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  • Al-Hakim be Aamr Ellah Mosque

    Mosque of al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah

    Al-Hakim Amr Allah Mosque, located on Al-Moez Street in Old Cairo, is a prominent Fatimid landmark and the fourth oldest surviving mosque in Egypt. Built in 380 AH during Al-Aziz Billah's reign, it was completed by his son in 403 AH (1012-1013 AD), making it the second largest mosque in Cairo after Ahmed Ibn Tulun Mosque. The mosque's name was attributed to him. The mosque, measuring 12005 meters in length and 113 meters in width, has two minarets at its sea front, surrounded by pyramid-shaped bases. The upper cubes are slightly backwards, and an octagonal minaret protrudes from each of the upper cubes.

  • Visit Queen Nefertari’s Tomb

    Tomb of Queen Nefertari

    There were also the great queens of the New Kingdom (1550-1090 BC) Nefertiti, the wife of Akhenaten (1371-1355 BC), and Nefertari, one of the celebrated eight wives of Ramses II (c. 1279-c. 1213 BC). While Nefertiti is more popular for the exquisite portrait bust of her that is located in Berlin, Nefertari is famous mostly for her large burial site situated in the Valley of the Queens.

  • tomb of Tutankhamun | Tutankhamun tomb discovery | king tut tomb pictures

    Tomb of Tutankhamun

    The Valley of the Kings, located on the Nile River's west bank near Thebes, served as a cemetery for pharaohs during the New Kingdom of Ancient Egyptians from 1539 to 1075 BC. The 20,000 square meter rocky valley houses 27 royal tombs from the 18th, 19th, and 20th Egyptian dynasties, which have been discovered to this day. Pharaoh Tutankhamun, also known as King Tut, was the last Eighteenth Dynasty Pharaoh from 1334 to 1325 B.C. He is famous for his intact tomb and treasures, unmarked grave, and premature death due to broken bones. His minister married his widow after his death.

  • the Virgin Mary’s tree.

    The Tree of Virgin Mary in Matareya

    The Coptic Orthodox Church commemorates the Feast of the Entry of the Holy Family into Egypt, a minor liturgical feast. It commemorates St. Joseph the Carpenter's obedience to an angel's command to take the child and his mother to Egypt, marking the entry of the Holy Family into the land of Egypt. The prayers begin on the eve of the liturgical day. The Maryam Tree Mazar, a significant tourist attraction in Egypt, is home to the Holy Family and has undergone significant development and renovations to maintain its historical significance.

  • Biography of Ahmad ibn Tulun

    Biography of Ahmad ibn Tulun

    Ahmad ibn Tulun's Turkish roots trace back to his father, who was a slave of Noah ibn Asad, the governor of Bukhara. Asad freed him, and Caliph Al-Ma'mun admired him. He was enrolled in the caliphate court and eventually became the head of the caliph's guard. Ahmad bin Tulun, born on September 20, 835 AD, in Baghdad, the capital of the caliphate, was well-cared for by his father, who taught him military arts, jurisprudence, hadith, and hadith, and encouraged him to learn from scholars and read the Qur'an.

  • Al Qusayr, Egypt | Al Quseir history

    Historical Background | Quseir Town

    The city of Al-Qusair is located on the western shore of the Red Sea in Egypt, 140 km south of Hurghada, and one of the most important villages of the city is Hamrawin village, with an area of 7,636 km², while its population is 50,023 people. Al-Qusayr, named after a fort that protected the nation during ancient Pharaonic, Roman, and other empires, was a hub for gold procurement by Pharaohs. Built by Sultan Selim I during the Ottoman period, the fortress remains intact.

