Early Modern Faithful Replicas

The Statue of Ibrahim Pasha (often referred to as Ibrahim Basha) is one of Cairo's most iconic landmarks, located in the heart of Opera Square in Downtown Cairo. It was commissioned by his son, Khedive Isma'il, to commemorate his father's legacy as a brilliant military commander. Ibrahim Pasha (1789–1848) was the eldest son of Muhammad Ali Pasha, the founder of modern Egypt. He is celebrated as one of the most successful military leaders in history, having led campaigns across Arabia, Greece, and Syria, nearly toppling the Ottoman Empire. Though he only officially ruled Egypt for four months before his death, his military prowess secured the dynasty's power.

The image showcases a decorative bust of Aphrodite (also known by her Roman name, Venus), the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty. These busts are frequently inspired by classical or neoclassical works.

The female statues carved on both sides of the entrance façade of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo Square symbolize Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt. Each figure represents one of the two traditional regions of the country, personified in a classical artistic manner.

This symbolic representation reflects the ancient Egyptian concept of the unity of the Two Lands, a central idea in Egyptian history since the unification traditionally attributed to Narmer. The statues also reflect a blend of classical European style and Egyptian symbolism, consistent with the architectural design of the museum by the French architect Marcel Dourgnon when the building was inaugurated in 1902.

The Mosque of Muhammad Ali, located within the historic Cairo Citadel, is one of the most prominent landmarks of Cairo. Commissioned by Muhammad Ali Pasha in the 19th century, the mosque was built in an Ottoman architectural style characterized by a large central dome and slender twin minarets. Overlooking the city from the citadel’s heights, it became both a place of worship and a symbol of the ruler’s power and his efforts to modernize Egypt.