World of the Fatimids and Short Films - AKDN in Cairo

Summary

The video script delves into the rich history of Cairo, the largest city in the Arab world, highlighting its cultural diversity, historic landmarks, and the Fatimid dynasty's impact. It showcases the city's evolution from a bustling trade center to a hub of intellectual and artistic achievements, while also touching on modern efforts in urban revitalization and community development, reflecting Cairo's enduring legacy.

Takeaways

• 🌆 Cairo is the largest city in the Arabic-speaking world with a population of approximately 20 million people and a high population density.
• 🏙️ The city is characterized by a blend of concrete, traffic, pollution, and crowds, alongside its rich cultural heritage of mosques, churches, synagogues, and universities.
• 🕋 Cairo's history dates back to the Fatimid dynasty, which established the city as the capital of their empire and named it al-Kahira, meaning 'the victorious'.
• 🏛️ The Fatimid period saw a flourishing of intellectual life, arts, sciences, and architecture, with many magnificent buildings preserved to this day.
• 🕌 Al-Azhar Mosque is a prominent example of Fatimid architecture and is considered one of the oldest universities in the world, predating the earliest European universities by 100 years.
• 📚 The House of Knowledge, with its large public library, was a center for the study of the Quran, Hadith, humanistic studies, philosophy, and astronomy during the Fatimid era.
• 🌍 Cairo was a cosmopolitan city and a major commercial center, attracting immigrants and offering a wide variety of goods from around the world.
• 💍 The city was known for its exceptional craftsmanship in jewelry, glassware, carpentry, leather, and metalwork, which were exported beyond Egypt.
• 📜 The Geniza documents provide a wealth of information about the daily life and prosperity of Cairo's society, revealing its connections to various parts of the world.
• 🏛️ The collapse of the Fatimid dynasty led to the rise of the Ayyubid, Mamluk, and Ottoman eras, each leaving its mark on Cairo's Islamic heritage.
• 🏞️ Modern restoration projects, such as the Al-Azhar Park and the restoration of the Aksum Cur Mosque, serve as catalysts for urban revitalization and social development.

Q & A

What is the current population of Cairo and how does it compare to other cities in the Arabic-speaking world?

Cairo is home to approximately 20 million people, making it the largest city in the Arabic-speaking world with one of the highest population densities.

What are some of the cultural and historical features of Cairo?

Cairo is a repository of many cultures with stunning mosques, churches, and synagogues, important universities, vibrant popular culture, and echoes of a fascinating past.

When was the name 'Cairo' first mentioned in history and by whom?

The name Cairo was first mentioned in history more than a thousand years ago when the rulers of the Fatimid dynasty chose this place to establish the capital of its empire.

What significant event marked the beginning of the Fatimid Caliphate in Egypt?

The Fatimid Caliphate in Egypt began in 969 when they conquered the prosperous city of Al-Fustat, which was founded three centuries earlier by the first Arab troops that had conquered Egypt from the Christians.

What is the historical significance of the Fatimid wall found by archaeologists?

The Fatimid wall found by archaeologists is significant as it provides examples of the urban layout of early Cairo, including structures like a mausoleum with a fountain and a garden from the end of the 10th century.

What is the historical significance of the mosque of Al-Azhar?

Al-Azhar mosque is historically significant as it was founded not only as a place of prayer but also as a center for education, considered one of the oldest universities in the world, predating the earliest European university by 100 years.

What was the role of the House of Knowledge during the Fatimid period?

The House of Knowledge was an institution with a large public library where the study of the Quran and the Hadith went hand in hand with humanistic studies, philosophy, and astronomy, containing some 200,000 volumes and manuscripts in different languages.

How did the Fatimid dynasty display tolerance towards other minorities during their rule?

The Fatimid dynasty displayed a broad tolerance of other minorities, including Christians and Jews, who were not only allowed to practice their religion but also managed to attain important social positions.

What was the impact of the famine in the middle of the 11th century on the Fatimid Caliphate?

The famine in the middle of the 11th century had a devastating impact on the Fatimid Caliphate, leading to hunger and despair, and contributing to the eventual collapse of the dynasty in 1171.

What is the significance of the restoration of the Al-Akshum Mosque in Cairo?

The restoration of the Al-Akshum Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is significant as it is part of a broader urban revitalization project in the historic neighborhood of Al-Darb Al-Ahmar, which includes the construction of Al-Azhar Park and various social and economic development initiatives.