Facts About Islamic Cairo

Facts About Ahmad Ibn Tulun Mosque

  • 05 16, 2023

The Ibn Tulun Mosque, one of Cairo’s most distinguished architectural gems, stands as a testament to the grandeur of Islamic art and architecture in the medieval period. Constructed between 876 and 879 AD, the mosque was commissioned by Ahmad ibn Tulun, the founder of the Tulunid dynasty, who sought to establish a religious and political center in Egypt. Located in the heart of Cairo, this mosque is renowned for its historical significance and architectural innovations.

Historical Context

During the time of its construction, Egypt was a crucial region under the rule of the Abbasid Caliphate. Ahmad ibn Tulun, a governor appointed by the Abbasids, sought to assert his independence and elevate his dynasty's prestige. The Ibn Tulun Mosque was part of this broader agenda, symbolizing both religious devotion and political authority.

Architectural Features

The Ibn Tulun Mosque is celebrated for its impressive and unique architectural style. It is the oldest mosque in Cairo to have survived in its original form and remains one of the largest mosques in the city. The mosque’s design reflects a mix of Abbasid and local Egyptian influences, showcasing a distinct aesthetic that has become iconic.

Courtyard and Prayer Hall

The mosque's layout is centered around a vast rectangular courtyard, which measures approximately 92 by 100 meters (302 by 328 feet). The courtyard is surrounded by a colonnade of arcades supported by slender columns, creating a serene and spacious environment for worshippers. The prayer hall, located along the western side of the courtyard, is notable for its simplicity and elegance. It features a large hypostyle hall with a series of parallel aisles separated by rows of columns.

Minaret

One of the mosque's most striking features is its minaret, which stands at the southwest corner of the mosque. The minaret, often referred to as the "Ibn Tulun Minaret," is distinguished by its spiral design, a departure from the more common cylindrical minarets of the time. Its unique shape and intricate brickwork showcase the advanced engineering skills of the era.

Decorative Elements

The Ibn Tulun Mosque is adorned with intricate decorative elements, including stucco carvings and geometric patterns that are typical of Abbasid art. The mosque’s walls are decorated with ornate friezes and inscriptions, many of which reflect the theological and artistic sensibilities of the period.

Preservation and Legacy

Over the centuries, the Ibn Tulun Mosque has faced various challenges, including natural wear and political upheavals. However, extensive restoration efforts have preserved its architectural integrity. Today, it stands as a vital cultural and historical landmark in Cairo, attracting visitors from around the world who come to admire its beauty and historical significance.

The mosque’s design has influenced subsequent Islamic architecture in the region, and its survival through centuries of change underscores its importance in the Islamic architectural tradition. It also serves as a reminder of the rich cultural and religious history of Egypt during the Tulunid period.

In conclusion, the Ibn Tulun Mosque is not only a place of worship but also a masterpiece of Islamic architecture that reflects the artistic and cultural achievements of the medieval period. Its grandeur, historical significance, and unique design elements continue to captivate scholars, architects, and visitors alike, ensuring its place as a timeless symbol of Cairo's architectural heritage.

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Egypt Tours FAQ

Read top Egypt tours FAQs

In the 12th century,  the Ahmad ibn Tulun mosque served as a place of refuge for pilgrims traveling from North Africa to the Hijaz. Its grand congregational mosque was specifically designed to be the central attraction in Ibn Tulun's capital city, which also functioned as the administrative center for the Tulunid dynasty.

The Quba Mosque is a special place of worship for Muslims. It was built a long time ago in a city called Medina. People believe it was the very first mosque ever built. It was made during the time of a very important person named Prophet Muhammad. The mosque is very old and has a lot of history.

There was a mosque built on a mountain called Jebal Yashkur, in a place called Ahmad Ibn Tulun Square. It was supposed to be the main mosque for a new city called al-Qata'i. The person who built it, Ahmad Ibn Tulun, wanted to show that he was independent and not controlled by the ʿAbbasid Caliphate.

Yes, the Ahmad Ibn Tulun Mosque is open to visitors for both worship and tourism. Visitors can explore the mosque's interior, learn about its history and architecture, and appreciate its cultural significance.

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