Citadel of Cairo

Cairo, Egypt

The pre-modern fortification built by Saladin to protect Cairo from Crusader attack, which served as the seat of Egyptian government for nearly 700 years through Ayyubid, Mamluk, and Ottoman rule.

Historical Context

Saladin began construction in 1176, using stones from the smaller pyramids of Giza. The citadel became the residence of the Mamluk sultans and later housed the Ottoman garrison and Muhammad Ali Pasha's palace.