The
Military Museum in Cairo is famous for its rich collection
and historical building which was originally a palace during
the reign of Mohamed Ali, the founder of the royal family
that ruled Egypt between 1805 and 1952.
It was established in 1947 after the British forces evacuated
the Saladin Citadel and was officially inaugurated two years
later. It was modernized in co-operation with North Korea
and reopened on 29 November 1993 by President Hosni Moubarak.
The Military Museum records the history of the Egyptian army
since Pharaonic times, and is divided into three wings and
three storeys, each having several halls.
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First
Storey:
The first storey comprises the Al Magd Hall at the museum
entrance which exhibits a royal carriage from the time of
Khedive Ismail (1863-1879), the Medal Hall, the Artillery
Hall and the Weapon Hall. The exhibits include the development
in weaponery, military equipment and uniforms, besides 220
paintings of famous historical military battles and the most
important military decorations, orders and medals
Second
Storey:
On the second storey one will find army exhibits from the
Old Kingdom (Pharaonic Egypt), the Middle Kingdom and New
Kingdom. Among its prominent exhibits are The Chariot of Tutankhamon
of the XVIII Dynasty and a man-of-war from the Pharaonic New
Kingdom (1580-1085) BC.
Third Storey:
This storey comprises exhibits of the Islamic and the Egyptian
army in particular. It also houses various models of the Islamic
army conquering Egypt, as well as paintings depicting famous
Islamic battles.
The museum comprises 250 statues and busts representing leaders
of the Revolution and of the royal family as well as commanders
of the army.
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