Al-Saliba Street

Al-Saliba Street

Cairo

Al‑Saliba is one of the main old streets in medieval Islamic Cairo. It runs from Midan al‑Qalʿa (Salah al‑Din Square, also known as Citadel Square) all the way to al‑Sayyida Zeinab Square. The street was named al‑Saliba “Cross Street” around 700 years ago due to its intersections with many other streets along its path. From the 14th to mid‑16th centuries, al‑Saliba was lined with state establishments and the residences of the most important officials in Egypt.

          This historic street bore witness to many historical, political, and social events, from the convoys of Sultans, to state celebrations, and even plots prepared by Mamluk rulers against one another. Many princes lived in al‑Saliba and built military installations, including a military school and weapon and rifle workshops.

          A vast range of Islamic buildings can be found along just this one street, including mosques, schools, kuttabs (Quran teaching schools), sabils (public water fountains), khanqas (Sufi gathering locations), hammams (baths), and palaces. The whole street is an open‑air museum to Islamic Cairo in its entire splendor. Among the most important monuments on the street are Ahmed ibn Tulun Mosque, Bayt al-Kritliyya, and Sabil-Kuttab Um 'Abbas.

Location

Tickets

Entry area is free of charge