Its a chance to discover Islamic Cairo, also known as Medieval Cairo, Built in 969 by the Fatimid Kings who subsequently turned it into a royal enclosure, not far from Futstat, which had by then been adopted as the country's economic and administrative capital. It served as Egypt's capital from 750 to 868. During the years that followed, the area grew to become the regional center for Islam and as a result, several mosques and other Islamic monuments were constructed. It is primarily due to this that the area came to be known as Islamic Cairo. Whatever you do, don't expect Islamic Cairo to be anything like modern day downtown Cairo. The two areas are quite literally worlds apart, but in a way that makes it even more necessary to explore this ancient district.