Al Muizz Street

Al Muizz Street  is considered one of the most important and oldest historical streets in Cairo. Its establishment dates back to the Fatimid era, and it includes many rare antiquities and valuable architectural treasures.

This has made it an open-air museum that combines the fragrance of the past with the spirit of ancient Egyptian civilization. Therefore, Al Muizz Street is considered one of the most famous Egyptian streets that embodies the identity of a city that was a cradle of creativity and diversity.

The history of Al Muizz Street dates back to the tenth century AD in the year 969 AD, which is the year the Fatimids entered Egypt and established Cairo to be their capital. Al Muizz Street was named after the Caliph Al-Mu’izz li-Din Allah, and this street became the main artery of the Fatimid city. It is known as the longest archaeological street in the world.

It has witnessed multiple urban developments, especially during the Mamluk and Ayyubid eras. Many educational, religious, and commercial establishments were added to it, which made it an important center for economic, religious, and social life.

Al Muizz Street has retained its importance throughout the ages and has today become an open-air museum to show the importance of the Islamic eras and their cultural and architectural diversity.

Al Muizz Street includes a group of the most famous and oldest important archaeological mosques, the most prominent of which are:

• Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah Mosque, which is one of the largest mosques in Cairo and was built in the late tenth century AD. It is distinguished by its unique design and its huge minarets of the Fatimid style.
• The Mosque of Sultan Qalawun, which is a mosque with a hospital and a school inside. It is one of the most beautiful architectural models built in the 13th century AD and is distinguished by its high domes and magnificent decorations.
• Al-Aqmar Mosque, which is one of the small artistic mosques built in 1125 AD. It is distinguished by its decorated facade, which is one of the oldest decorated facades in Islamic architecture.
• The Mosque of Sulayman Agha, which is one of the famous Ottoman mosques and is distinguished by its unique architectural style that combines the Mamluk and Ottoman characters.
• The Mosque of Al-Zahir Baybars, which is one of the most famous Mamluk mosques and reflects the power of Egypt during the reign of Al-Zahir Baybars and shows the magnificence of Islamic art.

Khan el-Khalili is located next to Al Muizz Street. It was founded in the 14th century AD during the reign of Prince Jaharkas al-Khalili, who was one of the most famous princes of the Mamluk era. The connection between Al Muizz Street and Khan el-Khalili is that they form the heart of Cairo, because Al Muizz Street is a center for political, educational, and religious life, while Khan el-Khalili is an important commercial center for the city, attracting merchants from all over the world.

To this day, Khan el-Khalili retains its unique oriental atmosphere and is one of the most important tourist places associated with Al Muizz Street.

At sunset, Al Muizz Street transforms into a vibrant destination full of joy and life, as the archaeological landmarks are illuminated with wonderful lighting to show the beautiful architectural details. The street itself takes on a magical character that attracts tourists and visitors.

In addition to the restaurants and cafes that are filled with visitors, where you can enjoy drinking eastern beverages such as coffee, tea, and mint amidst popular music and the melodies of the oud. Cultural and artistic performances are also held, which adds a special cultural atmosphere.

Al Muizz Street includes a group of cafes and restaurants that embody the spirit of Old Cairo. They offer visitors an Egyptian experience that combines a heritage atmosphere with local taste.

These cafes offer some eastern drinks amidst decorations and furniture that reflect the popular character, alongside restaurants that serve the most famous popular Egyptian foods such as ta’ameya, koshary, and ful. These restaurants are characterized by their reasonable prices, which makes them a beloved destination for tourists.

The walls of Al Muizz Street are considered archaeological paintings that embody the greatness of Islamic art because every corner is distinguished by an architectural touch that shows the genius and beauty of Islamic arts in its richness and diversity.

This is evident on the schools, mosques, and sabils through the Quranic writings, geometric decorations, and arabesque that adorn the facades of the buildings.

This reflects the spirit of creativity in the Fatimid and Ottoman eras, in addition to the domes and minarets that are distinguished by their unique decoration and towering height, which makes Al Muizz Street a museum of the arts of Islamic civilization with all its diversity and refinement.

There are many tourist activities held for children on Al Muizz Street.

The most prominent of these activities are:

• Educational tours when visiting archaeological landmarks with a simple explanation for their age.
• Photography in historical clothes and Pharaonic costumes to take the most beautiful souvenir photos.
• Discovering Islamic decorations and linking them to Egyptian history.
• Practicing art workshops such as coloring pottery, designing artistic shapes, and making lanterns.
• Trying popular foods and sweets, and buying ice cream from the street vendors on Al Muizz Street.

Al Muizz Street is one of the best tourist destinations for buying handicrafts and heritage products. You can buy copper artifacts such as lanterns, trays, and incense burners, and buy colored glass and traditional textiles such as embroidered shawls and fabrics printed with Islamic and Pharaonic drawings.

You can also buy souvenirs and accessories such as jewelry, medals, prayer beads, and many other distinctive products.

The best time to visit Al Muizz Street is in the spring, from March to May, because the weather at this time is moderate and suitable for walking and strolling. It is preferable to go in the evening when the archaeological landmarks are lit up and the enjoyable cultural shows begin in an atmosphere full of life.

There are many tips that should be followed when visiting Al Muizz Street for the first time.

These tips are as follows:

• Choosing the right time, preferably in the early morning or at sunset, and allocating enough time to stroll and enjoy this experience.
• Wearing comfortable clothes and shoes, so that you can walk and stroll for long distances without fatigue or exhaustion.
• Bringing a camera because Al Muizz Street is full of beautiful scenes that are worth photographing and taking the most beautiful souvenir photos.
• Making sure to have cash with you because some vendors do not accept electronic payment.
• Supporting local crafts by buying heritage crafts and handicrafts, which are distinguished by their beauty and unique character.
• It is preferable to use a tourist guide or a map application as this will help you visit the important places.

Conclusion

Al Muizz Street  is not just an archaeological street, but it is one of the most important streets in Cairo that witnesses the greatness and splendor of Islamic civilization. Through your visit to Al Muizz Street, you will live an unforgettable experience in the heart of Cairo city.

Where is Al-Muizz Street in Cairo?

Al Muizz Street is located in the heart of Cairo, specifically in the El-Gamaleya and El-Darb El-Ahmar districts. It starts from Bab al-Futuh in El-Gamaleya and ends at Bab Zuweila in El-Darb El-Ahmar.

What to do in Moez Street?

There are many things that can be experienced on Al Muizz Street, such as discovering important archaeological landmarks, attending popular shows, shopping and buying handicrafts, eating some famous Egyptian foods, and taking the most beautiful souvenir photos.

How old is Al Moez Street?

Al Muizz Street is more than 1050 years old, and it is considered one of the oldest Islamic streets in Cairo and was the main street in the Fatimid era.