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The historical art and architecture of Cairo and its surrounding lands constitute an immense range of historical periods from the ancient Pharaonic era to the contemporary moment. This course will explore the impact of these and other important monuments upon the urban landscape at large, while also considering its long durée history. Periods covered will include the Pharaonic, Coptic, Early Islamic, Fatimid, Ayyubid, Mamluk, Ottoman, 19th Century, the Arab Republic, and the contemporary period. The class will be connecting these rich artistic and architectural remains with various historical contexts including the fashioning of rulership and authority, religious patronage, gender, sexual, and racial identities, travel and commerce, 19th and 20th century modernities, political action and activism, among others.