Fāṭimid Cairo: From a Royal City to a Civilizational Center of the Islamic World

Document Type : Research/Original/Reqular Article

Author

Assistant professor at the Department of History of Islamic Culture and Civilization, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Alzahra University,Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Founded in 358 AH as the political and administrative capital of the Fāṭimid state, the city of al-Qāhira (Cairo) holds a prominent position both in the historical trajectory of Egypt and North Africa, and as one of the foremost cultural and civilizational hubs of the Islamic era. The transformation of Cairo—from a newly established city designated for the ruling Fāṭimid family, statesmen, and military elite, into a dynamic urban center characterized by social and commercial vibrancy—stands out during the Fāṭimid period. Based on the findings of this study, the history of Fāṭimid Cairo can be divided into two distinct phases: an early stage of growth and prosperity, followed by a later phase of expansion and enhancement. The favorable geographical positioning of the city, combined with the Fāṭimids’ dedication to establishing essential urban infrastructure and institutions, enabled it to evolve into a major civilizational center within the Islamic world. Even after the political power of the Fāṭimid rulers began to wane, the enduring urban and civilizational foundations enabled continued development under capable and influential viziers. As a result, late Fāṭimid Cairo not only retained but amplified its status as a civilizational nucleus. These unique features solidified Cairo’s lasting prominence among the cities of Egypt and North Africa, laying the groundwork for its continued significance in the post-Fāṭimid eras.

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Iranian Journal for the History of Islamic Civilization
Volume 57, Issue 2
February 2025
Pages 231-258

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  • Receive Date: 09 January 2025
  • Revise Date: 25 January 2025
  • Accept Date: 28 February 2025

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