Is Cairo the capital of Egypt?

When looking for information about the Middle East, there is no place more iconic than Cairo. The Egyptian capital is one of the most well-known cities in the region, with its ancient Pyramids and bustling streets making it a must-see city for tourists. But is Cairo really the capital of Egypt?The answer to this question is a definitive yes. Since 1867, Cairo has served as the official capital of Egypt, where the government is based. This has been true for over a century, and despite several other cities in the country being referred to as “capital’ or “capital of’, as part of their official titles, Cairo is the only true capital within the country of Egypt.The official title for Cairo is also quite vast, and perhaps explains why it is sometimes referred to as a state within a state rather than simply a city. From 1867 to 1953, the title of the city was “Al-Qahira”, meaning the “Victorious’ city in Arabic. However, in 1953, it was officially renamed “The Capital” or “The City of the Pharaohs”, which remains its title today.Since its foundation as the Egyptian capital in 1867, Cairo has grown and evolved into one of the world’s leading cities in terms of population, culture, and size. It is now home to nearly 8.3 million people — making it the biggest city in Africa and the Middle East — with its metropolitan area having a population of more than 22 million people. It is one of the most crowded urban areas in the world, and its population density is amongst the highest in the region. As Egypt’s political and cultural hub for over a century, Cairo has come to define Egypt’s identity as a nation. It is home to many iconic pieces of Egyptian History, from the Pyramids of Giza to Al-Azhar University and the Citadel, and it is also known for its incredible cuisine and bustling nightlife. Many famous musicians and painters have chosen to make Cairo their home. This includes Yousuf Karsh, the famous portrait artist who was born in Egypt in 1908 and whose works can be found around the world. Aside from its role as the Egyptian capital, Cairo is also an important political hub in the wider region. For example, since its founding in 1945, Cairo has been host to numerous important meetings and conferences, including the historical summit between United States President Woodrow Wilson and British Prime Minister Lloyd George in 1921. It has also hosted meetings related to many political issues, including peace negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis, US-led talks on resolving the Syrian conflict, and recent negotiations leading to a historic agreement between Ethiopia and Egypt over sharing water resources from the Nile River. All these factors contribute to making Cairo an important centre of culture and politics that shapes not just Egypt’s history but that of the wider region. It is no wonder then that Cairo has served as Egypt’s capital for over a century and will likely continue to do so for many more years to come. If you would like to learn more about Cairo’s role as Egypt’s capital city and its history, visit The Encyclopaedia Britannica for an insightful look into the city’s past.

Assuming that the blog title refers to Cairo being the capital of Egypt, here’s an insider’s guide to Cairo:

Insider’s Guide to Cairo: A City with a Rich Cultural Heritage

Cairo is Egypt’s bustling capital city brimming with energy, history, and culture. It’s located in northern Egypt on the banks of the Nile River and has been a center of power and influence for thousands of years. With a vibrant population of over 20 million people, Cairo is famous for its remarkable monuments, ancient landmarks, and diverse cuisine. Below is an insider’s guide to Cairo to help you plan your trip to this unique and adventurous destination.

Local Attractions

Cairo has an incredible range of tourist attractions that appeal to both history lovers and modern-day explorers. A few must-visit attractions include the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum. The Great Pyramids are one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and have been standing for over 4,000 years. The Sphinx is located near the Great Pyramids and is the largest monolith statue in the world. The Egyptian Museum is located in the city center and houses over 120,000 ancient artifacts, including the famous Tutankhamun treasure.

Dining Spots

Cairo has a diverse cuisine that blends influences from the Middle East, Mediterranean, and Africa. Visitors to Cairo should not miss the chance to try traditional Egyptian dishes like ful medames (stewed fava beans), koshari (a mix of rice, lentils, and pasta), and taameya (Egyptian falafel). For top-notch dining, head to Luxor Restaurant, Abou El Sid, Taboula, and Felfela for their delicious Middle Eastern dishes. If you’re on a budget, street food is a great option in Cairo, especially in Tahrir Square, where you can sample traditional Egyptian snacks like hawawshi (meat pies), kofta (grilled meat), and foul (stewed beans).

Cultural Experiences

Cairo is home to a rich and vibrant culture that is visible in the city’s architecture, art, and music. Take a walk around the city and explore the bustling markets, such as Khan el-Khalili and Bab el-Louk, and soak up the sounds and sights of traditional Arabic music, which is common in cafes and restaurants across the city. For a more immersive experience, visitors can book a private tour of Islamic Cairo’s mosques and markets or visit the Coptic Christian churches in Old Cairo.

Local History

Cairo has a rich history that dates back to the Pharaohs and the ancient civilization that developed on the Nile delta. Throughout history, Cairo served as a crossroads for trade and commerce from Africa, the Levant, and the Arabian Peninsula, which contributed to the diversity and richness of the city’s culture. One way to experience this history is to visit the Citadel of Salah al-Din, an ancient fortress built in the 12th century, which offers stunning views of the city. Other important historical sites in Cairo include the Al-Azhar Mosque, the Hanging Church, and the Mosque of Ibn Tulun.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For adventurous travelers, Cairo has plenty of off-the-beaten-path suggestions that offer unique experiences. A few of our favorites include taking a hot air balloon ride over Luxor, exploring the street art scene in the Downtown neighborhood, and visiting the Cave Church in Mokattam. Also, a visit to the Nubian village on the banks of the Nile River is an incredible opportunity to experience a different side of Egyptian culture and architecture.

Cairo is an incredible city full of history, culture, and life. With this insider’s guide to Cairo, you can make the most of your trip and enjoy the best that Cairo has to offer, whether it’s tasting traditional cuisine, exploring the ancient monuments, or discovering the city’s vibrant art scene.