Qaitbay Citadel

Qaitbay Citadel

Qaitbay Citadel One of the Mediterranean Sea coasts strongest defensive fortresses is “Qaitbay Citadel“,

located in the immortal city of Alexandria on the eastern side of the northern

tip of Pharos island and extends out into Alexandria’s harbor from the corniche.

It was constructed in 1477 AD by an order from Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-din

Qa’it bay to defend the country from the dangerous advances of the Ottoman Empire.

Qaitbay Citadel

It was designed by a mameluke architect named Qagmas Al-Eshaqy and built-in

two years. It holds a unique position not only because of playing an important

role in the fortification system of the city during the 15th century Ad but also

because it was constructed on the exact location of one of the seven wonders

of the ancient world “The Lighthouse of Alexandria” which was destroyed

by a series of earthquakes in the 11th and 14th century AD.

Historical Role of

Qaitbay Citadel

The Quitbay citadel continued to play a vital role during the Ottoman Empire

as it’s used as a powerful fortress to store and ship weapons in 1517 AD till the

next three centuries. During the French campaign in 1798, the citadel

caught the eye of Napoleon Bonaparte so he seized it with the entire country.

At the beginning of the 19th century, Muhammad Ali worked in renovating the

walls of the citadel after its heavily destroyed by the British naval

bombardment and provided the stronghold with modern weapons

which made the reign of Muhammed Ali the golden era of the citadel.

The Architecture and Interior of Qaitbay Citadel

The Qaitbay Citadel built using the stones salvaged from the huge lighthouse

on an area of a square-shaped land that looks very much like a peninsula

as its surrounded by the Mediterranean sea from three sides. It has three

floors in the first floor there is a big mosque and the second is an octagon

containing corridors, halls, and a breathing interior while the third

and final floor is a large circular room holding the seat of the king.

Famous Users of the Castle

Qaitbay citadel is the most important fort in Alexandria,

so the rulers of Egypt cared about it throughout the ages.

-In the Mamluk Period, Qansoh Al-Ghuri Increased the strength

of its protector and shipped with arms and gear.

-When Ottomans opened Egypt in 1517 they used this Citedal as

a fort to protect them for three centuries.

Qaitbay Citadel

Then the French campaign was able to seize it in 1798 Napoleon

Bonaparte came with 50,000 soldiers to seize Alexandria and seized the castle.

-In the 19th century, Muhammad Ali worked for fortifying Egypt

o he renewed the walls of the castle while he was ruling Egypt. Because

The walls completely damaged by the British Naval bombardment.