The History and Religious Heritage of Old Cairo: Its Fortress, Churches, Synagogue, and Mosque
"Cairo is not only the crossroads of civilizations and the cradle of Arab nationalism and of Islam, it is also a multi-dimensional mosaic of religions and religious heritage. Carolyn Ludwig has captured these textured layers of past and present in this delightful book that focuses on Old Cairo. The pictures are magnificent. Each alley and byway comes alive. The scholarly articles artfully explain and envelope the history and majesty of the mosques, churches, and synagogue. Ms. Ludwig draws the reader into the mystery and allure of Cairo."--Daniel Kurtzer, former US ambassador to Egypt"Old Cairo encompasses a rich treasure of history, tradition, and culture and houses the world's most profound collection of ancient Egyptian, Christian, Jewish, and Islamic heritage, representing every historical era. This deeply informative and illustrated volume explains and illuminates the aesthetic and the religious importance of Old Cairo: the authors have crafted a very timely book for anyone interested in Old Cairo's rich religious tradition, an excellent eye opener to a shared cultural history that is seemingly crucial for all of us to be cognizant of."Dr Ali Gomaa, Grand Mufti of Egypt"A wonderful book with lovely photographs that take us into the heart of this special area . . . . The text is detailed and scholarly, while Sherif Sonbol's photographs and Morris Jackson's design are exquisite, bringing the area and its history alive. This book is truly a collaborative effort, fitting for an area so rich in the history of so many people."--Egypt Today