Princes and Sultans Tour with Maissa Moustafa

Since the era of the pyramids, Egyptians distinguished themselves by their love for architecture… Architecture has been more than just stone and mortar, but an entire language that speaks for all aspects of civilization, it speaks for science as well as art and tradition. Egyptian architecture tells us stories about Egyptian rulers whether they be kings and sultans, influential women, prominent princes, or travelers merely enamored by Egyptian culture.
In this tour, we will read through the history of leaders of Islamic Cairo through pages written on sabils and the aisles in the mosques, discover the tales of the houses and the khanqahs, and unfold the stories of the squinches and motifs crafted with stucco, wood and colored glass. We will pass through the intricate alleyways that have been kept alive with the spirit and kindness of the locals for thousands of years. And by contrast, we will embrace the technology of today and explore AR graffiti painted on the walls around the neighborhood.
The tour will end with a magnificent view of al-Khalifa from the rooftop of al-Saliba House. We will sit to discuss more about what we’ve seen during the tour and share a light brunch and drinks while enjoying a panoramic view that looks onto the streets that have witnessed historic political and social happenings from the medieval times in Mamluk Cairo.

Tour guide: Maissa Mostafa
This tour will be held in Arabic, no translation will be provided.
Tour Itinerary:
Citadel Square
Sabil of Sultan Qaytbay
Hanafiyyat Balash
Darb al-Husr Playground
Ahmad Kuhia area (Augmented Reality Graffiti)
Gayer Anderson Museum (Bayt al- Kretliya)
Ahmad Ibn Tulun Mosque
Madrasa of al-Amir Sarghatmish
Mosque of Taghri Birdi
Mosque and Khanqah of Shaykhu
Al-Saliba House

Time and Date:
Saturday, 10 June 2023
Meeting time: 09:15am
Tour starts: 9:30am
Tour ends: 12:30pm
Meeting point – in front of Bab al-Azab
http://shorturl.at/tzUZ8
Tour fees: EGP 400
To sign up please fill in the form:
https://forms.gle/FUuL8Q1JYEFR91P28

Al-Khalifa Tours program is provided by Athar Lina Line. All proceeds from Athar Lina Line are used to support the sustainability of Athar Lina’s community service and education programs in al-Khalifa district. This activity is run by Built Environment Collective, funded by Drosos Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Solidarity.