Al-Muizz Street
Al-Muizz Street, located in the Arab Republic of Egypt, is recognized as the first pedestrian-only street in the country. It is also acclaimed as the largest open-air museum in the world, showcasing Islamic heritage. Situated in Cairo’s historic Al-Azhar area, this street is a significant cultural landmark.
The architectural treasures along Al-Muizz li-Din Allah Street were severely impacted by the earthquake that struck Cairo in 1992, resulting in damage to approximately 210 locations and artifacts. Since that time, restoration efforts have been ongoing to revive the street’s historical character, especially as it houses numerous ancient buildings that are still inhabited today. The street has been paved with granite and basalt stones, alongside enhancements to electrical and drainage networks.
Key Historical Sites on Al-Muizz Street
Among the many monumental sites, the first must-see for visitors is the Cairo Wall, constructed by Jawhar al-Siqilli. This historic site is complemented by two grand gates: Bab al-Nasr (Victory Gate) and Bab al-Futuh (Opening Gate).
The street also features a collection of architectural wonders such as Qalawun Complex, the Khanqah of Sultan al-Zahir Barquq, and the Al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qalawun School. Additionally, the Hall of Muhibb al-Din Abu al-Tayyib and the Sultan Inal Bathhouse are noteworthy attractions. Here, one can find a museum dedicated to Islamic textiles along Sabil Muhammad. The Ashrafiyya School and several mosques, including the Mosque of Qadi Yahya Zain al-Din and the Suleiman Agha al-Sulhadhar Mosque, are also located along this historic thoroughfare. The complex includes Sabil and a Kuttab, as well as the Al-Kamil School, dating back to the Ayyubid period, and the Al-Salihiyya School, all situated in the Copperworkers’ District of the street.
Among other prominent features are the Sultan Al-Ghuri Complex, the large Eastern Palace, also known as the Palace of the Caliph Al-Muizz, which served as the Ayyubid seat of power during Salah al-Din’s period. Additionally, there is the smaller Western Palace, named after Al-Aziz Billah, the son of Caliph Al-Muizz, located adjacent to the Eastern Palace, as well as the Palaces of Amir Bishraq and Amir Taz. The street also contains several well-known mosques, including the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, the Mosque of Al-Mu’ayyad, the Mosque of Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah, the Mosque of Al-Qamar, and the Mosque of Al-Ashraf Barsbay.
Al-Muizz Street is home to two notable caravanserais, one of which is the Bazira Agency from the Ottoman era, along with three Zawiyas (religious schools), including the Zawiya of Abu al-Khayr al-Kullabati. This area features two bathhouses, one of which is known as the Al-Mu’ayyad Bath, and a water Sabil named after Abd al-Rahman. Notably, in 1979, UNESCO designated this historic street as a World Heritage Site.