Timeline of the City

Cairo's history is a rich tapestry woven with conquests, dynasties, and cultural exchange. Beginning with the Arab conquest of Egypt in 640 AD, successive rulers laid key foundations culminating in the founding of Cairo by the Fatimid Caliphate in 969 AD. Strategically located along the Nile River, Cairo emerged as a vital hub for trade, communication, and cultural exchange, fostering economic prosperity and cultural diversity. Over the centuries, the city evolved under various dynasties, leaving enduring imprints on its character. One transformative period occurred during the 10th century under the Fatimid Caliphate, characterized by deliberate planning and architectural endeavors that solidified Cairo's significance as a political and cultural center. Subsequent expansions and challenges, such as the great plague epidemic of 1348, shaped the city's urban fabric and resilience. In the 18th and 19th centuries, visions of westernization and modernization brought major changes to Cairo's urban development, shaping its modern character. The aftermath of the January 2011 Revolution marked a new era, with government-led efforts focused on urban renewal and enhancing livability. As the semester progresses, a deeper exploration of these key eras will provide insights into Cairo's intricate evolution and inform a comprehensive analysis of its dynamic history.

969 AD - 1250

Foundation by Fatimids

The decision by Arab leader Amr to establish Cairo as the capital on the eastern bank of the Nile was driven by strategic considerations and a favorable omen. Despite Alexandria's prominence, Amr opted for Cairo due to its lack of association with despised Egyptian rule and the auspicious sign of a pigeon nesting in his tent upon his return from battle. Early settlements in Cairo were fortified, but the shifting course of the Nile over time has obscured the original site. The river's movements prompted Cairo's expansion northward, exposing more land for development.

1250 - 1500

Rise of Ayyubids & Mamluks

The Mamluk era, following the Ayyubids, introduced a distinct phase in Egyptian history. Elite slave soldiers, primarily of Turkish origin, underwent rigorous training and education before being emancipated and recognized as Mamluks. Many high-ranking military and government officials emerged from their ranks, shaping the city's development as an urban elite. By the late 1300s, writers described Cairo as the biggest city anyone knew about, and one of the most powerful cities in the world.However, the zenith of Mamluk Cairo was curtailed by the devastating impact of the Black Death in 1348, precipitating a period of decline and crisis.

1500 - 1700

Ottoman Dominion

The Ottoman Empire's expansion into the Arab world spurred pilgrimage traffic to Cairo and Damascus, catalyzing substantial growth in Cairo. Southern Cairo saw the establishment of mosques, public fountains, and commercial hubs under Ottoman rule, contributing to a dense population of around 40,000 individuals per square kilometer. This urban development, characterized by the construction of essential infrastructure and bustling commercial activity, transformed Cairo into a vibrant center of trade and religious pilgrimage during the Ottoman era.

1700- 1850

Reign of Khedive Ismail

Under Khedive Ismail's 18th-century rule, Egypt modernized with projects like the Suez Canal and increased cotton production. Ismail established the Ministry of Public Works and introduced technical innovations. Gas lighting arrived in Cairo in 1865, and by 1882, 2500 gas lamps lined 70 kilometers of streets. European investments boosted the foreign population in Cairo from 35,385 to 55,987, driving property values up. The introduction of automobiles in 1903 accelerated urban transformation, while water supply to Cairo and suburbs reached 50 million cubic meters by 1927.

1850 - 1952

Colonial Cairo

During colonial Cairo, significant changes occurred as European powers exerted influence over the city. . Between 1880 and 1914, Cairo saw significant changes. Modernizing the irrigation system led to a 250% increase in cotton production and a fourfold rise in its value. This spurred advancements like railway expansion, harbor construction, and banking system development. However, socioeconomic disparities widened as the affluent thrived while the poorer classes struggled. World War I abruptly halted this period of growth.

1952 - 2024

Modern Cairo

Old Cairo and Bulaq face decline without historic preservation efforts, struggling with settlement preservation amidst Cairo's expansion. The iconic pyramids are now encroached upon by urban sprawl. Tahrir Square symbolizes Egypt's demand for freedom, akin to London's Hyde Park Speakers' Corner. The city's infrastructure, including the subway line beneath the Nile, enhances convenience, but satellite cities remain unconnected. Plans for a new capital east of Cairo underscore tensions between urban growth and tradition preservation.