What role does Al-Azhar Park play in the revitalization of Cairo's historic neighborhoods?

Al-Azhar Park serves as a catalyst for urban renewal, providing a green space for the city's residents and generating funds that support various projects, including job training for local residents, support for local artisans, and the restoration of historic structures.

Outlines

00:00

🏙️ Cairo: The Triumphant City of History and Culture

Cairo, the largest city in the Arab-speaking world, is home to around 20 million people and is characterized by its high population density. Despite being known for its concrete jungle, traffic, and pollution, it is also a rich cultural hub with significant religious buildings and renowned educational institutions. The city's history dates back to the Fatimid dynasty, which established Cairo as the capital of their empire and named it 'Al-Qahira,' meaning 'the victorious.' The Fatimids, descendants of Prophet Muhammad, expanded their rule and left a lasting impact on Cairo's architecture and urban planning, with archaeological findings revealing early Fatimid structures and fortifications.

05:01

🕌 Architectural Marvels and Cultural Prosperity of Fatimid Cairo

Cairo's medieval period, under the Fatimid rule, was marked by an extraordinary flourishing of intellectual life, arts, and architecture. The city witnessed the construction of several magnificent buildings, such as the Mosque of Al-Aqmar, known for its unique stonework and decorative motifs. The Fatimids also founded Al-Azhar, one of the oldest universities in the world, and the House of Knowledge, a vast library that rivaled those of Baghdad and Constantinople. The city's prosperity was reflected in its bustling bazaars, where a variety of goods from across the world could be found, and in the exquisite craftsmanship of its domestic items and metalwork.

10:01

📚 The Legacy of the Fatimid Dynasty and Cairo's Golden Age

The Fatimid dynasty's rule in Cairo was marked by a broad tolerance towards other religious minorities, allowing Christians and Jews to attain important social positions. The city was cosmopolitan, attracting immigrants and becoming a commercial center between the East and West. The Fatimids' golden age saw the production of exceptional jewelry, glassware, and other crafts that were exported beyond Egypt. The city's prosperity is further evidenced by the discovery of the Geniza documents, which provide insights into the daily life of a cosmopolitan society connected to various regions through family and commercial ties.

15:02

🗺️ The Fall of the Fatimid Dynasty and the Rise of New Dynasties

After two centuries of splendor, the Fatimid dynasty collapsed in 1171 due to political conspiracies and the effects of a seven-year drought. Salah al-Din, a Kurdish soldier, took over and established the Ayyubid dynasty, marking the end of Fatimid rule and the beginning of a new era. The new authorities attempted to erase the Fatimid legacy, but the architectural and cultural contributions of the Fatimids continued to influence Cairo's development through subsequent eras, including the Mamluk and Ottoman periods.

20:04

🏛️ Revitalizing Cairo's Heritage and Urban Landscape

Cairo's rich Islamic heritage, including the oldest mosques and Fatimid-era decorations, is being preserved and revitalized. The restoration of the Al-Akshar Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, and the construction of Al-Azhar Park are part of broader urban renewal projects aimed at improving the quality of life for Cairo's residents. These projects not only conserve architectural treasures but also serve as catalysts for social and economic development, reflecting the ongoing efforts to maintain Cairo's unique historic narrative.

25:08

🌱 Sustainable Agriculture and Community Development in Egypt

The Aga Khan Foundation Egypt, in collaboration with local partners, is working to improve the livelihoods of farmers and communities in Aswan by promoting sustainable farming techniques. This includes the use of drip irrigation and environmentally friendly practices that reduce water consumption. The foundation encourages the cultivation of less water-intensive crops like vegetables and fruits, which can provide a more stable income for farmers. Additionally, the foundation supports community-based organizations in improving local services such as education, health, and sanitation, contributing to the overall well-being of the communities.

30:09

🛠️ Skill Development and Employment Opportunities in Cairo

The Masala Foundation, funded in part by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, is empowering residents of the Darb Al-Ahmar neighborhood in Cairo by providing carpentry and woodwork training. This skill development initiative is creating employment opportunities and improving living standards. The foundation's efforts are part of a larger revitalization strategy for the neighborhood, which includes the creation of Al-Azhar Park, a green space that has spurred transformation in the surrounding areas and provided a range of benefits, including job training and support for local artisans.

