374 
CAIRO. 
I do not see any reason to doubt the tradition reported by Mr. 
Niebuhr that this, as well as the other noble works which are attri- 
buted tp Joseph, were constructed by the celebrated Saladin, whose 
real name was YusufF, and in whose time the citadel was con- 
structed, though others attribute it to his minister. We next 
visited the Divan, which has nothing to recommend it, but its great 
size, being one hundred and forty-nine feet long, eighty-six broad, 
and between thirty and thirty-five high; formerly indeed it was 
splendidly ornamented, but now it is rapidly falling to decay. The 
French used it as an hospital, for which it is admirably adapted. 
The view hence, and from every part of the ramparts, which are 
themsel'^es lofty, and are elevated on a rock, is most beautiful. It exr 
tends over the ruins of Old Cairo, the villages of Boulac and Gheza, 
with the great Pyramids, the Pyramids of Sacara, and the Nile, to 
enrich the prospect. At that time the extensive plains of light-green 
wheat formed a singular contrast with the arid desert, and the barren 
rock of Mokattem. This last commands the citadel, which would 
otherwise be a place of great military importance, as the whole city 
of Cairo lies at its mercy. The French engineers wished to remove 
it, but Bonaparte would not consent to a measure that did not origi- 
nate in himself. It would be a work of great labour, but certainly 
not impracticable. The new and old citadel cover a great extent of 
ground : they were formerly separated, but the French opened a 
communication between the two. AH the splendid remains of anti- 
■• 
quity are in the new citadel, where is also a very handsome place 
d'armes. The houses are chiefly in ruins. In the old citadel are a 
great many houses in better condition, but no noble public build- 
ing. The walls have a parapet, and towers at equal distances, of 
