Modern Egypt has been defined by the events on Tahrir Square, a place of liberation and revolution in the heart of Downtown Cairo. The large public square filled television screens around the world during the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, but it’s much more than a place of protest. Historic architecture flanks Cairo’s focal point, gazing at a statue of Omar Makram and a circular green space. Tahrir Square is also the transport crossroads of Downtown Cairo, with a busy traffic circle leading out to Qasr el-Aini Street, Talaat Harb Street and Qasr al-Nil Street.
The impressive facade of the Mogamma Building stands on the south of Tahrir Square, while the Omar Makram Statue is in the north-east, close to the Omar Makram Mosque. Omar Makram led Cairo’s resistance against Napoleon, and his nationalism has become a symbol of the square. Green gardens extend on two sides of the square and are very popular places for locals to congregate during the evenings. By taking Qasr Al-Nil Street, visitors can walk from Tahrir Square to Qasr Al-Nil Bridge, which crosses the River Nile to Gezira Island.
Sadat subway station is located in the north of Tahrir Square and is one of only two stations that links different lines of the Cairo Metro. Tahrir Square can be heavy with traffic throughout day and night, so it’s advisable to use the underground viaducts to cross the square.
Tahrir Square wasn’t the just the focal point of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution. Many people gathered here to protect against the Iraq War in 2003 and the square was at the heart of the nationwide Egyptian Bread Riots in 1977. Annual democracy celebrations now take place on the square and are attended by foreign dignitaries.