The National Military Museum of Egypt is not merely a weapons collection. Here, one can explore the military history of Egypt from the chariots of the pharaohs to modern jet fighters. The museum`s uniqueness lies in its location: it is housed in the former harem palace (Haramlik) of Muhammad Ali`s residence in the very heart of the Cairo Citadel.
History of Foundation and Collection Development
The museum was founded in November 1937 in a different building in Garden City, but the idea for its creation was in the air after Egypt gained partial independence. The ambitious goal was to create a pantheon of national military history that would unite the Pharaonic, Islamic, and modern eras into a single chronicle. In 1949, the museum acquired its current building—within the Citadel, a symbol of state power and military might.
The collection was formed over decades, being supplemented by archaeological finds, trophies from battlefields (including the wars with Israel), as well as modern equipment samples. Particular emphasis was placed on creating large-scale paintings and dioramas, turning the museum into a visual narrative.
A Journey Through the Ages: The Museum`s Main Halls
The exhibition is arranged in chronological order, guiding the visitor through key historical milestones.
1. Hall of Ancient Egypt: The Era of the Pharaohs
Central Exhibits: Accurate replicas of chariots, sets of bronze weapons—spears, battle axes (khepesh), sickle-shaped swords (khopesh). Armor consisting of leather and scale elements.
Works of Art: Monumental paintings depicting the battles of Kadesh (Ramesses II against the Hittites) and Megiddo (Thutmose III). Dioramas showing the organization of an Egyptian military camp, siege tactics, and archer training methods. These halls emphasize that the Egyptian army of the pharaohs was the world`s first professional, highly organized force.
2. Hall of the Islamic Era: From the Arab Conquests to the Mamluks
Key Diorama — "The Siege of Babylon (The Babylon Fortress in Egypt)". This is one of the collection`s gems. It meticulously recreates the decisive moment of 639–641 AD—the assault on the Roman Babylon Fortress by the troops of the Arab commander Amr ibn al-As. The diorama shows siege engines, catapults, assault ladders, and fierce hand-to-hand combat on the walls, symbolizing the beginning of a new, Islamic era in Egypt`s history.
Exhibits: A collection of knightly armor and weapons from the Mamluk era—sabers, chainmail, misyurka helmets, shields. Weapons from the Ottoman period are also presented.
3. Hall of Modern History: Muhammad Ali, the Revolution, and Modern Wars
The Era of Muhammad Ali: A separate section is dedicated to the creation of the modern Egyptian army. Here one can see Pasha’s personal weapons, uniforms of his elite units, and banners.
Monument to Ibrahim Pasha: In front of the museum entrance stands an equestrian statue of Ibrahim Pasha, the brilliant son of Muhammad Ali and a commander who dealt crushing defeats to the Ottoman army in Syria and Anatolia. The monument symbolizes the peak of Egypt`s military power in the 19th century.
20th Century Wars (The October/Yom Kippur War of 1973): The most emotional halls are dedicated to this period. Captured Israeli equipment, personal belongings and weapons of heroes, and an extensive photo gallery are on display. Particular attention is paid to the crossing of the Suez Canal and the breakthrough of the Bar-Lev Line—key victories of the Egyptian army. Paintings and dioramas of the battles are executed with photographic precision.
Open-Air Military Equipment Exhibition
The inner courtyard and adjacent territory of the museum constitute a military history park under the open sky. The exhibition is built on the principle of "from old to new":
• 19th Century Artillery: Next to the palace stand old cast-iron cannons from the Muhammad Ali era on wooden carriages.
• World War II and Arab-Israeli Wars Equipment: Tanks (Soviet T-54/55, American M4 Sherman), self-propelled artillery units, and anti-aircraft guns are displayed here.
• Modern Aviation: On special pedestals are jet fighters (Soviet MiG-21, French Mirages), helicopters, and even a ballistic missile.
The National Military Museum will be of interest not only to military history enthusiasts but to anyone wishing to gain a deeper understanding of Egypt`s military history, for which the army has always been not only a tool of defense but also the backbone of statehood.
