Notes on military architecture of the Ayyubid period in Egypt

Abstract

This thesis discusses the military architecture of the Ayyubid period (1171-1250) in Egypt and its most important extant structures. We will discuss the fortifications of Cairo (Cairo citadel and the walls) and the two extant citadels in Sinai: the citadel of al Gindi in Wdi Sedr and the citadel of Salah al Din near Taba. We will only discuss the architectural forms and historical settings, but in our discussion we will contest the current accepted perceptions about the military fortifications of Cairo and present alternate theories to numerous issues.