The Cities Series: Iconic Cairo, the city of a thousand minarets

About this course

This course examines Cairo’s development as a centre of Islamic power and its changing position within regional politics. It follows the city’s history from Fatimid foundation and Mamluk rule through Ottoman conquest and its more recent role in the Middle East. Teaching combines prepared talks with PowerPoint presentations and visual material. Discussion and questions form part of the sessions, including consideration of imperial symbols in capitals, buildings and art. The course also uses objects from the Islamic Art Galleries of the British Museum to introduce their historical context, production areas, patterns and techniques.

What you'll learn

• Identify significant stages and events in Cairo’s history from its foundation to the 20th century.
• Discuss how imperial power has been expressed through capitals, buildings and art.
• Identify the period and production area of selected Islamic art objects.
• Analyse patterns and production techniques in the objects studied.
• Apply critical and visual analysis to historical material.

Is this course right for you?

The course is introductory and intended for a broad audience, including learners approaching Cairo’s history without a specialist level of study. Participation involves listening, considering differing viewpoints, asking questions and contributing to discussion. A good grasp of English is considered more important than specific subject skills.

• A good grasp of English is expected.
• The teaching includes discussion of viewpoints that learners may not share.
• Questions and engagement during the sessions are welcomed.

Before you go

• Bring writing materials.
• Handouts containing a selected bibliography and further information for self-study will be provided through Google Classroom.