Discuss the impact of the foundation of Cairo (969) on political and social developments in the Fatimid Empire.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of opinions relating to the impact of the foundation of Cairo on political and social developments in the Fatimid Empire. Candidates may choose to discuss political and social developments separately or alternatively stress the interconnectedness of the two. They may note that the political focus of the empire shifted eastwards with the foundation of Cairo and discuss ways in the cosmopolitanism of the city led to racial and religious tolerance and the inclusion of different groups in the administration of the empire. Art and culture flourished and a university was established at the Jamadi al-Awwad mosque. Candidates may stress Cairo’s location as a factor that promoted intellectual enrichment, as academics from the ʽAbbasid and Byzantine empires were attracted to the city.