Fustat facts for kids

Fustat was the very first capital city built by the Arabs in Egypt. It was founded in the year 641 AD. This happened right after the Arabs had taken control of Alexandria, which was a big city at the time.

Fustat: Egypt's First Arab Capital

Why Was Fustat Built?

The Arabs didn't want their new capital to be as far away as Alexandria. Alexandria was also on the other side of the Nile River from where their army was. So, they decided to build Fustat much closer. It was also on their side of the Nile. This made it easier for them to control the area.

A City of Power and Beauty

For more than 500 years, Fustat grew into a very important and beautiful city. It was a center for trade and culture. Many people lived and worked there. It became a powerful city in the region.

The City's Destruction

Sadly, Fustat was destroyed during a war. This happened when its vizier (a high-ranking official) named Shawar gave a terrible order. He told his army to burn the entire city. Shawar did not want his enemies to capture Fustat. So, he chose to burn it down instead.

What Remains Today?

Today, not much is left of the original Fustat. However, you can still see some old buildings and ruins. These are located in a part of modern-day Cairo called Old Cairo.

Images for kids

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  The Mosque of Amr ibn al-As. Though none of the original structure remains, this mosque was the first one built in Egypt, and it was around this location, at the site of the tent of the commander Amr ibn al-As, that the city of Fustat was built.

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  Lustreware Plate with Bird Motif, 11th century. Archaeological digs have found many kilns and ceramic fragments in Fustat, and it was likely an important production location for Islamic ceramics during the Fatimid period.

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  The ruins of Fustat in Old Cairo