mamluks (1250–1517), the Ottoman Empire (1517–1805), and the Khedives of Egypt (19th century). Especially during the Ottoman period, new gates and towers were added to the castle, and in the 19th century, Pasha Muhammad Ali made significant modifications.

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Cairo Castle is a defensive complex covering a vast area, expanded over different periods with additions. It generally consists of two main sections: the Northern Section and the Southern Section.

• Northern Section (Military Area): Used throughout history as a military garrison, this area now houses military museums.

• Southern Section (Administrative and Religious Structures): The palaces and mosques of the sultans are located in this area.

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Within the castle walls, numerous significant structures were built during different periods:

Built in the 19th century by Muhammad Ali Pasha, this mosque is one of the most important examples of Ottoman architecture. Inspired by the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul, the structure dominates the Cairo skyline with its large dome and two slender minarets.

Built in 1318 by the Mamluk Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad, this mosque served as the official royal mosque where Mamluk sultans performed their Friday prayers.

Built in 1528 during the Ottoman period, the Süleyman Pasha Mosque is considered one of the earliest examples of Ottoman architecture in Cairo.

Built in the 19th century by Muhammad Ali Pasha, this palace reflects influences from both Ottoman and European architecture. Inside, furniture and valuable art pieces from the Ottoman era are displayed.

Opened in 1949, this museum displays artifacts relating to Egypt’s military history, chronicling the evolution of the Egyptian army from antiquity to the modern era.

This museum focuses on the history of Egypt’s security forces and features exhibits connected to famous historical events.

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For centuries, Cairo Castle served as the political and military center of Egypt. Even during the Ottoman period, it retained its importance until the late 19th century, when the seat of government was moved to Abdeen Palace. Today, Cairo Castle is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is preserved as one of the most important historical structures of Islamic Cairo.