The city of Cairo was officially founded in 969 CE by the Fatimid dynasty.

While settlements existed in the area prior, the city known today as Cairo ('Al-Qahirah', meaning 'The Victorious') was established by the Fatimid general Jawhar al-Siqilli. Intended as a royal enclosure and the new capital of the Fatimid Caliphate, it rapidly grew to become a significant center of Islamic learning, commerce, and power. Over centuries, subsequent dynasties—Ayyubids, Mamluks, Ottomans, and Muhammad Ali's dynasty—all contributed to its architectural and cultural tapestry, expanding its influence and cementing its role as Egypt's preeminent city. This foundation marked a pivotal moment, shifting the center of Egyptian power from earlier Islamic capitals like Fustat to the more strategically planned Cairo.