Cairo Bird Souq, Citadel of Saladin

This painting stems from a visit to the Cairo Citadel in December 2015. The Citadel was begun in the 12th century by the Kurdish Ayyubid ruler Salah al-Din (Saladin) as protection against Crusader attacks. It served as the seat of government for 700 years. On the way up to the historic site, we drove past a bustling souq full of caged birds. I loved the jumble, the goods spilling onto the street, and the minibuses parked in a crazy quilt. In this view the Muqattam Hills, southeast of the Citadel, rise in the distance. I do not know which of Cairo's 1,000 mosques looms in the near background, but the style of minaret and domes is Mamluke, i.e. 13th-16th century. I thought at first the large white banner in the foreground might be some sort of political message. But when I enlarged the photo and read the Arabic I found: "Do you want to speak English correctly? Do you want to learn the computer and languages? Foreign and Egyptian instructors! Air conditioned classrooms! Call 0111190533 or 35866371!"

The painting is framed to 17 x 20 1/2 inches with an archival antique white mat, pickled ash hardwood frame and museum-grade anti-UV, anti-reflective acrylic glazing. It will be on exhibit through January 31, 2026 at the Thos. Moser gallery in Freeport ME. Email: [email protected]