Tahrir Square

Quick Facts: Who was Tahrir Square?

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Tahrir Square

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A pivotal public square in downtown Cairo, central to Egyptian political history.

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Origins & Early Life

Tahrir Square (Arabic: ميدان التحرير, romanized: Maydān at-Taḥrīr, Egyptian Arabic pronunciation: [meˈdæːn ettæħˈɾiːɾ]; English: "Liberation Square"), also known as Martyr Square, is a public town square in downtown Cairo, Egypt. The square has been the location and focus for political demonstrations. The 2011 Egyptian revolution and the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak occurred at the Tahrir Square.

Career & Major Achievements

The square was originally called "Ismailia Square", after the 19th-century ruler of Egypt, Khedive Ismail, who commissioned the new downtown district's 'Paris on the Nile'. After the Egyptian Revolution of 1919, the square became widely known as Tahrir (Liberation) Square. 1922–1936), the son of Khedive Ismail, renamed the square officially to Khedive Ismail Square (Maydān al-Khidaywī Ismā‘īl).

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Before the end of his reign in 1936, a roundabout with a garden was created at the center of the square. Under his successor, King Farouk (r. 1936–1952), a pedestal was installed in the center of square which was intended to support a statue of Khedive Isma'il, but the commissioned statue was never installed.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1919: 1919 Milestone — After the Egyptian Revolution of 1919, the square became widely known as Tahrir (Liberation) Square.
2. 1922: 1922 Milestone — 1922–1936), the son of Khedive Ismail, renamed the square officially to Khedive Ismail Square (Maydān al-Khidaywī Ismā‘īl).
3. 1936: 1936 Milestone — Before the end of his reign in 1936, a roundabout with a garden was created at the center of the square.
4. 2011: 2011 Milestone — The 2011 Egyptian revolution and the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak occurred at the Tahrir Square.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Tahrir Square

True or False: “True or False: Tahrir Square was originally named after the 19th-century ruler Khedive Ismail.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The square was initially called "Ismailia Square" in honor of Khedive Ismail during the development of the downtown district.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Tahrir Square