Cairo Castle (Saladin Castle)

Egypt’s capital, Cairo, is home to the CairoCastle, one of the most remarkable defensive structures of Islamic architecture. Construction of castle began in 1176 under Sultan Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi, and for centuries it served as one of Cairo’s key military and administrative centers. According to Egyptian tradition, the location of Saladin’s Castle on the Muqattam Hills was chosen to provide a defensive vantage point from which a large portion of city and the Nile River could be observed.

Interior view of Cairo Castle – Mustafa Avcı Archive

History and Construction

The castle was built as part of Sultan Saladin’s strategy to defend Cairo from Crusader attacks. Construction began in 1176 but remained incomplete after the death of Sultan Saladin. 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 period, the castle underwent various additions and restorations under the Mamluks (1250–1517), Ottoman Empire (1517–1805), and the Egyptian Khedives (19th century). Particularly during the Ottoman period, new gates and towers were added to the castle, and in the 19th century, significant modifications were carried out by Mehmet Ali Pasha at important.

View of Cairo from the castle – Mustafa Avcı Archive

Architectural Structure and Sections

Cairo Castle is a defensive complex covering a vast area that expanded over time through successive additions. The castle 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 section now houses military museums.

• Southern Section (Administrative and Religious Structures): This area contains the sultans’ palaces and mosques.

Mehmet Ali Pasha Mosque – Mustafa Avcı Archive

Main Structures

Within the castle walls, numerous significant building were constructed during different historical periods:

Mehmet Ali Pasha Mosque (Alabaster Mosque)

Constructed in the 19th century by Mehmet Ali Pasha, this mosque is one of the most important examples of Ottoman architecture. Modeled after the Sultanahmet Mosque in Istanbul, its large dome and two slender minarets dominate the Cairo skyline.

Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque

This mosque, commissioned by the Mamluk Sultan Nasir Muhammad in the 14th century, was completed in 1318 and served as the official royal mosque where Mamluk sultans performed their prayers.

Süleyman Pasha Mosque

Constructed in 1528 during the Ottoman period, the Süleyman Pasha Mosque is regarded as one of the earliest examples of Ottoman architecture in Cairo.

Cevhere Palace (Al-Gawhara Palace)

Constructed in the 19th century by Mehmet Ali Pasha, this palace reflects influences from both Ottoman and Europe architectural styles. The palace houses furniture and valuable art artifacts from the Ottoman era.

National Military Museum

Opened in 1949, the museum displays artifacts relating to Egypt’s military history and chronicles the history of the Egyptian army from ancient times to the modern period.

Police Museum

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

Interior view of Mehmet Ali Pasha Mosque showing influences of the Ottoman Empire – Mustafa Avcı Archive

Strategic Importance and UNESCO Heritage

For centuries, Cairo Castle served as the political and military center of Egypt. Even during the Ottoman period, it retained its significance. It lost this function toward the end of the 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.