Together with my friend and felow tour guide Iris Meijer we visied Fort Qaitbey, which is an amazing experience offering the real feel of the various layers of military dominance of Alexandria, this ancient defense stands on a narrow peninsula overlooking the sea on the eastern point of the Pharos Island. It was erected on the site of the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria, which was known to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The Fort was built in the 15th century by the Sultan Al-Ashraf Abou Anasr Saif El-Din Qaitbay El-Jerkasy Al-Zahiry, He was a Mamluke who had come to Egypt as a young man. He became one of the most important Mameluke Sultans, and ruled for about 29 years. He provided the fort with a brave legion of soldiers and various weapons.
Throughout the Mameluke period, and due to its strategic location, the Citadel was well maintained by all the rulers who came after Qaitbay.
The Sultan Qansoh El-Ghoury increased the strength of the garrison, providing it with various weapons and equipment. It included a large prison made for the princes and the state-men who had obviously found disfavour with the sultan.
After the Ottoman Turks had conquered Egypt, they also maintained the fort and stationed it with infantry, artillery, a company of drummers and trumpeters, masons and carpenters.
As the Ottoman military became weak, the Citadel began to lose its military importance.
In 1798 Napoleon Bonaparte brought his expedition to Egypt and they took over the fort, and brought their weapons to the garrison.
When Mohammed Ali became the ruler of Egypt in 1805, he renovated the old Citadel, restoring and repairing its outer ramparts, and he provided the stronghold with the most modern weapons of the period.
In 1882 the British fleet bombarded Alexandria causing severe destruction to the fort, and it remained in ruins until king Farouk decided he wanted to have it restored.
Since then it has been a maritime museum and has been greatly improved by the work of the antiquities service.
To enjoy the history of Egypt with a Spiritual twist, please see either my own website or Iris website
www.caroline-dekker.nl
english website: http://www.freewebs.com/spiritualegypt
http://www.hiddenegypt.com/hidden_egypt.htm
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