When the house of zeinab khatoun was built?

zeinab khatoun house  was constructed in 1468 and is situated in Al Azhar. The wall surfaces and roofs of the rooms on the 1st floor are coated in Islamic motifs. It is a breathtaking illustration of Islamic Cairo. Within the second floor, you’ll discover two stunning windows in Islamic architecture, furnished with Islamic plant patterns.

Description and architecture

A current exception to this pattern is Beyt zeinab khatoun, a 15th century house that’s been completely refurbished and changed into one of the local heritage sites in cairo. The old dye house close to the corner has long been transformed into El Khatoun Gallery, an enthralling shop having a great collection of Oriental crafts. Probably the most intriguing aspects of Islamic Cairo are how citizens carry on living among outstanding Islamic monuments. The negative effects of this, obviously, are the fact that a number of such older monuments, old-fashioned homes in addition to former workshops haven’t been maintained and lie within a miserable state of disrepair. The repair of the old home has taken new lifestyle to the location: the massive courtyard contributed by her and also the adjoining Beit Al-Harawi, regarded famously as Beit Al Oud, is now a vibrant ahwa offering Egyptian classic teas, sahlab in addition to snacks. The adjoining mosque and Beit Sit Waseela are also redesigned, whilst the nearby school has actually been renovated and today offers education for local kids.

The courtyard cafe is recognized alternatively as Zeinab Khatoun and also Beit Al-Oud, plus it’s a baladi ahwa in the ideal meaning of the term. On many evenings, carts offer for sale termis beans along with roasted yams to the ahwa’s customers, and a variety of quick sandwiches of chicken liver and sogo’ can also be found. Drink choices comprise of sahlab, aniseed and delightful black tea served in small glasses out of a blue metal container spiced with peppermint, sage or cloves. The place has become a house of culture, organizing a huge number of cultural activities and shows, particularly throughout the holy month of Ramadan.

Whilst the landscape is best from earlier times, the charges at the café without doubt aren’t: its touristic standing enables Beyt zeinab khatoun to charge much more than other neighborhood ahwas. Focus on outline sets this place on top of some other local ahwas: rosewater is scattered on the floor to present the region a fresh scent and a local boy will frequently march around with stinky incense, an impression which makes everything seem straight from a special era. A charming ahwa having a live music and diverse audience; who could look for more? The whenever you are in demand for Cairo substitute to Khan Khalili, stay on course to this captivating part of history. Certainly, visiting this cafe takes one back in the time when Islamic old Cairo was the center of the city.

History of Beyt El-Suhaimi

Known as the House by another name from his home, Sheikh Muhammad Amin El Suhaimi was and it is now utilized being a museum of traditional architecture.  The Beyt El-Suhaimi was constructed in 1648 AD. This villa is the greatest demonstration of those traditional houses, which usually through the Mamluk time period to the Nineteenth Century in Islamic Cairo were made. Area of the home is about two thousand square meters.

The Islamic Architecture presents in El-Suhaimi house

If you go into the house, you go first right into a stunning courtyard that takes you back in the period when the visitors in the remarkable reception room, the "qu’a", were made welcome. The spectacular qua, into the submerged marbled water fountains around constructed room has a high, decorated roof that they uncover when you are up turn out look on the soft natural and blue designed enamel tiles which cover the walls. Upstairs there is a living room and a " mashrabiyya "famous wood made lattice windows, that permitted the women of the home, life on the avenues to follow among them devoid of being seen. Again, you must have a look at the very high roofs which allow the nice and cozy air passage and after that go up from the north-facing "maq’ad" (vents) in the upper walls that captured the air flow, being swept away. A precursor of today’s air conditioning units, you may think. So it was: This architectural characteristic made life in the dry warm weather of Cairo significantly more pleasurable.

House demonstrates civilization of Arab layouts, into the residence is by means of metaphor which leads to the courtyard that divides the basin grown with plants together with trees. It is comprised of two parts, the earliest portion of tribal, constructed by Sheikh Abdul, along with the offshore portion was constructed by Haj Ismail Shalabi in 1699 AD has long been connected to the 1st part. Rooms open up right onto a courtyard residence. In the bathing room, stove for heating water as well as basin designed from just one piece of marble decorative supplement to a tank of water.

