Ramadan in Historic Cairo

Historic Cairo Mosques are renovated to receive Muslims before Ramadan, the most important Islamic occasion for Egyptians due to its distinctive rituals.

After extensive renovations, Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Ahmed Issa and Minister of Endowment Mohamed Mukhtar Gomaa inaugurated the Mosque of Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah, in Al-Muizz Street in Ancient Cairo.

The inauguration featured appearances by Khaled Abdel-Aal, Governor of Cairo, and Mostafa Waziri, Secretary-General of the Council for Antiquities.

The project was in collaboration with the Indian Bohra community and under the supervision of the Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish antiquities sector of the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the General Administration of Historic Cairo.

In his address, the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities praised the efforts of those who contributed to the maintenance and renovation of this historic mosque, stressing the importance of promoting the Islamic monuments of Historic Cairo at that time.

Meanwhile, Gomaa expressed his happiness with the opening of this iconic mosque before the holy month of Ramadan.

He also thanked the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities for its tremendous efforts in the restoration work that takes place in various ancient Egyptian mosques.

In Ramadan, the people of Historic Cairo focus on preparing all requirements including the fruits, cereals and spices which, they believe, enhance the food flavor and make it tastier. They keep the tradition of preparing heavy cuisines and dishes made from barley as appetizers.

As the sun slowly approaches the top of the Salaeldin Castle hill overlooking El-Mokatm Plateau, the Historic Cairo's Muslims stir their Tamar Hindi drink, preparing for the loud bang that means they can finally break their fast.

Then, one after the other, the lights on the city’s old mosques minarets light up, replacing the sun that sunk beneath the Plateau seconds ago.

The "Azan", the Islamic prayer call, echoes through the streets of Gamlya and Hussain district again sometime between 8 and 5 pm, and Muslims head to their iconic mosques to attend the “Tarrawih” prayer.