Al-Gawhara Palace, Royal palace in Cairo Citadel, Egypt
Al-Gawhara Palace is a royal residence on Cairo's Citadel featuring multiple grand halls, including the Reception Hall and the Clock Hall. The spaces are furnished with marble columns and ornate decorative elements from the period.
The building was constructed in 1814 as a residence for Muhammad Ali Pasha's wife, and it later became the site of a massacre of Mamluk leaders. This event shaped the place's significance in 19th century Egyptian history.
Ottoman architectural influences appear throughout the interior with intricate wooden carvings, plasterwork patterns, and traditional geometric designs. The decorative elements in each room show the craftsmanship of an earlier period in Cairo's history.
The building now functions as a museum displaying gifts received by Muhammad Ali's family through the era of King Farouk. Personal items belonging to the dynasty are also shown, offering insight into royal family life.
From the palace windows, visitors could see two important places at once: Cairo city below and the Pyramids of Giza in the distance. This special location made it a strategic viewing point in the 19th century.
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