35:09

🌿 Greening Cairo: Rooftop Farming and Urban Renewal

Rooftops in Cairo, once underutilized, are being transformed into spaces for urban farming through the efforts of the Masala Foundation. This initiative has helped families build tables for growing fruits and vegetables, contributing to healthier diets and additional income. The greening of these areas also improves air quality and reduces waste. Al-Azhar Park, created by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, serves as a 'green lung' for the city, providing a place for relaxation and contributing to the broader revitalization of the urban environment.

40:15

🏞️ Al-Azhar Park: A Catalyst for Urban Transformation

The Al-Azhar Park, spanning 30 hectares, is a significant urban renewal project in Cairo that goes beyond providing a recreational space. Since its opening in 2005, the park has catalyzed positive change in the surrounding areas, including job training for local residents, support for local craftspeople, and restoration of historic structures. The park's entry fees have funded various projects, enhancing the quality of life for Cairo's residents and contributing to the city's cultural and economic vitality.

Keywords

💡Cairo

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is the largest city in the Arabic-speaking world with a population of approximately 20 million. It is characterized by its high population density and is depicted in the video as a city of many cultures, history, and architectural marvels. The city's history and its role as a cultural and historical hub are central to the video's theme.

💡Fatimid Dynasty

The Fatimid Dynasty is a key historical period highlighted in the video, known for establishing Cairo as the capital of its empire over a thousand years ago. The Fatimids, who were a Shiite Muslim caliphate, are credited with transforming Cairo into a center of intellectual and artistic life, leaving a lasting legacy in the city's architecture and culture.

💡Al-Kahira

Al-Kahira, meaning 'the victorious', is the name given to Cairo by the Fatimid Dynasty. It signifies the city's resilience through various historical challenges, such as invasions, bombings, plagues, and famines. The term is used in the script to underscore Cairo's historical significance and its ability to overcome adversities.

💡Population Density

Population density refers to the number of inhabitants living in a given area. In the context of the video, Cairo is described as having one of the highest population densities in the world, with more than 250,000 inhabitants living in a single square kilometer. This concept is important for understanding the city's challenges and vibrancy.

💡Cultural Repository

The term 'cultural repository' is used in the video to describe Cairo as a place where many cultures converge. It is home to stunning mosques, churches, and synagogues, reflecting the city's religious and cultural diversity. This concept is central to the video's portrayal of Cairo as a melting pot of different cultures and traditions.

💡Intellectual Life

Intellectual life in the video refers to the period of extraordinary flourishing in Cairo during the Fatimid era, characterized by advancements in the arts, sciences, and architecture. The script mentions the construction of magnificent buildings and the establishment of educational institutions, emphasizing the city's historical significance as a center of learning.

💡Al-Azhar Mosque

Al-Azhar Mosque is one of the most famous and significant mosques in Cairo, as well as a center for education since its founding. The video describes it as a mix of constructions from different periods, with its original nave supported by 300 marble columns. It represents the architectural and cultural heritage of Cairo.

💡Geniza

Geniza refers to a storage room within the Ben Ezra Synagogue where a vast number of handwritten documents were discovered. These documents, dating from the 9th to the 19th centuries, provide a detailed account of daily life in Cairo and are instrumental in understanding the city's history and the life of its inhabitants during the Fatimid period.

💡Tolerance

Tolerance in the video is discussed in the context of the Fatimid Dynasty's rule, where they displayed broad tolerance towards other religious minorities, including Christians and Jews. This policy allowed these groups to practice their religion freely and attain important social positions, which was unusual compared to other Muslim rulers at the time.

💡Cosmopolitan City

A cosmopolitan city is one that is characterized by its diversity and international flair. The video describes Cairo as a cosmopolitan city that attracted immigrants from throughout the world, making it the largest commercial center between the East and West. This term is used to illustrate Cairo's historical role as a hub for global trade and cultural exchange.

💡Urban Revitalization

Urban revitalization refers to the process of restoring and improving urban areas to enhance their social, economic, and environmental conditions. The video discusses several projects, such as the restoration of the Al-Akshar Mosque and the creation of Al-Azhar Park, which are part of broader efforts to revitalize historic Cairo and improve the quality of life for its residents.

Highlights

Cairo is the largest city in the Arabic-speaking world with a population of approximately 20 million and one of the highest population densities.

