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Islamic art in Egypt is one of the earliest. In 21 AH / 642 A.D., Egypt became an Islamic state associated with the Rashidun Caliphate’s headquarters in Medina.

Since that time, Egypt has served as the wellspring of Islamic culture and civilization, moving through the Abbaside, Tulunid, Ayyubid, and Mamluk Sultanates on its way to the Muhammad Ali dynasty. Furthermore, Egypt became a breeding ground for scientists, academics, and authors, as well as one of the Islamic world’s most important cultural hubs, where architectural and creative features developed: religious, civil, philanthropic, and military.

Glass and lamps, woodwork, and lathe wood thrived, as did weaving, ceramics, and pottery. Inlaying, grooving, and bracing were among the metalworking techniques used by Muslim artists.

Islamic Art in Egypt, Mashrabiya

Mashrabiya or Oriel windows are among the most significant aesthetic and architectural aspects of the Islamic period. Influenced by decorative stone and stucco windows, Mashrabiyas were often built of lathe wood, allowing natural light and ventilation to enter the space via the hollows.

Masharabiyas thrived during the Mamluk and Ottoman periods, beginning in the sixth century AH / thirteenth century A.D. These windows are unique in the world and characterize Egyptian home architecture.

Islamic period art in Egypt
Mashrabiya – Islamic Art in Egypt – NMEC

The Mashrabiya became an architectural and decorative element, as well as one of the most significant sources of natural illumination, because it enables sunlight to travel through the structure, providing both lighting and ventilation. It also allows ladies to view the outdoors without being noticed by people on the outside.

Despite its impact on many oriental and European structures, the Mashrabiyas is one of the features of Egyptian urban architecture that we cannot discover in other nations. In addition to inlaying, grooving, and bracing, the Muslim artist was a master of metalworking.

Various disciplines of science, such as medicine, astronomy, and chemistry, as well as nature, developed throughout the Islamic civilization in Egypt. Many styles of Arabic calligraphy were invented here, including the Kufic, Naskh, and Thuluth, which may be seen on the walls of numerous structures, as well as the decoration of objects and manuscripts.

Islamic Art in Egypt – Textile

Textile manufacturing prospered throughout the Islamic period, particularly in the first Islamic capital (Fustat). The textile products reflected the wealth of the Fatimid period, attracting the attention of style houses at the time.

Their design was characterized by embroidered decorative bands, which were typically one or two horizontal rows of Kufi text with medallion and drawings, or two opposite lines (mirror) that carried the Caliph’s name, rank, ancestors, and date, or three embroidered bands are woven with silk towards the end of the Fatimid period, it evolved to four bands,  while in Mamluk period, it included the prince’s blazons.

Islamic period art in Egypt
Periods of Fatimid – Mamluk – 5th – 8th centuries AH / 11th – 14th centuries A.D – NMEC

Brazons on Fabrics

Brazons were prominent in textiles during the Mamluk Period, and their depiction indicated the most important jobs undertaken by the trusted Mamluk princes. Among the most important of these jobs was that of the “Jukandar,” who was responsible for carrying the Polo stick and acting as a butler; symbolizing the cup. The blazon depicting a mule or donkey carrying a box or bag denotes the person in charge of the Sultan’s mail.

Islamic period art
The Mamluk period – 8th century AH / 14th century AD – NMEC

Islamic art in Egypt – Metalwork

During the Mamluk period, when copper and baser metals were widely used, Islamic metalwork varied in function and purpose. Food bowls, for example, were decorated with floral ornaments and complex geometric shapes made up of star shapes and knots, in addition to Kufi and Naskh text, and side tables were made of copper and inlaid with gold and silver; these were used in houses to carry food trays or at mosques to carry the Holy Qur’an, and these were decorated with floral ornaments and complex geometric shapes made up of star shapes and knots, in addition to Kufi and Naskh text.