House motivated arranging Ottoman architecture, that has been designated Elslamlek- the ground floor for males and Haramlek- the upper floor for females. Hence, the ground floor of the home to welcome visitors on halls. 

The Cave of Cleopatra bath beach 

The Cleopatra bath beach is a beautiful beach located near Marsa Matrouh, which is the capital of Matrouh government. It is four hour’s drive from Alexandria and is considered a great natural tourists spot. Beside Agiba beach, Cleopatra bath beach is another natural attraction in the city. As we all know the love story of Egyptian Goddess Cleopatra and Mark Anthony. This beach is associated with her. This is said that Cleopatra was used to come to this beach for taking bath. There is a huge rock on the beach, which is called as Cleopatra bath. This rock is present at a unique place. There is a natural cave in the rock. The water of the sea comes inside the cave in the form of strong sea waves. Inside the cave, it makes a pool but fresh water keep coming inside. On the other end, there is another hole, which acts as exit for the water. In this way, the water inside the cave remains fresh and warm. These holes are not natural; rather it has been found that they are made by man, centuries ago. There is another hole in the roof of the cave, which brings the sunlight inside the cave.

A Rock  in the Cleopatra bath beach

Natural Rocky beach  of the Cleopatra bath beach

There is a huge statue on the beach; the statue is for the queen Cleopatra. It is a rocky beach and swimming is not allowed. Strong waves splash with the rocks and create great noise. Try to wear proper shoes on this beach as the rocks are really slippery. Kids really enjoy on this beach, as they can walk on the rocks. Another important aspect of Cleopatra bath beach is the clear water. Waters are so clear here, that you can clearly see beneath the water. Moreover, ruins of one of the Cleopatra’s palace are also found on the opposite hillside. These ruins are considered as proof that this cave and beach belongs to Cleopatra.

Tourists enjoy climbing the rocks, which are present in large amount on this beach. It is a perfect picnic spot and one of the great things to do in Egypt. You can go here for an afternoon party or even on weekend. Visitors love this beach due to the rocky appearance and clear water. It is not for swimmers but even then a lot of visitors come to see this place. Mark this beach as a must see, if you are planning to visit Egypt, although it is just a hollow cave, but you will enjoy the beauty of the place. 

Clear water

Rocky holes on the beach

A far view of the Cleopatra bath peach cave

Location: Marsa Matrouh

Opening hours: 24/7

Ticket price: Free

Saqqara also has a number of tombs from the first and second dynasties as well. Majority of them are constructed using mud bricks but a few are constructed using limestone and have scenes from daily life inscribed. The Step Pyramid at Saqqara was designed by an architect called Imhotep and falls into the southern part of Sakkara. The northern part of Sakkara is known for the Pyramid of King Titi and Mastaba tombs of the old kingdom. When visiting Cairo, one must visit Sakkara as it contains some breathtaking monuments.
The stepped pyramid at Saqqara contains 6 steps; each one of which was built on top of the lower one and smaller than it. The pyramid was initially built 60m high and was the first attempt by people from Ancient Egypt to use limestone. The step pyramids are constructed using small bricks of limestone that are a little inferior in quality but have still stood intact for about 5000 years.

The original entrance of the Pyramid is on the north side but this is not used anymore. Another entrance on the southern side of the pyramid was built during the 26th dynasty is used to access the pyramids. A small room is built on the north-western side with a gradient article that resembles the pyramid and contains a statue of King Zoser that is now moved into the Egyptian Museum.

There are a number of corridors and tunnels in the pyramid. On the southern side of the pyramid, a burial shaft, 28m deep, that is believed to be the symbolic tomb for the King can be found. The pyramid was initially surrounded by an enclosure rectangular in shape measuring 277m by 544m. It was 10m high initially but most part of it is in ruins today. The entrance of the complex is in the southern east part of the wall. As you enter the door a little hall leads you to colonnade that has 40 engaged columns i.e. each column is attached to the wall behind. The hall then leads to an open courtyard on the right side of which the Hep-Sed Temple can be found.

