The Egypt we see today was shaped by many centuries of changing rulers, competing beliefs, religious traditions and cultural influences. This is the period when Cairo grew into one of the great cities of the Islamic world, when sultans built magnificent mosques and citadels, Sufi traditions took root, and Egypt’s Coptic Christian community continued to preserve its own deep history and identity.
I’ve brought together stories of some of the people, places and events that I find particularly interesting. There are tales of political ambition, remarkable women, miracles, faith and the occasional mystery. They don’t all tell the same kind of story, but together they offer a glimpse into the many layers of Egypt’s medieval past.
Take a look through the titles and follow whichever story catches your attention.
Ibn Tulun Mosque & Noah’s Ark
Cairo’s oldest surviving mosque and the remarkable life of Ahmad Ibn Tulun – a former slave-soldier who founded Egypt’s first independent Muslim dynasty.
Read Ibn Tulun’s personal story of power, faith, and legacy.
The Day the Mountain Moved – Miracle at Muqattam Mountain
A caliph, a hidden Christian, and a test of faith that shook the city.
Shajar Al-Durr – Sultana of Egypt
A woman who ruled as sultan in her own name – and paid the price for power.
Sufi in Egypt
In search of Egypt’s mystical tradition: Sufi houses, ritual movement, and spiritual inheritance in Cairo.
Discover more of my stories exploring Egypt’s history, people, places and mysteries