Cairo Castle in Taiz

Cairo Castle or Al-Qahira Fortress is a historic fortress situated on the summit of Jabal Sabr, the highest mountain overlooking the city of Taiz in southwestern Yemen. The fortress occupies a strategic position that allowed it to control and protect the city and its surrounding routes. Its origins are generally attributed to the Sulayhid dynasty, which established the fortress during the 12th century AD under the rule of Sultan Abdullah bin Muhammad Al-Sulayhi. Over the centuries, Al-Qahira Fortress played a crucial defensive role and was repeatedly expanded and fortified by successive dynasties, including the Ayyubids and the Rasulids, who transformed Taiz into one of the most important political and administrative centers of medieval Yemen. The fortress is characterized by its massive stone walls, defensive towers, and terraced structures that adapt to the rugged mountain terrain.

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