The city's history dates back to ancient settlements before the Christian era, with the name Cairo first mentioned over a thousand years ago.

The Fatimid dynasty, descendants of Prophet Muhammad, established Cairo as the capital of their empire and named it al-Kahira, meaning 'the victorious'.

Cairo has survived numerous invasions, bombings, plagues, and famines, living up to its name as 'the victorious'.

The Fatimid Caliphate's prosperity is evident in the preserved architectural marvels like the Mosque of al-Aqmar built in 1125.

Cairo was a cosmopolitan city and a commercial hub between the East and West, attracting immigrants and boasting a variety of goods.

The Fatimid dynasty was known for its tolerance towards other religious minorities, allowing them to practice freely and attain social positions.

The House of Knowledge, founded by the Fatimids, was a significant center for study with a vast public library containing 200,000 volumes and manuscripts.

The Geniza documents discovered in the Ben Ezra Synagogue provide a wealth of information on the daily life and prosperity of Cairo's society.

Cairo's art and architecture showcase a unique blend of influences from previous styles, creating a distinct Fatimid aesthetic.

The fall of the Fatimid dynasty in 1171 led to the rise of the Ayyubid dynasty, marking a significant shift in Cairo's political landscape.

The restoration of the Al-Azhar Mosque and the creation of Al-Azhar Park are part of a broader urban revitalization effort in Cairo.

The Aga Khan Trust for Culture's projects in Cairo, including the restoration of historic buildings and the creation of public spaces, contribute to social and economic development.

The Yom Habiba Foundation, in collaboration with the Aga Khan Foundation, has improved the lives of farmers through sustainable agricultural practices.

Kitchen gardens have been promoted to improve nutrition and provide additional income for women in Aswan, Egypt.

Continuing education programs for nurses in Aswan are filling gaps in knowledge and improving healthcare provision.

The Masala Foundation is providing carpentry training and other skills development opportunities to residents of the Darb Al-Ahmar neighborhood.

Rooftop gardens are being developed in Cairo to provide fresh produce, improve air quality, and create income opportunities for residents.

Al-Azhar Park serves as a 'green lung' for Cairo, contributing to urban renewal and providing recreational space for the city's residents.

Transcripts

[Music]

hey

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

cairo

home to approximately 20 million people

is the largest city in the arabic

speaking world

with one of the highest population

densities

more than 250 000 inhabitants live in a

single square kilometer

in some of its streets

almost one in four egyptians lives in

the enormous capital of egypt

it is a vast city of excesses dominated

by

concrete traffic pollution and crowds

but it is also a great repository of

many cultures

it is here you can find stunning mosques

churches

and synagogues important universities

bustling streets vibrant popular culture

and echoes of a fascinating past

[Music]

its origins stretch back far in time

with ancient settlements before the

christian era

but the name cairo was first mentioned

in history more than a thousand years

ago

when the rulers of the fatimid dynasty

chose this place to establish the

capital

of its empire

[Music]

and they called it al-kahira

the victorious

since then al kahira has honored its

name

having survived invasions bombings

plagues famines

and incredible calamities and yet

ultimately it has always been victorious

[Music]

the extraordinary history of cairo dates

back to the end of the 10th century

when a new caliphate dynasty burst onto

the scene that would seize egypt

from the abbasid caliphs of baghdad

[Music]

