Tales at the Foot of the Citadel (Home of Wood Cutters, Craftsmen, and Artisans)

Only walking distance from the New Gate (al-Bab al-Jadid) of the Citadel (built by Mohamed Ali instead of the traditional Ayyubid stairwell gate), lies the neighbourhood of wood cutters, craftsmen, and artisans born and bred beneath the walls of the Citadel. On this tour, we visit the home of those who provided the Citadel with wood, pearl, textiles, and endless handmade crafts for many years. On our tour, we will stroll through Dar al-'Adl Square, 'Atfit al-Kassara and Bab al-Wada', and other streets named after the stories that reflect the interwoven history of the great Citadel. We will visit other streets and alleys distinguished by their special landscapes blended with light Egyptian humour. A walk amongst old doors, windows and traditional workshops will carry us to the world of pearl-work, woodwork, khiyamiyya and other centuries-old crafts almost nearing extinction and will lead us to al-Shurafa shrine, one of the monuments known for its peculiar myths. And only a few metres away, in al-Hattaba desert by the al-Huggag waterwheel, is where children play despite the haunting legend of Mother of Thorns (Umm al-Shawk). As we stand on the summit of al-Khanqah al-Nizamiyya, we will get a chance to appreciate the unique view of Fatimid and Mamluk Cairo stretching from Bab Zuwalia to Bab al-Wazir. That same spot happened to be utilized by Bonaparte's soldiers in the 14th century as a fort to fire at Egyptian forces. Down al-Duhdira street, we will stop at the first Mamluk-style Sabil, eloquently independent and carved into the mountain. We will also visit al-Manshikiyya square, to view another independent minaret. Lastly, the tour will end with a refreshing gathering and warm cup of tea in al-Hattaba Garden implemented by Megawra with support from Pepsi Co.

This guided tour is one of the services provided by Athar Lina Product Line. The product line is one of the outcomes of Athar Lina Heritage Design Thinking School project, run by Built Environment Collective, funded by Drosos Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Solidarity.