PLACE TAHRIR, PLACE AHMED ORABI AND RUE DE FRANCE
Tahrir Square, home to the major Western consulates, and Ahmed Orabi Square, with its series of Italian-style courtyards.
Place Tahrir is not by its first name. In 1830, when it was designed, it was called Place des Consuls; indeed, all around it, next to the stock exchange, the great Western consulates were built. In 1860, when Jacquemart delivered the bronze equestrian statue of Mohammed Ali, which was placed in its centre, it immediately took on this name. But the winner was Nasser who gave it its current name of Tahrir, a name which should be its last! Today, to the north, is the Anglican church which faces imposing buildings from the end of the 19th century.
At the north-west corner of the square begins a maze of shopping streets, the most emblematic of which is the Sharia el-Faransa, or "Rue de France", known for containing everything that housewives need: fabrics, kitchen utensils, household appliances. It's fun to get lost in it
Ahmed Orabi Square, named after this nationalist officer of Egyptian history, is perpendicular to Tahrir Square and connects it to the Corniche. To the east of the square is a synagogue, closed since 1956. Behind the western facades of the square, through narrow passageways, there is access to a series of Italian-style inner courtyards where some popular cafés have established trade. Not far from the Victory Monument is the Consulate General of France, a proud Italian-style building whose cornices are decorated with cherubs. This square and district is also called "Mansheya".