-
Cairo is a fascinating clash
between traditional and modern,
-
religious and secular,
East and West.
-
While its chaos
can be exasperating,
-
it can also be
a rewarding challenge
-
for the adventurous traveler.
-
♪♪
-
Cairo's downtown is modern
-
[ Horns blaring ]
and can feel European.
-
Streets, squares,
and grand buildings
-
are reminders of the
country's colonial past
-
from the 19th
and early 20th centuries.
-
The riverfront throbs
with energy --
-
stately bridges busy
with traffic,
-
fancy riverside restaurants,
-
and towering
apartment complexes.
-
The Nile is still
the lifeblood of the city,
-
sprawling endlessly
on both sides.
-
The heart of Cairo
is Tahrir Square.
-
It's long been ground zero
for the people's spirit.
-
If there's a demonstration
going on --
-
and there have been massive
ones in recent years --
-
it's likely here.
-
In addition
to its political energy,
-
the city's long been
a religious capital.
-
♪♪
-
Ever since the forces of Islam
swept across North Africa
-
from Arabia,
in the 7th century,
-
spreading the teachings
of their Prophet Muhammad,
-
Cairo has been a leading
city of the Muslim world.
-
♪♪
-
And, today, Cairo's known
-
as the City
of a Thousand Minarets.
-
Stepping into Al-Hussein Mosque,
like any neighborhood mosque,
-
you'll find
a worshipful tranquility.
-
It's believed that resting here
invigorates the soul.
-
There's more intensity
around the adjacent shrine,
-
believed to contain
a sacred relic --
-
the head of Al-Husayn ibn Ali,
-
a grandson
of the prophet Muhammad.
-
In a mosque, men and women
worship separately.
-
As praying can be physical,
with lots of bending over,
-
it's considered more respectful
to allow women their own space.
-
I find that a respectful tourist
-
is welcome to be
a part of the scene.
