Dome

Distant view of the Citadel, looking east over the Nile, from the top of the Cairo Tower; Under the rule of the Mamluk sequence of sultans, the development of Cairo depended largely on Salah al-Din's (reigned 1171-1193) foundation of the citadel on a hill between al-Qahira and Fustat. The role of the citadel as army headquarters, barracks and residence of the rulers led to the urbanization of the quarters located between the citadel and Bab Zuwayla, the southern gate of al-Qahira. This southern neighbourhood flourished and expanded throughout subsequent centuries. Markets for horses, weapons and military equipment were clustered at the foot of the citadel. The Saliba, which connected the citadel with the banks of the Khalij, similarly attracted the building zeal of the ruling aristocracy. Source: Grove Art Online; http://www.groveart.com/ (accessed 1/19/2008)