Thursday, July 10, 2008

One of the days I've been waiting for - to visit more mosques & Salahuddin's citadel.

Love it when our van drives over the bridge, and I get to see a great view of the Nile River, mosques' minarets, apartments dusted with sand...simply breathtaking. I felt as though I was on top of a hill overlooking Cairo. I felt as if I was in 'Arabian Nights'.

The citadel overlooks the city of Cairo from Muqattam hills. I could almost imagine his army always ready peeping through the windows which look like pigeon holes from far.

Mohammed Ali Pasha Mosque was designed by a Greek architect in Ottoman style in 19th century. With the tall, slender minarets, it reminded me of the Blue Mosque in Turkey. From the courtyard, you can have a magnificent view across the city to the pyramids of Giza. Too bad, it was foggy that day..couldnt see the pyramids.

Next was Gawhara Palace, built by Mohammed Ali in 1814 to house his guests. We are not allowed to take pictures. There were amazing treasures like portraits (there's one with eyes following you - same effect Mona Lisa portrait has), costumes and expensive furnishings...just love the huge bed!

We also went to the military museum and police museum, where Ahmad (tour guide) showed me a photo of a personnel who later became an actor after retiring from the force. I didnt believe him and he actually googled on his Nokia to prove to me.

We then went to Imam Shafie Mosque which is very small. It used to be a madrasah only. His maqam is also housed here. Sad to look at its condition. And on the wooden floor, said to be a Prophet Muhammad's footprint. Wallahualam....Couple of female beggars bugging us...they are professionals who are actually not poor, according to Ahmad.

Sultan Hassan Mosque a short drive from citadel, it was founded by a Memluk ruler. This mosque acts as a 'madrasah' accomodating the four main Islamic school of thoughts (mazhab). Above each door indicates the diff mazhab and has 4 diff areas for assembly of students. The imam recite a prayer with the lights off in one of the halls. His voice echoed and give me the chills. No microphones needed...just the dome and 'half domes' supporting it. The cornices, the stained glass windows....I cant find these in Spore!

Refaie Mosque is located beside Sultan Hassan Mosque. Both mosques are still used for prayers. Imagine Friday prayers at 2 mosques side by side.

Subhanallah...simply awed.

It was time to part from Jaafar, our Indonesian tour guide.

Dinner was different. Ahmad brought us to a Chinese restaurant, Peking, just a few streets down from our hotel. It was odd listening to the Egyptian waiter who look like a Caucasian, trying to make us feel at home. As he served our food, he'll say the Malay words he know 'ayam, ikan, pisang, teh, terima kasih, sama-sama...'

We will have more than half a day free tomorrow so Ahmad volunteered to bring us to City Stars Mall. We willingly agreed.

naniz @ 10:29:00 PM