alQahira

alQahira, commonly known as Cairo, is the capital and largest city of Egypt. It sits along the Nile in the northern part of the country and forms the core of the Greater Cairo metropolitan area. The name al-Qahira, meaning “the victorious” or “the conqueror” in Arabic, designates the city as the central seat of power for the Fatimid Caliphate when it was founded in 969 CE by Caliph al-Mansur.

Historically, the area hosted earlier settlements, with the city developing as a major political, cultural, and educational center under Islamic and later Ottoman rule. In the 19th century, modernization programs by Muhammad Ali and his successors transformed Cairo into a modern administrative and economic hub. The city has remained Egypt’s capital into the present day and has expanded rapidly to accommodate growing populations and economic activity.

As of the early 2020s, the city proper is home to roughly 9 to 10 million residents, while the Greater Cairo metropolitan area holds about 20 to 22 million people, making it one of Africa’s largest urban agglomerations. The urban landscape includes historic districts such as Islamic Cairo and Coptic Cairo, alongside modern commercial districts, universities, and cultural venues. Key institutions include the Egyptian Museum, Al-Azhar University, and the Cairo Opera House, with transport connectivity provided by Cairo International Airport and a metro system.

Cairo experiences a hot desert climate, characterized by hot summers, mild winters, and low annual rainfall. The city’s location along the Nile and its dense population continue to influence its economy, culture, and daily life.