Al-Darb al-Ahmar

The area south of Cairo's city walls, between Bab Zuweila and the Citadel, was initially the site of Fatimid and Ayyubid-era cemeteries.

[5]: 96  Under the prosperous reign of Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad (between 1293 and 1341) the population of the city reached its peak and the area began to be developed in earnest.

The city expanded southwards and many Mamluk elites were eager to build new establishments closer to the Citadel, the seat of the sultan's power.

[1] The district was a center of craftsmanship for generations, but in recent years it has suffered from the liberalization of Egypt's economy and the neighbourhood is hampered by poverty.

The weakness of central authority has recently created problems for historic conservation, as many old houses are being demolished and replaced with modern high-rise structures.

[16] The development program also involved the creation of al-Azhar Park, one of the few major green spaces in Cairo, which adjoins the neighbourhood today to the east.

Darb al-Ahmar street, in front of Bayt al-Razzaz palace and the Madrasa of Umm Sha'ban .
A late 19th or early 20th century view over Darb al-Ahmar (specifically near Bab al-Wazir street). On the right is the 14th-century Mosque of Aqsunqur , on the left is the early 16th-century Mosque-Mausoleum of Khayrbek .
View of Souq al-Silah street (a former armorers' market), on the edge of the Darb al-Ahmar district. The dome and minaret belong to the 14th-century Madrasa of Uljay al-Yusufi .
Bab al-Wazir street today, in front of the restored Mausoleum-Mosque of Amir Khayrbak and the remains of the Palace of Alin Aq .
View of al-Darb al-Ahmar neighbourhood and the Ayyubid city walls from al-Azhar Park .