Cairo Egypt

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is the second largest city in Africa. Although relatively modern, the history of this city is connected with the ancient capital of Egypt . There are many ancient structures and many minarets all over the city. And so as a city of choice for tourists, thousands of tourists come here every year.

Cairo's climate is generally dry throughout the year, so it's always hot. It is especially hot from June to August, so it is better not to visit Cairo during this time. March to April and October to November are less hot. So early winter to early spring is a good time to visit Cairo, Egypt.

Almost all the structures of the city of Cairo, which is steeped in history, date back to the Sultanate and the Ottoman Empire. Most of the buildings of Cairo city are mainly built around the ancient period. There is no shortage of places to visit in this entire city if time is not lacking. And due to the proximity of Cairo and Giza, most of the tourist spots are located in the middle of the two cities.

Egyptian Museum (Egyptian Museum): Near Tahrir Square, this Egyptian museum has collected various historical artifacts from the prehistoric era to the Roman rule. Most of the arts here are from the time of the Pharaohs. The death mask of the boy king Tutankhamun, the treasures recovered from his tomb and tomb, the thrones of the pharaohs, the collection of their wardrobes, the ornaments of the Egyptians and the New Kingdom Royal Mummy are special attractions for tourists.

The Citadel: This fort is located at the foot of Mokattam Hill and was built by Saladin in 1176. Along with the original structure of this fort, later some other structures were built here. Mohammad Ali Mosque here is a special attraction for tourists. This tall minaret made of white stone is a special structure of Cairo. The Gaohara Terrace offers the most beautiful panorama of the city. To the north-east of this mosque is the mosque built by Sultan Hasan El Nasir, another example of Jamaluk architecture. Police Museum, National Military Museum and Carriage Museum have been built here with a few buildings.

Al Azhar Mosque: Built in 970 AD under the leadership of a Fatimid Caliph, Al Azhar Mosque is the first mosque in Cairo. Currently, this mosque is known as a place of various workshops and education for Muslims and also includes the famous Al Azhar University and this mosque. Open to all, including Muslims, this tourist spot is mainly visited by the beautiful architecture of the mosque's white marble courtyard and well-decorated prayer hall.

Old Cairo or Coptic Cairo (Old Cairo Or Koptik Cairo) : This huge fort located in the delta region of Cairo city was once known as Babylon Fortress. The Coptic Museum here is one of Egypt's oldest Coptic Art Museums, which contains a wealth of information from Egypt's Christian period. The Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus here is a special attraction for tourists.

The Hanging Church (The Hanging Church): This hanging church is located in the center of Coptic Cairo. The present building here dates back to the 7th century and is one of the oldest churches in Egypt. The church is so named due to its position over the gate house of the Roman Babylon fortress, which hangs over it. The interior of this church is beautiful, surrounded by wooden ceilings, marble dias and various religious collections are kept inside the church.

Khan El Khalili Market (Khan El Khalili Market): This market is one of the attractions of Cairo city. Basically gold, silver and various metal items are bought and sold in this market. Here you will find everything from antique metal items to locally handwoven lamp shades and more.

Al Azhar Park (Al Azhar Park): This park is a green collection in the old city. It gets very crowded in the afternoon on holidays. From here the view of old Cairo city at sunset is mesmerizing. There are several restaurants along with it. You can come to this park to relieve fatigue after visiting other places in the city.

Tahir Square (Tahir Square): Located in the center of Cairo, this place is a place full of memories of martyrs. This place is famous for political protests.

Gezariya (Gezariya): An island built on the banks of the Nile in the center of Cairo. To the south of the island lies Gezira District and to the north is Zamalek.

Cairo Opera House (Cairo Opera House): Located in the south of Gezira Island in the Nile River, this Opera House is a part of the National Culture Center of Cairo. Most of Egypt's musical groups are located here.

Museum of Islamic Art ( Islamic Art Museum ): Located on the outskirts of Cairo, this museum has the best collection of Islamic art in the world. This museum is not only in Egypt but the most beautifully decorated museum in the entire Middle East. The wall paintings, carved plaster, fine work on the wooden ceiling are worth noting.

Memphis: 2,000-year-old Memphis was the capital city of Egypt during the Old Kingdom. Which is recognized as a world heritage site. However, although many of the palaces here have been looted and demolished, the huge statue of Ramses preserved in the open museum is still attractive to tourists. In the pavilions around it, you can see the fine works of the pharaohs and the Egyptians up close. It would be good if Saqqara and Dashur toured together while traveling here.

You can also visit the Nilometer (a device that measures the height of the water during the flood, which creates a beautiful atmosphere when lit by candles in the evening), Step Pyramid and Museum, Bob Zuweila (some beautiful views of Islamic Cairo from here), Zamalek ( Zamalek), Al-Muiz Li-Din Allah Street, Ibn Tulun Mosque and Manyl Palace.

From Dhaka, Saudi Arabian, Kuwait, Turkish, British or Air Arabia Airlines or Emirates can go to Cairo, Egypt. It will take 10 to 14 and a half hours depending on the airlines.

A flight from Dhaka to Cairo will cost Tk 81,000-95,000 depending on the airline. And staying in Cairo city for 4 nights and 3 days will cost 1,90,000-2,50,000 taka. You can check sites like TripsAdvisor, CheapFlights, Comparewiz.com for cheap flights. However, December is the peak season for visiting Cairo, so the prices of hotels and tour packages are high at this time. Therefore, the cost of visiting in December will be a little higher.

There are a number of good hotels and hostels to stay in Cairo near the Egyptian Museum, Cairo Tower and Khan Al Khalili. For example, Oasis Hotel, Safari Hostel, Jamalek Suites, Ismaili House Inn, Kairomun Hostel, Cecilia Hostel, Hostel Luna, Freedom Hostel will get a room for two people between 8,500-17,000 rupees.

Locals in Cairo mainly eat bread, rice and pulses. And tourists from different countries come here, so besides local food, there are several restaurants where food from other countries is available. For example, you can try Thaw food at Bird Cage, Japanese food at Sogan, European food at restaurants like Left Bank, as well as local restaurants at Abu Tarek, Yuba, Abu El Sid, Sabaya, Sequoia and Felfela. And among the local dishes, you can try Aish Baladi (Egyptian-style pita), Hamammahshi (pigeon cooked with rice or wheat), Mouloukhia (rabbit or chicken stew), Mallow (green vegetables and vegetables cooked together). And here in many restaurants you will find Nile fish which will give a different kind of taste. And of course don't forget to have tea at Fishawi in Khan El Khalili Market.

Feature Image: Encirclephotos.com