Citadel of Cairo: Seat of Design Power Pavilion / Dar Arafa Architecture

Everyone is aware of the Citadel of Cairo as Egypt’s seat of political power since its establishment by Salah Al-Din in the 12th century, hosting all of its rulers since then. The Ayyubids, the Mamluks, the Ottomans, and Muhammad Ali Pasha’s Family all ruled from the citadel until the seat of power moved to the Palace of Abdin in the time of Khedive Ismail. However, only a few are aware that the Citadel has been the seat of Design Power. While its political power has now certainly faded, its position as a transcendental Seat of Design Power, figuratively and literally, is still evident.