Cairo

Cairo, known for its association with ancient Egypt, is home to significant historical sites such as the Giza pyramid complex, Memphis, and Heliopolis. Situated in the vicinity of the Nile Delta, the city initially emerged as Fustat after the Muslim conquest of Egypt in 641, adjacent to the existing Roman fortress, Babylon.

Founded by the Fatimid dynasty in 969, Cairo eventually surpassed Fustat as the primary urban hub during the Ayyubid and Mamluk periods from the 12th to the 16th centuries. Throughout its history, Cairo has played a pivotal role in the political and cultural landscape of the region, earning the moniker “the city of a thousand minarets” due to its abundance of Islamic architecture. Recognizing its historical significance, Cairo’s historic center was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1979.