Citadel of Saladin
The Citadel of Saladin, also known as the Cairo Citadel, is one of Egypt’s most iconic and historically significant landmarks. Dominating the skyline of Cairo from its perch atop the Mokattam Hills, this sprawling fortress was commissioned by Sultan Saladin in 1176 to defend against Crusader invasions. Over the centuries, the Citadel has evolved into not only a military stronghold but also a seat of Egyptian government and a symbol of the country’s rich Islamic heritage.
Historical Background and Construction
The Citadel was built by Salah ad-Din (Saladin), the founder of the Ayyubid dynasty, as part of a larger defense strategy to fortify Cairo against potential Crusader attacks. Saladin was a skilled military leader known for his campaigns in the Holy Land during the Crusades, and his vision for the Citadel was both strategic and monumental. By constructing the fortress on the Mokattam Hills, Saladin could overlook and control both the city of Cairo and the Nile River, ensuring that the Citadel became the heart of the city’s defenses.
The initial construction of the Citadel took place between 1176 and 1183, and much of the work was carried out by Saladin’s nephew, Al-Malik al-Kamil, who succeeded him. The Citadel was originally intended to be a self-sufficient military complex, complete with walls, towers, and a vast array of armories, barracks, and water cisterns. One of the most important features of the Citadel was its water supply system, which included the famous Well of Joseph (Bir Yusuf), an 85-meter-deep well that ensured a constant supply of water during sieges.
Evolution Over the Centuries
While Saladin was responsible for laying the foundations of the Citadel, it was greatly expanded and modified by subsequent rulers, particularly during the Mamluk and Ottoman periods. The Citadel became not only a military bastion but also the royal residence of Egypt’s rulers and the seat of government for nearly 700 years.
One of the Citadel’s most notable transformations occurred during the reign of Muhammad Ali Pasha, the Ottoman governor who ruled Egypt from 1805 to 1848. Muhammad Ali is often credited with modernizing Egypt, and his influence can be seen in the Citadel’s most famous building, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali.
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali, also known as the Alabaster Mosque, is the most prominent feature of the Citadel today. Built between 1830 and 1848, the mosque was constructed by Muhammad Ali in memory of his son Tosun Pasha, who had died in 1816. It was also intended as a symbol of his power and a statement of his independence from the Ottoman Sultanate.
The mosque, designed by the Turkish architect Yusuf Bushnak, is an architectural masterpiece. It follows the Ottoman style of mosque architecture, with a large central dome flanked by smaller domes and semi-domes, reminiscent of the famous mosques of Istanbul, such as the Süleymaniye Mosque and Hagia Sophia. The mosque’s interior is richly decorated with alabaster panels, ornate chandeliers, and gilded inscriptions from the Qur’an. Its two towering minarets reach a height of 82 meters (269 feet), making them visible from much of Cairo and adding to the mosque’s majestic presence.
The courtyard of the mosque is equally impressive, featuring an elaborately decorated clock tower. Interestingly, the clock was a gift from King Louis-Philippe of France in exchange for the Luxor Obelisk, which now stands in the Place de la Concorde in Paris.
Other Notable Structures in the Citadel
In addition to the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, the Citadel contains several other important structures that date from different periods of Egyptian history:
The Mosque of Al-Nasir Muhammad: This mosque, built by the Mamluk Sultan Al-Nasir Muhammad in the early 14th century, served as the royal mosque for the sultans of Egypt. It is a fine example of Mamluk architecture, with its carved stone domes, beautiful wooden ceilings, and delicate tile work. While smaller than the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, the Mosque of Al-Nasir Muhammad is significant for its historical and architectural value.
The Gawhara Palace: Also known as the Jewel Palace, this palace was constructed by Muhammad Ali in 1814. It served as his royal residence and the seat of government. The palace is named after Gawhara Hanem, one of Muhammad Ali’s wives. Inside, visitors can see the remains of opulent reception halls, grand staircases, and exquisite architectural detailing that highlight the wealth and grandeur of Muhammad Ali’s rule.
The Military Museum: Housed in one of the older sections of the Citadel, the National Military Museum chronicles Egypt’s long military history, from the time of the Pharaohs to the modern Egyptian army. The museum features exhibits on famous battles, weaponry, and military uniforms, as well as displays on the roles played by key figures such as Salah ad-Din, Napoleon, and Muhammad Ali in shaping Egypt’s military heritage.
The Well of Joseph (Bir Yusuf): This deep well was an essential part of the Citadel’s water supply system. It is said to be named after the biblical Joseph (Yusuf), though it was built during Saladin’s reign. The well’s depth allowed for a reliable water source within the fortress, making it an important feature during times of siege.
Defensive Features of the Citadel
As a fortress, the Citadel was designed to be virtually impregnable. Its high walls, punctuated by large round towers and gateways, provided formidable defenses against invaders. One of the most impressive of these towers is the Burg al-Ramla (the Sand Tower), a massive structure that provided a vantage point for archers and allowed defenders to control the surrounding area.
The Citadel also had several large gates, the most famous of which is the Bab al-Azab, built in the 18th century. This gate was the site of one of the Citadel’s darkest episodes: the Massacre of the Mamluks. In 1811, Muhammad Ali invited hundreds of Mamluk leaders to a banquet at the Citadel. As they were leaving through Bab al-Azab, they were ambushed and slaughtered by Muhammad Ali’s troops, effectively ending the Mamluk power in Egypt.
The Citadel Today
Today, the Citadel of Saladin is one of Cairo’s most popular tourist attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors are drawn to its commanding views of the city, which stretch across Cairo to the Nile River and even to the Pyramids of Giza on a clear day. The Citadel offers a fascinating mix of military, architectural, and religious history, all within its sprawling complex.
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali, in particular, is a highlight for visitors, both for its architectural beauty and its panoramic views from the terrace. Meanwhile, the older structures, such as the Mosque of Al-Nasir Muhammad and the remnants of the fortress walls, evoke the Citadel’s centuries of history as a royal seat, military stronghold, and political center.
