The History of Citadel of Salah El Din
The Citadel of Salah El Din, also known as the Cairo Citadel, was founded in 1176 AD by the famous Muslim leader Salah El Din, more commonly known in the Western world as Saladin. Salah El Din constructed the massive defensive fortress on a hill overlooking the city of Cairo as protection against the Crusaders. The solid stone structure took several years to complete and featured intricate military defenses designed to withstand any attacks.
- Place: Citadel of Salah El Din
- Country: Egypt
- Governorate: Cairo Governorate
- Age: Built in 1176 AD
- Population: Tourist site with no permanent residents
- Discovered by: Salah El Din
- Famous for: Iconic defenses and military structures
- Nearby locations: Mosque of Muhammad Ali, Egypt’s Al-Azhar University
Military Might and Strategic Location
Set atop a high rocky outcrop approximately fifty meters above both the east and west surrounding terrain, the Citadel provided a strategic vantage point over Cairo below. With thick stone walls up to twenty-five feet wide in certain sections and a deep dry moat, Salah El Din ensured his new fortress would be virtually impregnable from any invading forces. Artillery placements, barracks for soldiers, and storage for weapons and provisions reinforced the Citadel as a center of military might.
Residence of Rulers through the Centuries
In subsequent years after its construction, the Citadel became home to the royal palaces of Egypt’s rulers from the Ayyubid dynasty after Saladin through to the end of Muhammad Ali Dynasty in 1953. Within the enclosure walls, new palaces, barracks, mosques and administrative buildings were added over time. The complex essentially functioned as a ‘city within a city’ housing the royal court, army headquarters and government administration for Egypt through the turbulent centuries, underscoring its strategic significance.
Enduring Monument to History
Today the Citadel stands as an iconic architectural symbol of Cairo’s rich history, having witnessed over 800 years of political and military events in Egypt. Restoration work continues to help preserve the historical structures within the Citadel grounds including the Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha and the grand royal palace built during Muhammad Ali Dynasty’s reign from 1805-1953. As one of Egypt’s most popular tourist attractions, the Citadel welcomes visitors to walk through its arched gates and experience a glimpse into Cairo’s fascinating past.