Behind the Hep-Sed temple, two buildings called the northern and southern houses can be found, one behind the other. The buildings were used by the dignitaries who used to come down to attend the rituals hosted by the king. Adjacent to the step pyramids, the Pyramid of King Unas can be found on the southern side. It is also in ruins.

Beit al-Harawi, in the area towards the south of the mosque of Al-Azhar, was constructed in 1731 and occupied till 1920. During the 90′s the home was re-designed by the helpof joint French-Egyptian initiatives.

Quite a few houses from Egypt’s Mamluk Phase can still be found at this time all the way through Islamic Cairo. Along with Beit El Suheimi and also Beit Zeinab El Khatoun, Beit El Harrawi is a dwelling frequently visited by those curious about Eighteenth century Cairene architectural mastery!

Cultural importance of Beit al-Harawi

Beit El Harrawi is a well known location for its use as a live performance venue. It is recognized more notoriously for its popular music than its architecture. Actually, signs for that Arab Oud House are more apparent compared to Beit El Harrawi. The oud troupe is often heard rehearsing, and concerts of classic music are frequently held there. Ramadan is an particularly chaotic season for Beit El Harrawi; as a number of concert events are shown every week throughout the Muslim holy month.

Architecture in Beit al-Harawi

Due to the fact Beit El Harrawi is essentially utilised at this time of those musical concerts, the reconstruction projects of the framework were much more about renovating the house than repairing it; few rooms are already left in their original design. While getting into the premise, tourists locate a courtyard in which a stage has been constructed for live shows. A lot of the structure’s structural features in addition to wooden mashrabeya displays can be adored from the courtyard, although the metal rods hanging above the stage are undoubtedly distracting.

On the left, the reception hall is big wooden roofs, ornately carved as well as decorated. The area attributes delicate cupboards along with marble floors having a central well. At the rear of the stage in the courtyard is yet another room which has been maintained with relative ethics regardless of the add-on of many metal chairs. On the other hand, the rest of Beit El Harrawi pretties less striking. Structurally, it’s just like the other Cairene homes of its design, yet Beit El Harrawi is lacking in the credibility of its contemporaries: it is kind of a poster child for how not to continue people enthusiastic about these types of historical sites.

Where there is commonly a vaulted roof with shaded glass in the restroom following a darkish passageway, Beit El Harrawi has a second-floor modern restroom. Yellow paint addresses the walls of various rooms as well as hallways. Even though several rooms are filled up with desks and also chairs, the end of one hallway is totally incomplete. Although the other unfinished parts of these residences tend to be closed off, this instead unsafe nook of Beit El Harrawi is an wide open and failing edge; making a abyss a few metres wide amongst the hallway plus an adjacent stairwell.

Go through the palatial period of 14th century Mamluk princes with only leftover domestic households in the period. Beshtak Palace is a structure and Islamic museum in Cairo. It signifies Arabic architecture in the historic period of time in Egypt. It is a Tahrir Square which is one of the main and largest public squares in Cairo, Egypt.

The Palace is situated on the Muizz Avenue, near the Katkhuda Sabil. It had been constructed by King (Amir) Beshtak Al-Nasiri, among al-Nasir Muhammad’s close khassakiya amirs along with his son-in-law, in 1334-39 in which the Eastern Fatimid building designed to withstand.

History of the Palace of Amir Bashtak

The Palace of Amir Bashtak was developed by Amir Bashtak al-Nasiri, has uncommon windows covered with mashrabiya. However the 2nd floor chamber, having its sharp arches, stained-glass home windows and gilt decorated wood paneling differentiate it as being just about the most stunning private chambers from that time.

It is noteworthy due to the museum which usually reveals the historical past of the city of Cairo, Egypt and its stunning Qaa. The palace continues to be almost complete in its actual shape, having two stories, qa’a, a compact courtyard, and built-in stables that have a wonderful entrance opening onto a side avenue. The long facade was acceded with lots of windows opening on the hubbub lane in ancient Cairo.

The Beshtak Palace is presently going through reconstruction works, and is also permitted to re-open in some month’s time. Yet it’s practical to view the courtyard and also the outer facade through the main road.

