 On its establishment as the metropolis of the Fatimid caliphate in 969 AD, Al-Qahira (the triumphant city) boasted the world's most magnificent Islamic architecture: soaring minarets, graceful sabil-kuttabs and wikalas. Named after the ruler of the city was the main thoroughfare, Al-Muizz Street, which despite eventual marginalisation, has retained a special position in the urban space. At the end of this year, finally, this Fatimid high street will be declared a pedestrian-only zone. photo: Ahmed Shehata  Clockwise from top: Al-Nahasseen area in Al-Muizz; Hosni inspecting the repaving and rehabilitation works in progress photos: Ahmed Shehata parent page (3 - 9 May 2007, issue #843) |