Sultan Hassan Walking Tour

We knew no one when we moved to Cairo in December 2016.  As homeschoolers, we needed community – and fast.  One miraculous coincidence led to another, and within weeks we were part of a homeschool co-op that generated dear friends we call best friends even today – seven years later.  The co-op activities were a fun side benefit.  STEM, arts and crafts, and field trips?  Yes, please! 

(Introducing Sultan Hassan – your new favorite mosque)
Our very first fieldtrip with the co-op – to the Sultan Hassan Mosque – was unforgettable.  We had only just crossed the threshold of the mosque when the muezzin began the call to prayer (the adhan).  The acoustics of that place are phenomenal.  I get chills just thinking about it.

That trip to Sultan Hassan was just the beginning of my obsession with the Mamluk mosque and the surrounding neighborhood known by locals as al-Darb al-Ahmar.  Each visit we discover something new.  

(Sultan Hassan – suitable for all ages!)

Two of my favorite “add-ons” to a trip to Sultan Hassan are the Armourer’s Souq and Razzaz Palace.  Both are only a short walk (or even shorter tuk-tuk ride) away from the mosque.

(Sabil-Kuttab of Ruqayya Dudu)

As the name suggests, the Armourer’s Souq (Souq al-Silah) was where rich and famous Mamluks had their weapons crafted.  Be sure to look for the crest of sultan’s official armourer  on buildings here and there along this route.

(Crest of the Silahdar, or Royal Amourer)

Continue down Souq al-Silah Street and you will find Razzaz Palace.  This old Mamluk home once boasted over 190 rooms!  Today, only the courtyard is officially available to visitors, but a little baksheesh should gain you access to the labyrinth of rooms within the compound.

(Razzaz Palace – It’s bigger on the inside!)

I’m warning you.  Sultan Hassan and al-Darb al-Ahmar are addictive.  I guarantee that you’ll be captivated by this historical and culturally rich neighborhood.  You’ll want to return and explore yet another side alley or mosque or shop.  Do it!  And you never know…you might bump into me there!