In Cairo, there is a place called Bab Al Futuh.

A big open gate in the manner of the gateways of North African Medinas that dates back to the Ottoman era, although not quite as massive.

An intriguing edifice that, to this day, hosts an annual festival dedicated to commemorating the Hajj, which is a significant event in the Muslim calendar.

If you want to enjoy a memorable trip in Egypt, check out our Egypt Excursions with our certified Egyptologist and Egypt travel guide.

Location:

Located in the Old Cairo neighborhood, near various tourist attractions, and within 30 minutes drive of Downtown and Central Cairo, this location is ideal.

History:

The entry of the Mahmal, a decorated camel litter commemorating the Sultan’s involvement in the hajj, is seen by large crowds at the Bab al Futuh (Open Gate).

It is still possible to see Islamic pageantry on display at the Molded of Sidi Ali al Bayoumi, which takes place in early October and during which the Rifai brotherhood marches behind its mounted sheikh with scarlet flags fluttering.

Beginning in El-Hussein, the procession continues via the Bab al-Futuh and continues north down Sharia Husseiniya, where villagers pelt the sheik and his red-turbaned supporters with large sweets known as arwah.
The Northern Walls are in theory accessible from Al-Mosque, Hakim’s however they are currently closed for renovation at the time of writing.

If you go inside when they reopen, you’ll be able to see archer’s slits and bombardier’s apertures, as well as shafts for pouring boiling oil on enemies entering through the Bab al-Futuh below and pieces of Pharaonic masonry (including Ramses II cartouche and a hippo) that were stolen from Memphis.

The arched roof of the two-hundred-meter tunnel enabled mounted guards to travel through it without being detected.

There is a vast judgment chamber at the far end of the corridor, where the condemned were hanged instantly if they were judged guilty and their bodies were dropped into the moat via a hole in the floor.

Don’t miss to check our Egypt Vacation Packages