Overview:

Al-Azhar Park in Cairo is a historic urban park located in the heart of the ancient city. Built on an area of 48 feddans (20 hectares), the park is fuelled by both an ambitious restoration agenda and a lasting commitment to evaluate and revive the heritage of the region. Al-Azhar Park is a green oasis re-energising the tourism sector. It is the largest and most ambitious urban park to be developed in Cairo in over a century and is the flagship of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture’s Historic Cities Programme in Egypt. The park includes areas of walking paths, play areas, and lawns with seating; additionally, it contains several restaurants and cafés overlooking the park, monuments, and a defensive wall built by Salah al-Din (Saladin) with eight gates allowing for access to the park, the Citadel, and Cairo’s old city. Al-Azhar Park also features a number of historic monuments, including a 9th century Bab Zuwayla Gateway with later additions, the remnants of a Byzantine fortress, and the ruins of two 12th century Fatimid palaces. All these monuments have been surrounded and protected by tastefully designed and sustainable landscape design. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt
Prominent Features:

1. The 16th century Ezbekeya citadel: The oldest part of Al-Azhar Park, the 16th century Ezbekeya citadel is situated in what is now known as the southwestern part of the Park. Constructed under the Mamluk Sultan Qansuh al-Ghawri (r. 1501-1516), its main purpose was for defense and protection of Cairo from the Ottomans. The fortification was surrounded by water with three gates to the north, south, and east. 2. A large open area: The Al-Azhar Park’s 65 acre landscape is a combination of greenery, walkways, and fountains all filled with vegetation and lush green lawns that are perfect for picnicking. This open space is a popular destination for visitors of all ages; it is the perfect spot for relaxing in the company of friends, family and even solo. 3. Islamic architecture: Al-Azhar Park is home to some of the most remarkable Islamic architectural marvels like the Mamluk Fountain, the Mosque of Qaitbay, as well as the Fatimid Lighthouse. This grandeur of Islamic architecture enthralls visitors of all creeds and religions. 4. Museum of Islamic Art: Located in the heart of the park, the Museum of Islamic Art exhibits an array of artifacts which bring to life the distinctive culture and rich heritage of Muslims in the Egyptian Empire. Spanning over several displays, the Museum allows visitors to have an in-depth exploration of Islamic craftsmanship and art. 5. A grand terrace: Situated in the hilltop of Al-Azhar park, the grand terrace overlooks the historicFatimid city of Cairo. The terrace serves as an ideal spot to take in the city’s incredible views and breathtaking skyline. 6. Entertainment: Entertainment is always on top of the agenda at Al-Azhar Park. The park offers different activities and events throughout the year such as concerts, open-air film screenings and local artists showcases. Visitors can take part in recreational activities such as sailing or boating in the park’s water features, or enjoying traditional Egyptian food in the various restaurants and cafes that line the park. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Egypt.

History:

Al-Azhar Park is a public park in the historic heart of Cairo, Egypt. It was founded in 2005 and is one of the largest parks in the city, covering 108 hectares (267 acres). It is located between the old city of Cairo, al-Azhar Mosque, and Islamic Cairo. It overlooks the city and is walking distance to the famous Khan al-Khalili market. The park is funded by an NGO, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, which has revitalized parts of the city with historical and cultural importance. The park was an anomaly in Cairo, known for its congestion and lack of public spaces. The park combined elements of traditional Islamic and modern design, with a number of key features such as water features and a 19th century garden. The park also has several walking and jogging tracks, a children’s playground, and a botanic garden. Due to the overwhelming popularity of the park, a number of other facilities have since been added, including a small bridge crossing the park, a carpet of flowers in the center, an information center, various restaurants, and a theater. Al-Azhar Park has become a place for social activities, including outdoor concerts, plays, and films. It is also popular with families, children, and joggers. The park has also been used as the backdrop for various cultural and artistic events. The park has become an iconic part of the Cairo skyline and was the first urban park in the city. It is an impressive display of how urban development can blend with preservation of the natural history of a city. Visit one of the famous monuments of Egypt with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Al-Azhar Park is located in the oldest part of Cairo, Egypt and is one of the largest public parks in the city. 2. It is situated on the former grounds of a Fatimid public cemetery and a rubbish dump. 3. It is recognized as an archeological site due to the ancient artifacts found during the renovations, including Islamic, Coptic, and Roman coins. 4. The park opened to the public in 2005 and covers about 30 acres of land. 5. It includes a small lake, playgrounds, running tracks, several gardens, and a historic mosque. 6. Al-Azhar Park is considered a model of sustainable development which has provided jobs and improved the environment of the area. 7. It was designed and funded by the Aga Khan Award for Architecture and nominated for a Global Award for Sustainable Architecture. 8. The park has become a popular tourist destination, and has been highlighted in several films and TV series including the American series Homeland. One of the historical monuments of Egypt, it tells the story of a bygone era