On our last day in Cairo, we stopped by early morning at The Citadel, home to Egyptian rulers for almost 700 years. As it was end of October, it was getting chilly especially in the morning. I think temperature was about 17-20 deg C. This dashing fella was our tour leader from KL. I think the travel agency got someone from the Malaysian office so that the leader doesn't need to get a visa. He's quite a humorous and helpful leader, well worth our tips.
The most famous landmark in the Citadel is the Mosque of Mohammed Ali. It is built by reformist leader Mohammed Ali who is also regarded as the founder of modern Egypt.
This is the beautiful courtyard of the mosque where worshippers wash their hands and feet before going into the mosque.
Within the mosque is an altar which looks very much like a Catholic Church. This is where the priest preaches before prayer.
Looking straight up the ceiling you will find these imposing domes. This mosque is deeply influence by the Turkish architecture and has a strong European feel to it. I certainly felt like i've stepped into a European Baroque-era church!
When the mosque was first opened, these lights were actually lighted with naked flames in them because electricity was not widespread yet. Imagine how lovely they must have looked. Later, they changed them to light bulbs, as we see it today.
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