The Eastern Ayyubid Wall

The Eastern City Wall of Cairo wall was built in three different periods. - In the first period, it was built using mud bricks by the founder Gawhar Al Siqili, an army leader during the Fatimid Period in 358AH – 969AD. This part was completely demolished and the only remains are now seen in the Archeological Triangle area and at Bab-Al Tawfiq. - The second building campaign was by Badr Al Din Al Gamali, the minister of Fatimid Khalif Al Mostansir Bellah between (480-485 AH) (1087- 1092 AD). Remaining from this wall can only seen in Bab Al-Tawfiq with a foundation text dated to 480 AH. - In the third period, the City Wall was expanded during the reign of Salah-Al-Din Al-Ayyub, who developed his project to extend the Walls from the Citadel to Al-Fustat to surround the whole capital, between (569- 589 AH)(1171 – 1193 AD).

Architecture

A lot remains from the Ayyubid Eastern City Wall. Major parts are at the area of Borg Al-Zafar tower extending from Gawhar Al Qa’ed Street (Al- Azhar) to Bab Al-Wazir between Al-Azhar Park and Al-Darb Al-Ahmar. During the excavations of the Ayyubid Wall, the Bab Al Barqeya was also discovered. It is a three quartered circular large tower known as Borg Darb Al Mahrouk due to its location at the beginning of the so called Darb Al Mahrouk, also Bab Al-Mahrouk. Finally, at the southern end of the Wall lies Bab Al-Wazir towards the Citadel.

Corridors above the wall

1050
people are checking in The Eastern Ayyubid Wall

The features of the eastern part of the Ayyubid Wall were revealed during the earthworks preparation for Al Azhar Park foundation. The Wall today extends 1500 meters, from Bab Al Wazir at the south to Al-Azhar Street at the north. The Aga Khan Trust for Culture started the restoration work on the Wall in 2000 AD and completed it for the Al-Azhar Park opening

During restoration

Restoration

During restoration

Location:Cairo, Egypt
Coordinates:30.040523°N 31.264631°E
Built:Est. 569 AH /1171 AD.
Governing body:Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Architectural Type:Military architecture.
Architectural style:Ayyubid.

During restoration

half-circular tower

Bab Al-Barqiyya

Bab al-Barqiyya is a significant gate of Cairo’s Ayyubid Wall, constructed between 1171 and 1176 (566-572 AH), which was covered by debris before its restoration.