Cairo - the hidden charm of Islamic architecture

In the ground floor of the southern wing of the historic Karolinum building, in the original arcade with cross-vaulted ceilings, the Czech Egyptian Society of the Philosophy Faculty of Charles University is holding an exhibition titled Cairo – The Hidden Charm of Islamic Architecture. Large-format black and white photographs showcase the architectural wealth of Cairo, which often remains hidden to the average visitor to the Egyptian capital. Cairo can be considered a treasure trove of Islamic architecture, whose distinct styles have evolved since the arrival of the Arab Muslim armies in Egypt in 641 AD, at least until the end of Ottoman rule in the late 18th century. Unlike other Islamic metropolises, Old Cairo, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was never destroyed by invading forces, thus preserving structures from the earliest periods of Arab settlement.
The thematically organized exhibition not only illustrates the long story of the urban development of the city, but also provides information on the types of buildings and their functions; religious and public buildings, residences, or the commonly ornamental themes typical of Islamic architecture are at the center of interest. Each building is accurately dated, allowing for often surprising comparisons of construction quality in Egypt and the Czech lands during the same period. The character of the exhibition is enhanced by the impressive space of the Karolinum corridor, where the simple installation of photographs allows them to fully radiate as exhibits, creating a place for dialogue between the medieval architecture of two cultures.
The black-and-white theme of the exhibition is enlivened by a colorful, richly illustrated publication titled Cairo – Architecture and Art of the Islamic Metropolis by authors Štěpán Macháček, Hana Nováková, Hana Benešovská, and photographer Jan Brodský. Its structure, depth of information, illustrative plans, and maps offer interested parties a deeper understanding of the topic. A considerable collection of photographs, taken in October 2009 in locations rarely visited by ordinary visitors to Cairo, provides unique visual information about the current state of Cairo's monuments.

Karolinum, Ovocný trh, Prague 1
December 22, 2009 - February 14, 2010

Open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Barrier-free access.
Free admission.
Texts are available in Czech and English.