Al Azhar Park
In 2005, when this park was opened, Cairo’s Eastern horizon changed significantly. With funds from the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, a mass of unsightly garbage was transformed into the city’s first, and only, substantially sized park.
For years, it had been evident that Cairo needed more green space. One study had found that the amount of green space equated to approximately one footprint per inhabitant – one of the lowest proportions in the world.
The Al-Azhar Park is not only there for the much needed green space it provides. It is important to tourist destination because this hilly site is surrounded by Islamic Cairo’s most significant historic districts. This is one of the primary destinations for many visitors to the city, now with this new park located in its heart providing many advantages, including a wonderful view of the surrounding area.
An abundance of gardens, emerald grass, and even a lake, which is part of a larger water-supply system, covers the grounds. The soft Arabic Music and the bubbling fountains on a background of sleek, Modern Islamic Architecture is the perfect setting for picnics.
The park is like an oasis in the heart of the most populated part of Cairo. Looking at satellite images, it is the only significant green area among the gray of the buildings surrounding it.
During the weekend, it’s the best place to see and meet Egyptian Families, who enjoy taking their kids out to the park and enjoying their time as a family. During the week, it is a place for couples to meet and hang about. During the sunset, it offers the best photos for the domes and minarets of Historical Cairo.
On the Western Side of the park is the Old Fatimid city, with it’s wealth signalled by a long line of minarets.
To the South lies The Sultan Hassan Mosque and the Ayyubid Citadel.
On the Eastern side lies the City of the Dead, with its many social welfare systems and dignitaries. This area soon developed into a dense neighbourhood of its own.
It was planned to sow 2 million trees and other shrubberies in the park of which 655,000 have already been planted. This also meant that three freshwater reservoirs were created in the city of Cairo to help keep the plants healthy.
To add to the relaxing experience, there are a few cafes, as well as the Al-Genaina open-air theatre. There are also some excellent restaurants, with a view over The Citadel, showing off the Medieval City and beyond.
During the preparation of the site, some major discoveries were made, like the Ayyubid city wall from the 12th Century, built under the reign of Salah el-Din, as well as valuable stones dating back even further, containing Hieroglyphic Texts, measuring up to 1m (3ft) long. Some of these blocks were used in building the city wall.
The construction of the park is not only beneficial for tourists but, also for the locals. The restoration of Cultural Monuments allows for further social and economic development, and at the same time, the park offers a new vantage point with a spectacular view of Historic Cairo’s countless architectural masterpieces.