It is among the great historical sites in Cairo to check out if you’re looking to be familiar with Egyptian culture and history. For the people enthusiastic about buildings and Egyptian traditions, this palace is a must see. Egypt is best recognized for its plenty of mosques and historic sites. It’s also a great place to but traditional Egyptian souvenirs and additionally handicrafts.

Many firms who sets up for Egypt tours programs out a trip in a thorough way to ensure the vacationers get the opportunity to unwind in addition to enjoying their trip. The schedule of these Egypt excursions would contemplate preparations for touring, lodgings, sightseeing, food, as well as other things concerning it.

Entry is gained from the alleyway on the north-side, 2nd entrance.

Uncover the ancient turning city avenues of Cairo, Egypt, the cradle of culture. Have a tour of Islamic Cairo going to historical Fatimid period gateways into the old city in addition to mosques, houses and palaces in Cairo although moving by local marketplaces. An unforgettable visit will over the walk through the popular Souq Khan al Khalili in which vendors make all sort of merchandise for your perusal.

Since the Beshtak Palace was implemented exclusively for receptions, there aren’t any guest rooms plus the palace is just one floor. The palace is usually open-air; the complete centre is subjected, huge pillars hold roofing on the numerous sitting areas, as well as rooms can be found only at the sides of the building.

Location: Al-Mo’ez street, old Cairo

Opening hours: 09 am to 04pm

Ticket price: Free

The Paromeos Monastery, also referred to as Baramos Monastery, is usually a Coptic Orthodox monastery situated in Wadi El Natrun in the Nitrian Desert, Beheira Governorate, Egypt. The title Pa-Romeos make a reference to Saints Domitius and Maximus, kids of the Roman Emperor Valentinian I. These Saints had their cell in the place of the current monastery. It’s the most northern part monastery amongst the 4 current monasteries of Sects, around 9 kilometers northeast of the Monastery of Saint Pishoy. The title Paromeos comes from the Coptic Pa-Romeos, which indicate that those of Romans. Ecclesiastically, the monastery is focused on the Virgin Mary as well as holds her name.

This monastic culture delivers probably the most beautiful icons and wall paintings in the area, in addition to the remains of the monastery in the past ages. There is much you can observe here, such as the ancient housing wall, the Church of the Holy Virgin having its two chapels and baptistery, and also the Church of St. John the Baptist. Among the Coptic sites in Cairo refectories is available to site visitors and features a massive stone desk which takes up almost all the room, plus there is also a guesthouse for guests. Please be sure to dress decently while coming to the monastery.

Ancient history of Baramouse Monastery

The Baramouse Monastery is among the most oldest amongst the four present monasteries of Scetes, which was founded by St. Macarius the Great.

Right after the wrecking of the Baramouse Monastery in 407 A.D. by its Berbers and the Bedouins, St. Arsenius came back to reconstruct it. He retired to Troe, now a local of Cairo referred to as Tura, just where he deceased.

Inside the old monasteries in Egypt, archaeologists identified the ruins of a square framework calculating some 16 meters square, in the south-east corner of the place. Although its original objective was initially not clear, it has now been identified to have probably a protective tower, or retaining that may have endured some 25 meters tall. It has been recommended that this might have initially been constructed as a Roman military construction so that you can protect the Nitrian Desert as well as its salt formation.

In 1998, excavations revealed a construction that proven later to get that of a church right away north from the tower. The walls of the nave are constructed from low quality and improvised masonry that shows that the church was possibly reconstructed swiftly after having been damaged. The specific sanctuary of this church is of higher quality, and was evidently reassembled somewhat later, possibly following the ninth or the start of the 10th century. The altar, that is fairly well maintained, rests on top of a single step high-podium. Remains, probably of a previous construction and including things like more solid brickwork of finely sliced limestone blocks, put together in the western section of the church’s nave. Considering that such kinds of blocks were engraved with several hieroglyphics in high comfort, it’s very probable that a Medieval Egyptian Islamic monument persisted in the vicinity of this location.