Mamluk Lambs - Islamic Artifacts in The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization - Islamic Art in Egypt

Islamic Art in Egypt – Period of the Mamluks: 8th century AH to 14th century AD / Copper – Silver – NMEC

There is no doubt that touring Egypt’s Islamic sites is breathtaking, as it is a unique art form that can only be experienced in Egypt. You can explore the Islamic sites of Cairo and other major cities in Egypt by booking one of our Egypt Vacation Packages, or if you are a Cairo resident, you can learn more about Egyptian Islamic art by taking one of our Cairo Tours and Excursions.

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Islamic Art in Egypt

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Alexandria! Wow!

November 7, 2024

Muhammad is the best! He showed me a world I never thought possible! The tombs in Alexandria by far was my favorite! I never knew there was a place on earth that contained both Greek and Egyptian carvings in the same tombs! The history and culture of Egypt is so fascinating! I highly recommend booking with Muhammad!

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James Risenhoover

Tour of Cairo

November 4, 2024

Despite a late start due to car trouble, Mohamed more than made up for it with his incredible knowledge and dedication. His explanations were detailed and thoughtful, and he went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience. A memorable and informative tour, thanks to Mohamed’s hard work!

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Sebastian

AMAZING TOUR, SOLO TRAVELER.

October 12, 2024

I am a California woman who traveled to Egypt alone and thanks to Egypt Fun Tours I had a great time. Hani, Mohammed, Kamal and David (my driver) were very professional and very knowledgeable, I appreciate how respectful they were and how protective they were with me.

They show me everything I wanted to see in Cairo and nearby places like Saqqara, Memphis, etc. Thanks to them I had a great time in Egypt, they were so so helpful than on my second day they helped me to move from my hotel in Giza to the Steigenberger hotel in downtown Cairo.

The tour price is super good includes a guide (expert in the field) a driver, lunch and drinks, they took me to amazing places for lunch, the food was super super delicious, for a foodie like me that was a highlight. We went out fo the tourist traps and I got to see the Cairo that if you are in a bus tour you will never get to see.

This tour is personalized for each person depending of what you want to see and do, I absolutely love it.

I used WhatsApp to communicate with Hani and arranged all my tours, Hani was super super nice since the moment I contacted him and explained him what I wanted to do and see.

Hani and his group mesmerized me with the tours they put together, this is a memory I will keep for lifetime.

I had only good things to say about them and I highly recommend them.

I did visit the pyramids in Giza, downtown Cairo, new Cairo, several museums, Coptic Cairo and Muslim Cairo with them and I learned a lot from them, I felt like they were family to me and it was EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT.

If I go back to Egypt I will hire them again without hesitation.

David I take my hat off for you because I have NO IDEA how you can drive in crazy Cairo, thanks to all of you for making this lady’s dream a reality.

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Ladylalique - California

My Dream Came True

October 12, 2024

I had waited 60 years to get to Egypt, in fact it was my 60th birthday gift to myself. I went with my oldest daughter and the experience was excellent. It was meticulously planned by the tour company and was designed for me and my daughter. I never had a minute where I was concerned. We were met by a tour rep at the airport and every step of the way. The guides were beyond expectations. Mydo the best tour guide of Egypt was excellent and very knowledgeable. Tarek our guide for the south, was equally as knowledgeable. I can’t say enough about both. Hani the tour director is the greatest, personable and so very helpful and truly cares that you have the best experience of your life. It was a dream come true. All the holidays we stayed at were 5 star in my opinion. I don’t have a bad word to say about this tour company. My daughter and I were treated exceptionally well by all and by all in Egypt

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Jan K

Islamic cairo and khan el khalili- great tour

September 28, 2024

Wonderful tour with the guide Hamada. I did not feel rushed at all, he explained a lot of facts about the city, the mosque , the water storage room, and also brought me to no hassle shops. He picked a great place to eat and have Turkish coffee and a cold lemon mint drink. We took a took took when we got tired from walking. He also happens to be a great photographer and helped take beautiful pictures. Overall a wonderful tour and great experience.

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Janet
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