The top 10 Islamic-style mosques worth visiting in Egypt
Egypt -
Egypt is known for its distinctive and majestic Islamic icons throughout the ages, making it a gem in the world of religious tourism and a focal point for people of different faiths and nationalities.
If you are looking for the most important and famous mosques in Egypt, here is this article to showcase the top 10 mosques worth visiting in your beloved Egypt.
1: Al-Azhar Mosque
Al-Azhar Mosque is one of the most famous and oldest historical mosques in Egypt and the Islamic world.
The mosque was built by Jawhar al-Siqilli "Yalies al-Siqilli," the commander of the Fatimid army under Al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah al-Fatimi, about a year after the conquest of Egypt by the Fatimids.
The mosque became a centre for studying various branches of Islamic and Arabic sciences, as well as history.
It remained a beacon of learning and a place for spiritual connection, hosting religious studies and attracting scholars and thinkers to learn about Islamic principles.
The mosque features diverse sections such as the Sharia Sciences Hall, Quranic Studies, Recitations, a section for preaching and religious lessons, a section for intellectual and cultural activities, and a section for foreign languages.
2: Al-Rifa'i Mosque
Al-Rifa'i Mosque was constructed in the 19th century in Qalaa Square (Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi Square), named after Imam Ahmed Al-Rifa'i, the founder of the Rifa'i Sufi order.
The mosque is distinguished by its ancient Islamic design, which represents an architectural masterpiece that allows you to discover the intricacies of its decorations and massive columns at the outer gate.
Adding to its architectural features, it was the first building to use cement in Islamic architecture, marking a transition to the modern era. The mosque houses the tombs of Sheikh Ali Abu Shabak and Sheikh Yahya al-Ansari, as well as a royal tomb containing the remains of Khedive Ismail, his mother Khushiyar Hanem, his wives, Sultan Hussein Kamel, King Fuad I, and King Farouk.
3: Al Imam Al-Hussein Mosque
Al Imam Al-Hussein Mosque is located in the Al-Jamaliyah district near Khan al-Khalili Street, a bustling commercial area.
The mosque is renowned for its magnificent and distinctive view, attracting visitors of all faiths free of charge throughout the week.
During your visit, you can purchase souvenirs representing ancient Egypt, Islamic, and Pharaonic heritage and explore popular warm destinations among thousands of people from all age groups.
4: Ibn Tulun Mosque
The mosque was constructed by "Ahmad ibn Tulun," the Abbasid governor of Egypt at the time, atop Mount Yashkur (currently known as Ahmed Ibn Tulun Square or Sayyida Zainab Square).
The mosque is distinguished by its original structure and its spiral minaret, creating a magnificent architectural tableau that reflects both Abbasid and Islamic styles simultaneously.
The mosque features numerous arches and windows overlooking the interior, along with the "mi'da" fountain designated for ablution, blending the beauty of exquisite architectural art with ancient Islamic symbols.
5: Al-Hakim Mosque
Al-Hakim Mosque has a rich history with its location on Al-Muizz li-Din Allah al-Fatimi Street, near Bab al-Futuh. Its main façade is designed uniquely, making it a showcase of all Islamic art forms, decorations, and architectural masterpieces.
The mosque blends Fatimid and Mamluk styles, with its large dome being one of the largest in Islamic mosques. Al-Hakim Mosque is renowned for its luxurious interior decorations and splendid ornaments, such as Quranic inscriptions and botanical and geometric designs adorning the walls, columns, and dome.
6: Mosque of Muhammad Ali
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali stands proudly in its area, becoming a prominent architectural landmark built in the Ottoman style. It is distinguished by its enchanting geometric design, enhanced by the use of "alabaster," a type of marble used to cover its interior and exterior walls.
The mosque showcases its beauty with its rectangular area, divided into two sections:
The eastern section is designated for prayer.
The western section: the courtyard with a "fountain" in the centre for ablution, with each section having a door, one facing south and the other facing north.
7: Salah ElDin El Ayouby Mosque
You can visit the historical and Islamic buildings and make "Salah ElDin El Ayouby Mosque" your destination. It was built during the presidency of Gamal Abdel Nasser and is located on the Nile River on Al-Rawda Island at the eastern end of Cairo University Bridge.
The mosque consists of a spacious courtyard with clear lighting windows, surrounded by four iwans (vaulted halls), each with two columns.
The mosque includes a library and a mourning hall, with a second floor dedicated to women's prayer and featuring windows overlooking the entire courtyard of the mosque.
8: Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan
Don't search too much for a unique destination because your destination is now the Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan. It is considered one of the largest and most prestigious mosques in Egypt in terms of architecture, as it was established by Sultan Hassan bin Al-Nasir Muhammad bin Qalawun.
The mosque was used as a sturdy fortress due to its proximity to the citadel, leading to numerous restoration and rebuilding processes over the centuries. It is characterised by its distinctive domes with intricate decorations and elegant architectural design. Additionally, it boasts the beauty of stone carvings inscribed with Kufic script and marble designs of exquisite style.
9: Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay Mosque
It is nicknamed "Master of Islamic Architecture" and is featured on the Egyptian pound currency, making it one of the most magnificent architectural structures, representing the power and grandeur of the Mamluk state.
The mosque combines precision in design, craftsmanship, and the beauty of decorations and inscriptions, remaining one of the most beautiful monuments in the Mamluk Desert area.
The mosque was built in the form of intersecting schools, with a courtyard in the centre topped by a dome and surrounded by four iwans facing each other, the largest being the qibla iwan. When you visit, you can take souvenir photographs and explore the surrounding areas to appreciate the architectural artistry and the splendour of the details.
10: Amr ibn Al-A'as mosque
You cannot miss seeing the "Mosque of Amr ibn al-As," the oldest and first mosque built in Egypt and Africa.
It is nicknamed "The Crown Jewel of Mosques" and is also known as the "Ancient Mosque." It was constructed by the esteemed companion Amr ibn al-As in the year 21 AH, equivalent to 641 CE, shortly after the full conquest of Egypt.
Initially, the mosque served as a meeting place for Muslims and the forces of Amr ibn al-As, may God be pleased with him. Over time, it became an important symbol for Muslims specifically and for all communities in general.
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