Tour Guide, Cairo, Egypt
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Built in the 15th century, the Qaitbay fort is a beautiful example of Mamluk military architecture from its golden age. It is considered one of the most important defensive strongholds not only of Egypt but also of the entire Mediterranean Sea coast. It played a very important part in the fortification system of Alexandria in the 15th century AD. This citadel was founded by Sultan Al-Ashraf Abou Alnasr Seif Eldin Qaitbay Alzahiry and is located at the entrance to the eastern port on the eastern point of the island Pharos. Parts of the remains of the Pharaohs’ lighthouse are visible in the construction of the old fort.
It was built on the site of the old lighthouse in 884 HJ, 1477 AD. Because of its location, the fort had great historical importance. It is a typical defensive fort from the Mamluk period and consists of interior walls covering an area of 2 feddan and divided into several rooms that housed the soldiers. The outer walls have semicircular towers at intervals. The main entrance gate is located in the middle of the southern side of the walls. In front of the main entrance gate, there is another gate with a marble plaque engraved with a decree of Sultan el-Ghouri (907 HJ), which prohibits anyone from smuggling weapons from the fort and warns that anyone who steals anything inside the fort is condemned to be hanged.
The main tower is a square building located in the northeast of the citadel, measuring 17 m high, 30 m wide, and 3 levels. The first level includes the citadel mosque; the second level has several galleries and rooms for the military residence. At the same time, arms shops and the commander’s office are located on the third and top floor.