Cairo
Situated just beneath the Citadel, Salah al-Din Square (or Maydan al-Qal’a “Citadel Square”) is considered one of the most important historical squares in Cairo. It was given several names throughout its history, such as the Black Square and al-Remela Square.
It was subject to several phases of destruction by Mamluks and subsequent sultans. It was Muhammad ibn Qalawun who renovated the square, since it served as a polo court for him and his princes. During his reign, Salah al-Din Square was the venue for the prayers of the two most important Islamic festivals, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Ibn Qalawun also used the square as a reception area for ambassadors and foreign envoys, as well as a hall for celebrations and military parades.
The square overlooks number of Islamic monuments like: the citadel of Salah al-Din which opens onto the square by Bab al-Azzab, al-Mahmudiyya Mosque, Mosque and Madrasa of al-Sultan Hasan and al-Rifa’i Mosque. Several streets branch out from the Salah al-Din Square, including Souq al-Silah, Seket al-Mahgar, al-Imam Shafi’i and al-Qadam which leads to the mosque and shrine of al-Sayyida Nafisa.
