Building abdeen palace was not just building a new palace, but starting a new era in ruling Egypt; after around 700 years of ruling it from Saladin e citadel. Khedive Ismail changed this tradition and chose a new place for ruling Egypt instead of the citadel to the new palace called abdeen in downtown Cairo from 1863 till 1952.
abdeen Palace witnessed events that played a significant role during the rule of king Mohamed Ali and his family in modern Egypt and contemporary history, as it is the first beginning of the emergence of modern Cairo. And gardens rich in trees, palm species, and rare plants.
Khedive Ismail had ordered the construction of Abdin Palace immediately after he took power in Egypt in 1863. The name of the palace is attributed to (Abdin Bey), one of the military leaders during the era of Muhammad Ali Pasha. He owned a small palace in the place of the current palace. Extensive lands then proceeded to construct this palace.
Abdeen Palace contains halls and salons characterized by the color of its walls. The white, red, and green salons receive official delegations during their visit to Egypt. the palace library containing approximately 55 thousand books. It also contains a theater with hundreds of gilded chairs and places Insulated with curtains for women. It is now used to show special theatrical performances for visitors and guests.
Inside the palace, there are many suites and rooms, such as the Belgian suite, to accommodate Egypt’s VIP guests, and it was named so because the King of Belgium was the first to stay in it.
Significant events occurred in abdeen palace.
- On 9 September 1881, a protest was led by an army leader in these “Ahmed pasha orabi “against the khedive of Egypt Tawfik.
- In 1920, the birth of King Farouk, the last king from Mohammed’s Ali family who ruled Egypt around 16 years till the revolution of 1952 by free officers of the army.
- British forces surrounded them to force king Farouk to abandon the throne of Egypt and leave Egypt’s rule on 4 February 1942 by sir Lambson.
The palace includes a vibrant historical museum, where the sons and grandsons of Khedive Ismail, who ruled Egypt after him, were fond of putting their touches on the palace and making additions that suit the tendencies and era of each of them. For example, there are five museums.
Military museum
Many weapons are dedicated to Mohamed Ali and his sons and grandsons in this museum, like swords and daggers, swords dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte, and swords dedicated to german colonel Rommel.
In addition to medals and badges covered with precious stones and Diament and the name king, Farouk carved on it.
In addition, a gun was made in the form of a stick.
Museum of bandages and medals
There are many masterpieces and priceless items in this museum, like the holland and holland gun, one of the most expensive guns in the whole world.
In addition to swords decorated with precious stones like the sword of king Farouk “, he bought it from Germany”; in addition to stunning medals and bandages, some were made in Egypt, others were made abroad, which were presented to the kings of Egypt.
Museum of silver
This museum was constructed in this place by the year 1998, includes plates and dishes from crystal, porcelain, and silver, which were used during the reign of King Farouk and khedive Ismail before him, which were used for meals and parties in the palace, however, it was artistic items.
Inside this museum, a crystal department includes well-made crystals with high quality and high beauty standards, which were used daily in this palace.
Museum of presidential presents
The museum contains the presidents of Egypt and the present president; it is fascinating to recognize the presents of Egypt’s presidents during different eras and the last war against Israel.
Museum of historical documents
the museum was opened in 2004. It is a great occasion to see and recognize the crucial documents during the reign of the Mohamed Ali family, which ruled Egypt from 1805 till 1952.
The most crucial document in this museum, the decree of ottoman king Abdel magied to nominate king Mohamed Ali as ruler of Egypt.
In addition, a rare photo album includes marriage details between princess fawzia and shah Iran, plus a photo album documenting the construction of a high dam.
In addition to marriage documents of king Farouk with queen Farida and queen Nariman. Plus the contract of princess fawzia to shah Iran.
Time to visit
The palace is open and ready to receive guests daily from 9.00 am till 5.00 pm.
How to go
The palace is very close to Tahrir square, and there is a metro station very close to the palace called Mohamed Naguib station.
ticket fees
100 l.e