this new dynasty the fatimids were

descended from the prophet muhammad

through his daughter fatima

they had arisen from a group of shiite

believers persecuted by the abbasid

rulers in baghdad

led by the ismaili imam abdullah

al-milah

al-mahdi had fled and taken refuge in

sigil massa

in present-day morocco from where he

launched a force that would attract

followers over the years

and establish the fatimid caliphate in

ifrikia

today's tunisia his successors would

eventually extend their conquests to

sicily syria and the red sea

in 969 they also conquered the

prosperous city of alphostat

founded three centuries earlier as a

settlement by the first arab troops that

had conquered egypt from the christians

this military camp had gradually

expanded thanks to its geographical

location

at the gateway to the delta of the

world's longest river

the new fatimid lords took control of

al-fustad

but they decided to establish the court

outside town

so they founded a royal site located a

few miles north

alcahera this new walled urban complex

measured around one and a half square

kilometers and would soon become an

exclusive area containing palaces

mosques madrasas

baths fountains and private gardens

archaeologists have uncovered many

examples of the urban layout

of this early cairo

we found next to the ayubid wall we

found this beautiful

beautiful fatimid wall made of mud brick

and we were lucky enough to find

two kind of fatimid structures we found

a fatimid mausoleum with a fountain and

a garden

from the end of the 10th century so

basically almost from the time when the

fatimid came

from tunisia to egypt and then we found

this fatimid fortification

made of mud brick from the end of the

11th century

from the time of this very famous vizier

uh

jamali

only a few remains of the original

fatimid walls exist

but these are magnificent examples such

as the south gate

babzuela which can be recognized by the

colossal minarets of the adjacent mosque

of al-mu'ayad

[Music]

zuela was the name of one of the many

north african

berber tribes that formed the fatimid

armies

in their conquest of northern egypt

[Music]

the gate was renowned over the centuries

for hanging the heads of criminals there

for public scorn

[Music]

a street some one and a half kilometers

long crosses all medieval cairo between

this gate located to the south side of

the walls

and the north gate and it bears the name

of the conqueror of egypt and founder of

the city

the caliph al-muiz

it is today an amazing boulevard

[Music]

the north gate babal futur still looks

monumental

despite the low height of the entrance

caused by the level of the street

which has progressively risen over the

centuries

[Music]

over 200 years the early heart of the

court of

al-kahira was transformed to incorporate

a new population

with new palaces houses and centers of

[Music]

worship

egypt experienced a very high degree of

prosperity

and both the new city of cairo and the

older city of all foster

witnessed an extraordinary flowering of

intellectual life

the arts the sciences and architecture

this can be seen in several magnificent

buildings that have been preserved until

this day

such as the mosque of alakmar built in

1125

with its characteristic sculpted

keel-shaped niche

and central inscribed medallion with the

inscribed names of muhammad

and ali they have magnificent stonework

a lot of it very unusual for cairo in

that it shows decorative motifs which

aren't found on any other monuments

it also has a very unusual oratory that

was built on top of the muklatum cliffs

which has some magnificent

stucco work carved plaster and in fact

there's another

very similar one right behind me and

this too

is one of the finest examples that we

have a fatimid stucco work

now there's a a dichotomy

in the way we have objects of art

presented in a religious context in

islam in which

you almost never find figural images but

those which were made for a secular

context such as the

palaces are very frequently found with

figural images

and many of these are found on the

pottery we have wonderful examples

of people dressed in luxurious clothing

we have examples of genres in scenes of

everyday life such as wrestlers

competing in competitions

we have animals which have perhaps

iconographic meanings associated with

paradise such as peacocks

several imposing mosques were erected

including that of al-hakim

dating back to the late 10th century

with its unique minarets that recall the

ancient towers of the pharaonic temples

[Music]

or egypt's most famous mosque al-azar

the splendid its vast size with five

minarets and six entrances

means it can be seen from any part of

the city

it is today a mix of constructions from

different periods

based around its original nave supported

by 300 marble columns with pre-islamic

period capitals

and subjected to constant restoration

processes

[Music]

it was founded not only as a place of

prayer but also as a center for

education

the muslim world considers alasa to be

one of the oldest universities in the

world

founded 100 years before the earliest

european university

[Music]

the fatimids also founded the house of

knowledge

with its large public library in which

the study of the quran and the hadith

went hand in hand with humanistic

studies philosophy

and astronomy

this medieval library contains some 200

000 volumes and manuscripts in different

languages

at the time it rivaled the libraries of

baghdad or constantinople

unfortunately it has not survived its

collection ended up dispersed and

destroyed

unfortunately there was a terrible

famine in the middle of the reign of

almost answer

in the middle of the 11th century and

because there wasn't money to pay the

troops

they helped themselves to the contents

of the treasury

and unfortunately the library along with

many other treasures were

dispersed gold objects were melted down

so

we only have the records of those from

the historical manuscripts not the

actual artifacts

if the house of knowledge had been

preserved we would know many more things

today about the golden age of this

civilization

which between the 10th and the 12th

centuries gave us such extraordinary

sages

as ibn alhaison discoverer of light

refraction on the lens of the human eye

who settled in cairo in the 11th century

the fatimids constituted a minority

they displayed a broad tolerance of

other minorities during their rule

including christians and jews who were

not only allowed to practice their

religion

but also managed to attain important

social positions

[Music]

