Zahi Hawass Foundation for Antiquities and Heritage Launches 3rd Training Course with Field Tour of Fatimid Cairo

The Zahi Hawass Foundation for Antiquities and Heritage has officially launched the first day of its third training program in Islamic Archaeology (Group I). The program commenced with an extensive field tour of the historic landmarks of Fatimid Cairo, the fourth capital of Islamic Egypt.

The tour began at the Madrasa and Dome of Al-Salih Najm al-Din Ayyub. Abdullah Taha, a researcher in Islamic archaeology and the Foundation’s training coordinator, provided a comprehensive lecture on the history of the Fatimid Caliphate. He traced its origins in the Maghreb to the successful entry of Caliph Al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah into Egypt in 969 AD (358 AH) and the subsequent founding of Cairo, highlighting the military and political prowess that defined the era.

Architectural Evolution and Historic Landmarks

The field visit provided in-depth architectural analyses of several key monuments that showcase the evolution of Islamic design, including:

The Madrasa and Dome of Al-Salih Najm al-Din Ayyub: Notable for being the first school to teach the four Sunni schools of jurisprudence (Fiqh) simultaneously in 1243 AD (641 AH).

The Complex of Sultan Al-Mansur Qalawun: Including the Madrasa and Dome of Sultan Al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qalawun. Special attention was given to its unique Gothic-style portal, which was relocated from the Church of St. John in Acre following the victories of Al-Ashraf Khalil ibn Qalawun in 1291 AD (690 AH).

The Al-Muizz Street Architectural Path: The group visited the Madrasa and Khanqah of Sultan Al-Zahir Barquq, the Hammam of Inal, and the Al-Aqmar Mosque, widely considered a masterpiece of Fatimid architectural facade design.

Conclusion at the Northern Walls

The first day concluded at the Mosque of Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah (formerly known as Al-Anwar Mosque). The session detailed the mosque's construction phases, which began under Caliph Al-Aziz Billah in 989 AD and were completed by his son, Al-Hakim, in 1012 AD.

The route also included Bayt al-Suhaymi, the Sabil-Kuttab of Abdel Rahman Katkhuda, and culminated at Bab al-Futuh (the Gate of Conquests) and the ancient city walls. Discussions focused on the extensive fortification and renovation works commissioned by the Vizier Badr al-Jamali during the reign of Caliph Al-Mustansir Billah.

Vision for the Future

This training course is part of the Zahi Hawass Foundation’s broader mission to empower young researchers and professionals. By bridging academic theory with hands-on field documentation in one of the world’s richest archaeological sites, the foundation aims to build a new generation of skilled Egyptian heritage experts.