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Political Power and the Transformation of Cairo's Urban Identity during the Ayyubid Era
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Zeinab Fazli   |
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Abstract: (1149 Views) |
With the rise of Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi in 567 AH, a new and distinct historical period began in the history of Cairo. During this time, Cairo became the capital of the new ruling state in Egypt. However, its urban context was transformed by Ayyubid policies regarding urban development and changes in social and religious structures. Consequently, the city’s identity shifted from a Fatimid-Isma'ili to a Sunni-Ayyubid one. Hence, this raises the question: How did Cairo’s historical identity transform during the Ayyubid period (567–648 AH)? According to the findings of this study, which employs the historical urban studies method and focuses on three key elements—political power, geographical expansion, and socio-cultural identity—Cairo underwent fundamental changes in three dimensions: physical and geographical development, social structure, and cultural context, driven by political will and power during the Ayyubid period. In addition to the destruction and elimination of Fatimid-era cultural and civilizational landmarks, the Citadel of Jabal (Qal‘at al-Jabal) was constructed on the Moqattam Hills and became the administrative and political center of the city instead of Fatimid Cairo. Furthermore, with the construction of Salah al-Din’s defensive wall, Greater Cairo (al-Qahira al-Kubra) was formed, encompassing Fatimid Cairo, Fusṭāṭ, Qaṭāʾi, and the Citadel of Jabal (Qal‘at al-Jabal). With the support of the Ayyubid rulers, numerous madrasas were also founded in Cairo, transforming the city into a cultural center for Sunni Islam.
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| Keywords: Roda Island (Jazīrat al-Rawdah), Islamic Urbanism, Cairo, Ayyubid Cairo, Citadel of Jabal (Qal‘at al-Jabal), Islamic Egypt. |
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Full-Text [PDF 1587 kb]
(470 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2024/04/29 | Accepted: 2024/09/5
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