now tolerance itself is relatively a

modern term

and it relates somehow to our idea in

the modern period

of religion being a personal issue and a

private affair

we can remark upon is that on the one

hand

non-muslims under fortunate rule were

not heavily persecuted

and that the fatimids do not seem to

have had a concerted policy

of converting their populations to islam

or to shiite islam in particular now

this also led them perhaps to

appoint several important non-muslim

figures and

authorities in position of authority so

that was relatively unusual in

comparison to other muslim rulers at the

time

under whose rule usually non-muslims

face a glass ceiling there was a limit

to how far they could be promoted in the

administration

and in government

[Music]

cairo was a cosmopolitan city that

attracted immigrants

from throughout the world the largest

commercial centre between the east and

west

[Music]

anything could be found in its bazaars

mats from alexandria and basra turbans

from spain and sicily

ropes from baghdad armenian rugs chinese

ceramics

scented soaps from tunisia steel swords

from damascus

byzantine brocades pearls from muscat

and rubies from salon

and 26 varieties of linen made locally

the production of fabrics goldsmithing

pottery wood carving and decorative

elements

attained a high level during this time

interiors were clad with inlaid wood and

arabesque decorated stucco

and domestic items showed ivory inlays

or fine mother-of-pearl detail

the art of metalwork and rock crystal

carving

became extraordinarily refined

more than a thousand years have passed

but the alleys of old cairo

still offer many unique products in a

traditional atmosphere

that recalls its medieval past

and inside the modest houses of the

historic city

there are still workshops for dying yarn

and many other artisan workshops that

have survived the passing

of the centuries

[Music]

the number of craftsmen in cairo

multiplied during the golden age of the

fatimids

leading to the production of exceptional

pieces of jewelry

glassware carpentry leather and metal

work

that were exported further afield than

egypt

[Music]

[Music]

[Music]

the products created today in these

small cairo workshops are on display in

traditional and tourist markets

such as still a faint echo of the fame

they enjoyed

centuries ago

we have the testimony for instance of an

iranian traveler nasser khusrau who

wrote a very famous book of traveller

safar name

in which he describes the condition of

the country during the reign of al-haqam

and he says for instance that the city

was so prosperous the people were so

honest

that when everybody went to friday

prayers the merchants didn't even bother

locking up their shops

such was the security in the city that

everybody felt quite at ease

and he describes the city as

being extremely wealthy with every kind

of

commodity possible being found in the

bazaars and the souks in cairo

the gold dinars minted by the fatimids

reached every corner of the

mediterranean

while most european cities were living

in dark or wretched conditions

cairo saw a life of luxury with gold

silver marble pearls and diamonds

things occurred then that surprised us

today bankers

issued promissory notes and offered

loans

traders sold goods on credit and doctors

made patients sign waivers

that protected them against claims after

surgery

these facts are known thanks to the vast

number of handwritten documents found in

the 19th century

inside a special storage room called

geniza

within the benezra synagogue one of the

most famous in the world

ever since the discovery of these

documents

more than 400 000 fragments from the 9th

to the 19th centuries were found

all were sold abroad to collectors and

foreigners and have been studied by

scholars ever since

they were written in hebrew but also in

arabic latin

aramaic and many other languages and

they recount the details of the daily

life of a prosperous surprisingly

cosmopolitan

society cairo was connected to

al-andalus

samarkand and yemen and even to the

coastlines of malabar and ceylon

through family and commercial ties

so this gives us an idea of how at least

for

a good number of people fortunate rule

brought

a flourishing economy and society and we

see

the signs of this even in some of the

very

exquisite products that survive very few

but very exquisite products that survive

of the court

and we also see elements from daily life

in the excavations of fostot

and we hear echoes of this in the

documents in the geniza

to a considerable extent it was a period

of success

but after 200 years of splendor during

which cairo grew to become the largest

city in the muslim world

the fatimid shi'i dynasty collapsed in

1171

submerged in political conspiracies and

the effects of a seven year drought that

led to hunger and despair

a kurdish soldier called salah hadim and

the last of the fatimid viziers

gradually took over and eventually put

an end to fatimid rule

salah hadim named himself sultan and

established a new dynasty of vassal

governments of the baghdad caliphate

imprisoning or executing the fatimid

court and prohibiting

shiite policies and practices

[Music]

