History of Citadel of Salah
AdDin
The Citadel of Salah AdDin, also known as the
Citadel of Cairo, is a medieval Islamic-era fortification
located in Cairo, Egypt. It was constructed during the Ayyubid
Dynasty in the 12th century under the rule of the Kurdish
Ayyubid ruler, Salah al-Din (Saladin) [1]. The Citadel was built
to serve as a military fortress, as well as the center of Salah
al-Din's government [2]. Salah al-Din used modern fortress
building techniques of that time to construct the original
Citadel, including the use of great, round towers protruding
from the walls [3]. The Citadel went through three main
construction periods throughout its history, including the
Ayyubid era in the 12th century during Saladin's reign [4].
The Citadel of Salah AdDin played a significant role in the
Crusades, serving as a strategic military location. Saladin's
son, Al-Malik al-'Adil, completed the building of the Citadel
and surrounded some of the towers with outer encasing towers
[5]. The Citadel was also used as a military garrison by the
British during the 20th century [6]. First conceptualized by
Saladin in 1176, the Citadel was designed to be the "stronghold
in a grand and ambitious defensive project" [7]. Recognizing the
importance of having such a fortified and protective structure,
Saladin found much inspiration in the Syrian and Lebanese
citadels [8].
Today, the Citadel of Salah AdDin remains an important
historical and cultural landmark in Egypt, attracting tourists
from all over the world. It offers magnificent views over the
city and serves as a reminder of the rich history and
architectural achievements of the Islamic world. In addition,
there is a Citadel of Salah Ed-Din located in Shir al Qaq,
Latakia, Syria, which is a Crusader-era castle designated as a
World Heritage site in 2006 [9]. Overall, the Citadel of Salah
AdDin stands as a testament to the ingenuity, strength, and
resilience of the Islamic civilization.
Architecture and Design of
Citadel of Salah AdDin
The Citadel of Salah AdDin, also known as the
Citadel of Cairo, is a medieval Islamic-era fortification in
Cairo, Egypt. It was built by Salah ad-Din, also known as
Saladin, and further developed by subsequent Egyptian rulers
[6]. The fortress boasts unique features that make it stand
out from other fortresses of its time. Salah ad-Din used the
most modern fortress building techniques of that time to
construct the original Citadel, including great round towers
that protruded from the walls [3]. The citadel has three
main areas: the main fortress and eastern walls, which were
built by Salah ad-Din in 1176, the southern enclosure with
its mosques and palaces, and the northern enclosure, which
was added by Muhammad Ali Pasha in the 19th century [10].
The Citadel of Salah AdDin is considered one of the most
elegant fortresses constructed during the Middle Ages [8].
The use of natural terrain in the design of the Citadel of
Salah AdDin is another unique feature of the fortress. The
fortress is situated on Mokattam Hills, which provides a
strategic advantage both to dominate Cairo and to defend
against outside attackers [3]. The citadel consisted of
watchtowers, the main building, and the gate. The city gates
were built at different times, and the location of the
Citadel provided a commanding view of the surrounding areas
[11]. The strategic location of the Citadel of Salah AdDin
was crucial in defending against the armies of the Crusaders
[2].
The importance of the strategic location of the Citadel of
Salah AdDin cannot be overstated. The fortress was built to
defend against outside attackers and to become the center of
Salah ad-Din's government [7]. Today, the Citadel of Salah
AdDin is one of the most popular tourist attractions in
Egypt [12]. UNESCO has declared it a world heritage site,
which further highlights its significance [1]. The Citadel
of Salah AdDin is a testament to the architectural and
design prowess of the medieval Islamic era and a reminder of
the strategic importance of fortresses in the past.
Importance of Citadel of Salah AdDin
Today
The Citadel of Salah AdDin, also known as the
Citadel of Cairo, is a significant tourist destination and
UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was originally built by
Saladin in the 12th century and has since been developed and
renovated by subsequent rulers [6]. The Citadel is home to
numerous museums, historical carriages, and three mosques,
including the Alabaster Mosque [7]. Since 1976, it has been
protected as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic
Cairo, attracting visitors from all over the world [13]. The
Citadel's historical and cultural significance makes it an
essential destination for anyone interested in exploring the
rich history of the Arab world.
The Citadel of Salah AdDin is not only a popular tourist
destination but also a symbol of Arab resistance against the
Crusaders. Under Saladin's command, the Ayyubid army
defeated the Crusaders at the Battle of Hattin in 1187,
recapturing Jerusalem and re-establishing Muslim control
over the Holy Land [14]. Saladin's legacy has made him a
symbol of resistance to the West, particularly in the
context of Arab nationalism in the 20th century [15]. The
Citadel serves as a powerful reminder of the Arab world's
rich and complex history of resistance against colonialism
and foreign occupation.
The Citadel of Salah AdDin is a testament to the cultural
and historical significance of the Arab world. It is one of
the most important Islamic monuments in Cairo, showcasing
medieval and 19th-century history [16]. Saladin, who founded
the Citadel, is one of the most notable and significant
figures in the history of the Arab world [17]. His rise to
power and military achievements, including the capture of
Jerusalem, have made him a revered figure in Arab and
Islamic history [18][19][20]. The Citadel of Salah AdDin is
a vital cultural landmark, representing the rich history and
heritage of the Arab world.
References
1.
Cairo Citadel - History and Architecture. (n.d.)
Retrieved June 26, 2023, from
landioustravel.com/cairo-citadel/
2.
Salah El Din Citadel in Cairo | Egypt. (n.d.) Retrieved
June 26, 2023, from www.memphistours.com
3.
The Citadel in Cairo. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023,
from http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/citadel.htm
4.
Saladin Citadel and Muhammad Ali Mosque. (n.d.)
Retrieved June 26, 2023, from www.connollycove.com
5.
Citadel of Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi - Discover Islamic Art.
(n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from
islamicart.museumwnf.org
6.
Cairo Citadel. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairo_Citadel
7.
Saladin's Citadel: Cairo's Urban Fortress. (n.d.)
Retrieved June 26, 2023, from egyptianstreets.com
8.
The Citadel Of Saladin. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023,
from www.ask-aladdin.com
9.
Citadel of Salah Ed-Din. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26,
2023, from
www.historyhit.com/locations/citadel-of-salah-ed-din/
10.
Saladin Citadel in Cairo | Salah El Din citadel facts.
(n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from www.sharm-club.com
11.
Citadel of Salah El Din - Mohamed Ali Mosque | Cairo ....
(n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from
www.deluxetoursegypt.com
12.
Cairo Citadel - 7 Wonders. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26,
2023, from 7wonders.org/africa/egypt/cairo/cairo-citadel/
13.
Salah El Din Al Ayouby Citadel | Saladin Citadel | Cairo ....
(n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from
egypttimetravel.com/saladin-citadel-in-cairo
14.
Saladin. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saladin
15.
Salah Al-Din Al-Ayyubi. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023,
from www.memphistours.com
16.
Saladin Citadel Mohammad Aly Mosque - Cairo. (n.d.)
Retrieved June 26, 2023, from www.memphistours.co.uk
17.
Citadel of Saladin – Cairo, Egypt. (n.d.) Retrieved
June 26, 2023, from
www.atlasobscura.com/places/citadel-of-saladin
18.
Saladin. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from
www.cs.mcgill.ca/~rwest/wikispeedia/wpcd/wp/s/Saladin.htm
19.
Emperor Salah Al-Din. (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023,
from www.egypttoursportal.com/en-us/emperor-salah-al-din/
20.
Saladin | Biography, Achievements, Crusades, Facts.
(n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2023, from
www.britannica.com/biography/Saladin |
