Al-Hakim Mosque, Cairo
The Mosque of al-Hakim, abutting the Northern Walls, commemorates one of Egypt’s most notorious rulers. Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah was only 11 years old when he became the 6th Fatimid caliph, and 15 when he had his tutor murdered. His reign (996-1021) was characterized by the persecutions of Christians, Jews, and merchants, and by rabid misogyny: he forbade women to leave their homes and once had a group of noisy females boiled alive in a public bath. Merchants found guilty of cheating during Al-Hakim’s inspections were summarily sodomized by his Nubian slave, Masoud, while the caliph stood upon their heads.
The mosque was thereafter shunned or used for profane purpose until 1980, when it was restored by a group of Bohara Isma’ili Shi’ites from India who have dedicated themselves to looking after Cairo’s Fatimid mosques. Their addition of brass lamps, glass chandeliers and a new mihrab outraged purist, but the original wooden tie-beams and stucco frieze beneath the ceiling remain. From the roof, you can gaze over Bab el-Nasr Cemetery and admire the mosque’s minarets, which resemble bastions and are its only original features. One advantage of modernization is the courtyard has some degree of wheelchair access ( via the side door, to the left of the main one; you’ll need to get someone to open it for you).
-
Travel Experience Since 1955
Memphis Tours is one of the pioneers which have great impact on travel industry for more than 55 years of experience.
-
Personalized Travel Services
Whatever your travel dreams, together we can custom-design the perfect itinerary with highly personalized services just for you
-
We Speak Your Language
A multilingual website offers content in 6 different languages English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian and German
-
Flexibility to Change
We know how important it is for travellers to have the flexibility to change their itinerary due to some reasons or force majeure
-
Your Safety and Security
A professional will accompany the guests to all of the places; they will never be left alone to fend for themselves
-
High Quality Service
We do believe honestly that quality should come first and quantity would come later and our main objective focused on (Quality is our Top Priority)
-
Customer Service 24/7
We offer Customer Support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone and email for questions about our tours and services
-
Support Sustainable Tourism
We are attempting to make a low impact on the environment and local culture, while helping to generate future employment for local people
-
Secure Online Payment
Our website is protected by the world′s most secure online payment system VeriSign Secure
-
Secure Website by MacAfee
Memphis Tours website is a McAfee Secure site that helps keep you safe from identity theft, credit card fraud and spyware