the new authorities attempted to erase

the memory of the previous rulers

even prohibiting any visits to the tombs

of muslim historical figures

a very widespread trend at the time

only a few of these tombs are preserved

today in cairo

such as the mausoleum of sahida rukaya

which contains extraordinary mukharnas

and inscriptions from the quran written

in arabic

kufic script

the new ruler salah hadim wanted to

display his power

so he commissioned the construction of a

new royal residence

the citadel a symbol of this new era

more layers of history have accumulated

in cairo since the collapse of the

fatimid regime until today

such as the subsequent eras of the

ayubids the mamluks

or the ottomans these make up a

spectacular islamic heritage

that can be seen throughout the entire

old city as well as in darbalahmar

a neighborhood built in the 12th century

on the land stretching between

cairo and al fustat

[Music]

[Music]

um

[Music]

me

[Music]

cairo has a vast islamic past

[Music]

the oldest mosques that remain standing

such as the 9th century

eben tulun display a combination of

materials and styles from different

periods

each political religious and artistic

period

has left its imprint as in this

exceptional decorative work from the

fatimid era

what is very interesting is how the

fatimid the art and architecture has

taken from previous

uh decorations like byzantine and coptic

and created its own forms and its own

designs

cairo a foundation by the fatimids

continued to exist through the ayubit

period through the mamluk period

and now it's a mixture of all these

architectures that blend together within

this city

delving into the past of cairo

overwhelms the imagination

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cairo is like a fantastic volume of

stories

gathered over centuries about men and

women

rich and poor the weak and the powerful

locals and foreigners

all adding to a uniquely fascinating and

complex historic narrative

to this day people of all ages are still

sitting in front of the mosque

of al-hakim

this monumental building was built over

a period of 23 years by the fatimids

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construction work was started by the

imam khalifa aziz

and completed by his son the imam khalif

al-hakim

ten centuries later the mosque was

abandoned and in complete disrepair

until a first restoration process in

1980

since then it is once again being used

and admired by its neighbors

few cities in the world can boast of

housing the heritage of so many

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civilizations

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this powerful legacy can also still be

seen in extraordinary buildings such as

the mosque of alaska

which has welcomed religious worship and

teaching since its foundation to this

day

but also many other artistic expressions

customs and traditions

the fatimid dynasty one of the most

splendid

ever known in the muslim world made a

large

contribution to this legacy

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so

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um

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the aksum cur mosque in cairo has stood

for nearly 700 years

popularly known as the blue mosque it

closed in 1992

following earthquake damage now

thanks to the argo khan trust for

culture its doors are open

the mosque's restoration is only one

part of a much broader urban

revitalization project in the historic

but run down

cairo neighborhood of al-darba ahmad

this includes the construction of azar

park on a site which was a rubbish dump

for hundreds of years

today the park receives millions of

visitors a year

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the completion of the restoration was

marked by a ceremony in may 2015.

in attendance were his highness the argo

khan the governor of cairo

and egypt's minister of antiquities

it is not enough only to conserve an

architectural treasure

restoration projects can also serve as

springboards

and trampolines for broad social and

economic development

and poverty reduction i think

people of this area and people of cairo

will witness

more and more projects that will be done

in this area and they will enhance the

quality of life a team of 60 to 80

craftsmen and conservators

carried out the detailed restoration

after the earthquake

some of these beams was broken and

we decided to remove that broken one

and remove one layer of the painting and

we

brought a new beams a good one and we

glue the painting

bars and we install it again to keep the

same

pattern of the of the beams

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as well as make good earthquake damage

they also undertook seismic retrofit

measures

to protect against future earthquakes

but this project is about much more than

just reviving a mosque and a rundown

neighborhood

in undertaking this work we are not only

attending to our own islamic heritage

but also preserving an essential part of

the patrimony

of all humankind

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rural communities in aswan rely on water

