Mosques
Mohammed Ali Mosque
The most prominent building situated on the northern heights of the citadel is
the Ottoman Muhammad Ali mosque, also called the “Alabaster Mosque.” It can be
seen from every part of Cairo.
plan of the mosque
courtyard
It was built in the style called Ottoman Baroque that imitates the great
religious mosques of Istanbul. by Mohammad Ali Pasha, ruler of Egypt, and
founder of the country’s last dynasty of Khedives and Kings.
Mohamed Ali (1769-1849) was born in Cavalia, Greece, and was of Albanian origin.
He was a soldier in the troops that were sent to Egypt to free the country from
Napoleon’s occupation and took part in the land battle of Abou Kir on the 25th
of July 1799. In 1808 he was the commander of the Albanian troops in Egypt
Construction of the mosque began in 1830 A. D. but was not completed until the
reign of Said Pacha in 1857. It was built in the style called Ottoman Baroque
that imitated the great religious mosques of Istanbul. It is distinguished by
its dome, which is 52 meters high, and its two minarets which rise 84 meters
from the ground levels of its courtyard. The mosque was decorated with stone
from the ruined cathedral of Akko (Acre).
family viewing the mosque
boys eager to learn
From the arcaded courtyard, you have a magnificent view across the city to the pyramids in Giza. Just off the courtyard is the vast prayer hall with an Ottoman style dome which is 170 feet above. The parapet to the southwest offers a good view of the Sultan Hassan and Ibn Tulun Mosques and of Cairo itself.
enclosing the tomb of Mohammed Ali
the tomb
paying respect
It is also known as the Alabaster Mosque because of the extensive use of this fine material that was used to cover its interior and exterior walls. Its two slender 270 foot minarets are unusual for Cairo.
In the opinion of many, his mosque and school represent the pinnacle of Islamic architecture.
Mohamed All Mosque is the emblem of the Cairo Governorate
Link to hear the Call to Prayer
Ottoman era mosque built in 1528
entrance
place for body cleansing
courtyard
prayers
Ottoman tomb
draped in the green color of the Muslim faith
buried in the mosque
outside view of the tombs
