Top mosques in Cairo’s historic district

Top mosques in Cairo’s historic district

Cairo, the city of a thousand minarets and one of the main pillars of Islamic history in the world, with prominent Muslim scientists coming out of the country and contributing to the Islamic religion with their studies. The historic district known as the Islamic Cairo hosts some of the most iconic and historic mosques in Egypt and the Islamic world. In this blog post, we are going to explore the top mosques in Cairo’s historic district.

Al Azhar Mosque

• History of the Mosque

Al Azhar Mosque was built by the Fatimid Caliphate during the holy month of Ramadan, as the first cornerstone was laid on Ramadan 14, 359 AH - 970 AD. The mosque was built during Ramadan in the year 361 AH - 972 AD. It was named Al-Azhar Mosque after the Lady Fatima al-Zahra, to whom the Fatimids are attributed.

• Importance of the Mosque 

The mosque is not just an old historic mosque, but a place where many scholars have come out of.

• The University of Al Azhar

The University of Al Azhar is a prominent place and one of the oldest universities in Egypt, and it has been the center of Islamic studies for decades. And students come from around the world to the university to learn about Islam.

• The Architecture of the Mosque

The long history of the Mosque has left many architectural designs through the different eras, the architecture shows the evolution of both Egypt and Cairo.

Mosque of Ibn Tulun

• History of the Mosque

Built between 876 and 879 by Ahmad ibn Tulun, it is the oldest well-preserved mosque in Egypt. 

• Architecture of the Mosque

Its design was inspired by the 9th-century mosques of Samarra in Iraq, the Abbasid capital at the time, making it an important representative of classical Abbasid architecture. The mosque consists of a large open courtyard surrounded by roofed sections that are divided into aisles by rows of pointed arches.

Muhammad Ali Mosque

Located in the Citadel of Salah Eldin, it was built by Muhammad Ali Pasha in 1265 AH/1848 AD. The mosque includes a huge focal vault, four more modest arches, and two towering minarets. The courtyard includes a shaded fountain so muslims can wash before praying. The interior has these amazing radiant lanterns in the interior in addition to the tomb of Muhammad Ali himself.

Al Rifa’i mosque

• History of the mosque 

The mosque was constructed in two phases over the period between 1869 and 1912, when it was finally completed. Khedive Ismail Pasha began the process of building, and it was finally completed by Khedive Abbas II, under the supervision of the Hungarian architect Max Herz.

• Architecture of the mosque

The mosque's architecture is a blend of Mamluk and Ottoman architectural influences, through the towering and interior.

It is worth mentioning that it contains the tombs of many prominent figures in Egypt, such as King Farouk and the last Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.​

Mosque of Amr ibn al-As

The earliest Islamic building in Egypt at 642 CE. It was built at the capital of the Islamic state, El Fustat, which Amr Ibn Al’as created in Egypt after conquering it in 641 CE. 

The mosque began back then was just palm trees and mudstones, then four minarets were added, and then more renovations happened with a large courtyard and multiple arcades. Amr Ibn Al’as reflects the changes that happened in Egypt and the Islamic world.

Today, the mosque still stands as a significant place for worship and a historical place.

Mosque of Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah

Built in 990 AD, the mosque stands as one of Egypt’s most prominent mosques, as it was built during the Fatimid caliphate. The mosque is known for its grand size and a massive courtyard, featuring two minarets.

The mosque has gone through some restorations to keep the Fatimid style and preserve the place.  

Nowadays, the mosque stands as a place for worship and a historic place that people come to visit.