drawn from the river nile

but increasingly that source is under

threat

farmers here need to move away from

water intensive crops like this

sugarcane

since 2009 the yaga khan foundation

egypt in collaboration with its local

partner the yom habiba foundation

has worked with over 6 000 farmers and

800 women

to promote improved farming techniques

these include

environmentally friendly practices such

as drip irrigation and the reduction of

chemical inputs

the foundation encourages farmers to

grow vegetables and fruit

such as these peppers

these crops need less water and can be

harvested regularly through the year

so they earn farmers a greater income

than sugarcane

i am sorry

for

agriculture program is conducted in

collaboration with community-based

organizations

these organizations help mobilize

farmers act as brokers with local

markets and collectively bargain on

behalf of their members

as well as improving the incomes and

practices of farmers the om habiba

foundation works with community-based

organizations

to improve the standard of living these

organizations work with local

communities to understand what their

needs are

and then plan and execute local projects

that seek to improve

services such as education health and

sanitation

this successful approach has been

recognized in june 2015 the yom habiba

foundation and egypt's directorate of

agriculture

signed an agreement to extend the

agriculture programme to an additional

5000 farmers over the next five years

her wader is a widow she lives with her

two children in the town of com ombo

50 kilometers north of aswan city

following the death of her husband

she found it hard to get by

with less money for food keeping her

children healthy also became a struggle

now thanks to training from the om

habiba foundation part of the yaga khan

development network

she's learnt how to turn her limited

outdoor space into a kitchen garden this

doesn't just provide nutritious food for

her family

it helps financially

as a result of the kitchen garden

hawaiida is 50 dollars a month better

off

high numbers of egyptian children suffer

from malnutrition

the om habiba foundation has helped 850

women establish kitchen gardens

hawaiida is now a facilitator and trains

other women how to make the most of

their outdoor space

the role has transformed her life

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m

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home

in aswan the standard of healthcare

provision is low

nurses are a key aspect of healthcare

but training in egypt currently does not

provide them with sufficient skills

continuing education programs like this

one for nurses

are helping to fill gaps in knowledge i

give

the nurse training about infection

control

time management stress management

communication

skill basic life support

opened in may 2010 the continuing

education center is run by the om habiba

foundation

part of the yaga khan development

network

local hospitals employing nurses trained

here have noticed a difference

especially when it comes to

communication skills

foreign

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foreign

foreign

the continuing education center runs a

range of practical employment related

courses

for different disciplines in healthcare

it's already making a difference to the

thousands of people who live in aswan

the communication skills has improved

infection control i think

there is a big difference before

training and after training

i think this training is so

important the performance

as a general in hospital has improved

for many degrees

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the masala foundation is an organization

seeking to improve the lives of people

in the cairo neighborhood of darba ahmad

its 15-day training course in carpentry

and woodwork

is arming residents with the skills most

likely

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the masala foundation is part funded by

money

generated here at the nearby al azad

park

a 30 hectare green space created by the

yaga khan trust for culture

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projects like this carpentry training

are part of a wider push

to revitalize the whole neighborhood

adel ahmed mohammed has now found a

better job

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after finishing the the training we are

taking them to the factories

having their interviews with the with

the people in the

uh who is in charge and the factories

and they are

going to for to work very fast

all of them are getting jobs

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cairo's rooftops have long been a wasted

space

now they're becoming a place of

opportunity a place where people can

grow their own

food

the masala foundation is behind the

transformation

so far it's helped 33 families build 300

tables

where fruit and vegetables are planted

part of its funding comes from revenues

generated here

at the nearby al-azar park

this 30 hectare park was created by the

aaga khan trust for culture

as part of a much larger rehabilitation

of the surrounding neighborhood of

dabala

worship

people grow vegetables to provide a

healthy diet for their families and to

create

extra income

the greening of the area helps to

improve the air quality in cairo

and remove unwanted rubbish

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my

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a city of more than 10 million like

cairo

needs a place to catch its breath

constructed by the yaga khan trust for

culture al-azhar park

is a green lung for africa's largest

capital city

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since opening in 2005 it's also sparked

transformation in surrounding areas

here park entry fees have helped fund a

number of projects

there's been job training for residents

of the nearby darba al-ahmar

neighborhood

and support for local makers of

handicrafts who now have a place to sell

their products

and hundreds of young men and women have

found work in the park

not just in horticulture and services

but on project teams

restoring the ayubid wall a number of

landmark historic mosques and buildings

have also been restored

the park is considered part of darba

lahmar because

i want to tell you that one third of our

employees are from

most of our registration projects we

used

people from we are so integrated with

one body

whatever we do and its people is very

beneficiary of what we do

so the more projects we do the more they

are happy with us

the 30 hectare al-azhar park is more

than just a place to relax

and unwind it's a catalyst for urban

renewal

in one of the most congested cities in

the world

you