]]> http://www.whattodoinegypt.com/where-to-visit/cairo/baramouse-monastery/feed/ 0 http://www.whattodoinegypt.com/where-to-visit/cairo/bab-zuweila/ http://www.whattodoinegypt.com/where-to-visit/cairo/bab-zuweila/#comments Sun, 11 Mar 2012 15:59:55 +0000 What to do in Egypt http://www.whattodoinegypt.com/?p=602 Bab Zuwayla, occasionally referred to as Bawabbat al-Mitwali while in the Ottoman phase, is an ancient gate in Cairo that is still standing in recent times. A number of local residents, describes the southern boundaries of the Fatimid City, although the city swiftly moved outside of this entrance.

It is titled after the al-Zawila, a Berber tribe whose Fatimid troops were quartered in the area. It is quite comparable in layout to the various gates, however possibly has a fairly livelier lifestyle. It is one among the main attractions of the city, and it is the final leftover southern gate through the wall structure of Fatimid Cairo in the Eleventh and Twelfth centuries. Its title emanates from Bab, which means "Door", and Zuwayla, the naming of a troop of fearsome Berber soldiers through the western desert who have been arrested for defending the checkpoint. At this point, the yearly pilgrimage deceased for Mecca, however here also; numerous an amir was hanged along with Sultan Salim suspended the last of the Mamluk sultans, Tumanbey from the entranceway. Yet initially, music artists performed nightly from upon the gate.

Importance of Bab Zuweila as an attraction

Being among the three historical gates of Cairo which still endure, Bab Zuweila is a spectacular illustration of Fatimid architecture; it represents the southernmost ending of the old Fatimid city limits.

The gate has two superbly embellished minarets from the neighborhood Al-Mu’ayyad mosque that are open to visitors. As soon as you go up the high steps, you’ll lay up your eyes on one of the best sights towards the last part of Old Cairo. The entrance also shares a wall structure together with the mosque and is also a must-see place in Islamic Cairo.

Description and information about Bab Zuwayla area

Through the years, the gate has been utilized as an area for dancing, an end to tooth pains and a performance ground.

If you do not have time for an extensive excursion, at least walk-through the gate, finding out about as you complete amongst its huge doors. Local people trust that the spirit of a particular Ottoman Sheikh Al Mitwali resides in the entrance and it is quite possible that the unit boat that dangles there is to supply him with transportation to Mecca.

The small museum upstairs, that shows regular stuff found throughout the excavation of the avenue across the door itself, is really worth visiting, specifically as the ticket consists of entry to the rooftop. From up right here, you can find a far better concept of the design of the area than you can from the congested avenue beneath. You’re also guaranteed to spot the shabby wood structures atop surrounding complexes. These are typically pigeon coops, designed to dwelling the flocks of pet pigeons you will occasionally observe circling at sunset.

Take into consideration ongoing beyond the Tentmakers’ Souk in the direction of The Citadel, the Madrasa Sultan Hassan, and also the Mosque of Al Rifai to the highly scruffy vicinity of Darb al Ahmar that was a wide open area in the Eleventh century as soon as the wall and even gate were initially built.

During the potent Fatimid vizier- Badr el-Jamali, who reigned over Egypt right from 1074 till 1094, Cairo had surpassed the sun-dried stone wall of Jawhar. This, along with the attempts of the Turkoman Atsiz to get the city, amongst other risks from the Eastern nations, sparked El Jamali to refurbish the wall surfaces of Cairo. Bab el Futuh was constructed in 1087, a portion of this restructuring venture including two other gates: Bab al-Nasr as well as Bab Zuwayla. 

Bab Zuwayla and Bab El Futuh mark the southern and northern limits correspondingly of the Fatimid city and serve as termini for Shari’ al Mu’izz li Din Allah, the main Fatimid south-north spine. The usage of the semicircular arch, combined with the horizontal arch, using the complete lack of the pointed arch, is definitely an anomaly in old Cairo. The north Syrian stone and also Byzantine particulars and methods show probably the most direct confront between nearby local building customs, demonstrated in the importation of designers and perhaps of manpower. Other than being great reps of Islamic military architecture, these kinds of fortifications, that have been never put to the test by intruders, are especially vital to be one of the only a few illustrations of military efforts predating the Crusades. The towers flank a recessed, remarkably articulated entrance and therefore are joined over the entrance by a curtain wall. Each one of the three gates consists of two massive towers that are square in Bab al-Nasr and spherical in Bab Zuwayla and Bab al-Futuh.

