By: Fiona Bultonsheen

Cairo is approximately 214 square kilometers in area and 841 miles from the Mediterranean Sea.

Cairo ( is is the capital city of Egypt. Nearly one-third of the entire Egyptian population live in Egypt. Cairo was constructed about1,000 years ago in A.D. 969 by the Fatimid dynasty’s leader Jawhar Al Sekelly to function as a protected, majestic capital. Ever since then, Cairo became the capital of Egypt and many flock to it as it is the largest city in the continent of Africa and the Arab world. This breathtaking city happens to reside on the banks of the Nile.

 Even now, Egyptians are mainly Arab and ancient Egyptian direct descendants.  10% of Egyptians are Christian and 90% are Muslim.  Arabic is the official language in Egypt.  As with most of Egypt, Cairo is more conservative so it is important to dress appropriately: a women’s shoulders and knees should always be covered and men should wear long pants/trousers.

 Because of its close proximity to the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx about 4.3 million tourists charge to Cairo each year.  From the months of June to August, Cairo can reach a scorching average of 95 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, while from November to February the area stays within the comfortable 60s degree range. Astoundingly, Cairo receives approximately 22 mm. / 1in of rain in a year.

 Al Azhar Mosque and University The Al Azhar Mosque was named after Muhammad’s daughter, Fatima Az-Zahraa. Starting in A.D. 971 the mammoth project was completed in merely two years. In 988, it became a school of theology known as a Islamic Shia school, although now it is a Sunni school that claims to be the oldest Islamic university in the world.

 The Citadel of Cairo This fortress is located on Mokattam hill in the center of Cairo, which demonstrates how this spot was very useful for the 700 hundred years Egyptians ruled here after Saladin built it in the 12 th century. Now it serves as a historical site with mosques and museums.

 Museum of Islamic Art Regarded as the one of the finest museums in the world, the Museum of Islamic Art, contains over 100,000 items and was established in  Al-Ghouri Complex Sultan Qansuh Al-Ghouri built this complex in 1503 before he died in battle. It resides on both sides of Al-Mo'ez Street. Now the Al-Ghouri Complex boasts cultural events and religious recitals.

Throughout Egyptian history, it is clear that there is a great love and taste for food. Depictions on tombs and in temples display rich feasts and a great diversity of food. Commodities such as peas, beans, wheat, barley, fish, poultry cucumber, grapes, figs, and dates are popular in the ancient epoch and in modern Cairo. Some favorite meals include: Gebna Makleyah, Shai (Mint Tea) and Baklava, Koushari, Kebob, Falafel, Fatayeer, and *Ful Medames Note: There are changes to meals due to Ramadan. *some Egyptians consider it as the national dish. It’s eaten during breakfast, especially early when someone is preparing for Ramadan because it is very filling.

Ramadan in Cairo, Egypt Ramadan which takes place in the 9 th month of the Islamic lunar calender. During Ramadan Muslims partake in a fast from sunrise to sunset. In order to break the fast, after the sun sets, Muslims eat their breakfast which consists of dates and sweets. Ramadan begins with the sighting of the crescent moon. Egypt’s symbol for Ramadan is the lantern which can be seen lining Cairo ‘s streets. Canons signal the start of the fast. Al Azhar Mosque

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