Fustat
Country: Egypt
Region: Africa
Period: 641-969CE
Location: 30.005°N, 31.2375°E
Description
Fustat, founded in 641 CE by Arab general Amr ibn al-As, was the first capital of Islamic Egypt. Located just south of modern Cairo, it quickly grew into a thriving metropolis, serving as a center for administration, commerce, and culture during the early Islamic period.
Modern Remains
Today, Fustat is part of Old Cairo and features important historical sites like the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As (the first mosque in Africa) and the Coptic Museum. Archaeological digs have revealed homes, pottery, and workshops, offering rich insights into medieval Islamic urban life. Its legacy lives on in the fabric of Cairo’s ancient quarters.