Inside the National Police Museum at the Cairo Citadel

The National Police Museum sits on the northern terrace of the Saladin Citadel, occupying a structure that functioned as a military prison until its inauguration as a museum on January 25, 1984. Access is included in the standard 450 EGP admission fee for foreign adults at the Citadel, making it an easy addition to a morning spent at the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. The facility consists of six primary halls organized around a central courtyard, each dedicated to a different era of Egyptian law enforcement history from the Pharaonic age through the modern republic. While many tourists skip this section in favor of the more famous mosques, the museum provides a gritty, unfiltered look at Egypt’s social history that you simply cannot find in the gold-leafed palaces nearby.

Historical Evolution of Egyptian Law Enforcement

From Pharaonic Guards to the Mamluks

The chronological journey begins in the Ancient Egyptian hall, where displays highlight the early development of organized security forces. You will see replicas of wooden police batons and early documentation of border guards who monitored the Nile Delta. It is fascinating to realize that the concept of a dedicated civil police force existed in Egypt as early as the Old Kingdom, though the equipment was primitive compared to later centuries. Moving into the Islamic and Mamluk sections, the weaponry shifts toward heavy iron maces and ornate swords, reflecting a period when the police and military roles were nearly indistable.

The 1952 Ismailia Battle Exhibit

A significant portion of the museum focuses on the events of January 25, 1952, a date that now serves as Egypt’s national Police Day. This hall contains artifacts and dioramas commemorating the resistance of Egyptian police officers in Ismailia against British occupation forces. The lopsided nature of that conflict—where local officers with small arms faced British tanks—is presented through original uniforms and spent casings from the battle. Standing in this room provides necessary context for why the police force remains such a central pillar of Egyptian national identity today.

Infamous Crimes and Political History

The Raya and Sakina Case

The most popular exhibit for local visitors—and the one I find most chilling—is the room dedicated to Raya and Sakina, Egypt’s most notorious female serial killers. In the early 1920s, these sisters lured women to their homes in Alexandria to rob and murder them, eventually burying 17 victims under the floorboards. The museum displays the original execution warrants and rare photographs of the crime scenes that were used during the 1921 trial. Seeing the actual faces of the sisters in these grainy black-and-white photos adds a layer of reality that feels far more visceral than any true-crime documentary.

Assassination Attempts and Political Unrest

Another section details the various political crimes that have shaped modern Egypt, including documentation regarding the assassination of President Anwar Sadat in 1981. This hall displays some of the forensic evidence and weapons used in high-profile political attacks throughout the 20th century. The curators have also included a collection of forged currency and counterfeit detection tools from the mid-1900s, showing the evolution of white-collar crime investigation in Cairo. These exhibits are quite dense and require some time to read through the translated plaques, which are generally accurate though occasionally brief.

Logistics and Visitor Experience

Location within the Citadel Grounds

You will find the museum tucked away behind the Al-Gawhara Palace, toward the northwestern edge of the fortress. The walk from the main entrance near the Mosque of an-Nasir Muhammad takes about seven to ten minutes depending on your pace. The northern terrace where the museum is located offers one of the most unobstructed views of the City of the Dead and the distant minarets of Old Cairo. I highly recommend spending a few minutes on this overlook before heading inside, as it is much quieter than the primary viewing platform near the main mosque.

Photography and Best Times to Visit

Photography is generally permitted inside the museum, though you should avoid using a flash to preserve the condition of the older documents and uniforms. The building lacks modern climate control, so it can become quite stuffy by midday in the summer months. Arriving right when the Citadel opens at 9:00 AM allows you to see the crime exhibits before the larger school groups arrive. Most visitors find that 45 to 60 minutes is sufficient to cover all six halls without rushing through the historical details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the National Police Museum included in the Citadel ticket?

Yes, the entrance is covered by the general Citadel admission fee, which is currently 450 EGP for foreign adults and 230 EGP for foreign students with a valid ID. You do not need to purchase a separate ticket specifically for this museum at the gate.

Can I see the Raya and Sakina exhibit here?

This museum houses the primary historical exhibit for the Raya and Sakina case, including the original 1921 execution photos and trial documents. It is located in the crime hall near the back of the building and is often considered the museum's most famous attraction.

How long does it take to tour the National Police Museum?

A thorough visit typically lasts between 45 and 75 minutes, depending on how much time you spend reading the historical plaques. If you are only interested in the crime and assassination exhibits, you can likely finish the tour in 30 minutes.

Are the museum exhibits translated into English?

Most of the major displays and hall introductions have English translations alongside the Arabic text. Some of the smaller, individual artifact labels may only be in Arabic, but the context is usually clear from the surrounding displays and dioramas.