The creation of spherical and triangular decorative used to hold the dome on the entrance way, the utilization of horizontal and semi-circular arches, and also the junction of rising tunnel vaults were unique in Egyptian structures. Also without having antecedents in Egyptian structures is the junction of growing tunnel vaults, an attribute to be noticed in the outstanding Staircase Tower west of Bab al-Futuh, in the stairs climbing to the base of Bab al-Nasr, in the small stairs descending from the identical base to the rampart stroll, and in the gallery that passes across Bab al-Futuh. It was initially the place of great Mamluk ceremonials and even processions, and later on utilized for accomplishments. On the lintel of Bab al-Nasr is the very first extant instance of a Shi’i creed showing upon an extant Islamic monuments from Cairo.

At present, the doorway seems to be squat; however this is because of the base of the entrance being 16 feet down below the street level. The interior of the entrance is out there, and one may navigate the wall both on the top, and from the inside up to the more eastern side Bab al Nasr.In earlier times, the fantastic caravan of pilgrims came back every year from Mecca, getting into this gate and building their approach to the Citadel.

Location: Al-Mo’ez street, Gamalyia, old Cairo

Opening hours: 09 am to 04pm

Ticket price: Free

Facts about Qalawun complex

Here is some facts about the Qalawun complex as an important attraction not only in egypt but in the world

Location of Qalawun complex!

Situated on Al-Mo’ez Lane in Cairo, the Qalawun complex was developed by the Mamluk Sultan Al-Nassir in 1304 AD in honor of his father Qalawun.

History of Qalawun complex

The Maqrizi’s Khitat Al Qalawun Complex was constructed on the remains of the Fatimid Palace of Cairo, with numerous halls inside the Palace; it was sold to many people, where it has been ultimately obtained by the Sultan Qalawun in 1238 AD. Through, the dwelling prevails in the center of Cairo, Egypt, in the Bayn El Qasrayn, and has become a centre for significant religious activities and customs of the Muslim belief for many years, extending in the Mamluk Empire during the Ottoman leader. A white Marble Gothic door doorstep began the Crusader church of Saint George in Acre that was taken by El Nasir’s elder brother Sultan El Ashraf Khalil. And also at the Apex of the sharp Arch the phrase "Allah" has been added. The Qalawun Complex has been started in 1285 by way of the Mongol Sultan Kitbuqa, who ruled only in brief, and was done by al-Nasir in 1304, about 80 years following Barquq’s Monument down the street.

Al-Qalawun Complex Building progression

Qalawun monument was honored Bayn El Qasrayn, the traditional Cairene public space, presently re-designed with cobblestone. The complex was 31.5 meters about street wall. There was to be continuous free medical treatment, free bed and fresh bed-linen, free treatments, free hot food. That’s the hospital, available to all Muslims. The madrasa was dignified; the mausoleum, for the purpose he took the excellent pharaonic columns placed in the unfinished Ayyubid Citadel on Rawda, was spectacular enough to turn into the spot wherein every following sultan will be formally spent. He was pious and politicaly savvy, as well. There was a ward for females, together with pay for a master physician who was needed to teach on a daily basis, and pay for a surgeon as well as ophthalmologist. It is obvious that the biggest part of the complex is that section of which the very least persists at present, much torn down as the British occupied Egypt.

Again, Qalawun Complex has actually been newly remodeled to make an Islamic Cairo attraction and hence draw today’s vacationer. Coin-operated Parisian public loos beautify the encompassing sidewalks. His boy would, more than any other man, form medieval as well as Mamluk Cairo and develop the Mamluk Citadel. The area and streets are clean now than ever before. And also, the story carries on, for the best outstanding thing constructed by al-Alfi was one thing the Mamluk system was created specifically to thwart: a ruling family. His grandson would certainly construct the world’s finest mosque In Cairo.

Location: Al-Mo’ezstreet, old Cairo

Opening hours: 09 am to 04pm

Ticket price: Free