In a world of significant structures, where every building is a beautiful marvel representing Islamic architecture, any new structure needs to be on the same level as its previous one. There stands the one who beat the others, “Mohamed Ali mosque, Or Alabaster Mosque” here you are going to find out the details of this marvel, who built it, where it is, and what’s the story behind it; let’s not waste time, and begin.

 

What is the Mohamed Ali Mosque?

The Mohamed Ali Mosque, also known as the Alabaster Mosque, is a stunning architectural masterpiece located within the Citadel of Salah al–Din in, Cairo, Egypt. It stands as a prominent symbol of Islamic Cairo and is widely regarded as one of the most significant mosques in Egypt.

The splendid façade of the Mohamed Ali Mosque.

Who ordered the construction of the Mohamed Ali Mosque?

The mosque was commissioned by Mohammad Ali Pasha, the ruler of Egypt and Sudan, who played a crucial role in modernizing Egypt and embarked on numerous ambitious construction projects to leave a lasting legacy.

 

Who built the mosque?

It was designed by the Turkish man Youssef Boushnaq, who came all the way from Istanbul to Cairo to build this masterpiece.

 

Who is Mohamed Ali?

Mohamed Ali Pasha the prominent ruler of Egypt.

Mohamed Ali was the ruler of Egypt & Sudan in the time between 1805 and 1848; he was a military commander in the first place, and his dream was to rule Egypt (before him, Egypt was under the rule of a French campaign ), after he ruled Egypt he began the plan for Egypt to modernize it, his plan contained improving the Egyptian army, architecture, the living conditions to the Egyptians, the infrastructure and the technology.

Mohamed Ali was one of the most outstanding leaders who had ever ruled Egypt. His achievements are everywhere, and until now, we can see it and adore it. He established a great, mighty, disciplined army, which helped him to expand Egypt’s boundaries. 

In the architectural field, Mohamed Ali has many structures to talk about and study, such as his mosque in Salah-El-din citadel in Cairo City; that mosque is the ultimate example of the marvelous vision of Mohamed Ali.

Mohamed Ali was born in an Albanian family. Although many say he was born in Greece, he was born in the late 1760s (perhaps in  1769 AD).

He died and left his successors to rule after him until the Egyptian revolution in 1952 AD by Gamal Abd-el Nasser.

 

When was the Mohamed Ali Mosque built?

The mosque was built in 1848, but the construction began in 1830, which means the mosque took 18 years (more or less ) to be completed into the marvelous building that we see now.

 

Where is the Mohamed Ali Mosque located?

It’s located in Salah el-din Citadel in Cairo ( in the northwestern corner of the citadel ); it is perched on Muqattam Hill, providing an adorable scene that is impossible to find anywhere else.

The strategic location of Mohamed Ali Mosque.

What style does the mosque represent?

Due to its unique look, you can tell it was a combination of creative styles, such as the Islamic and the European styles together, to produce the captivating structure we witness now.

The exquisite architectural style of the mosque.

What are the notable features of the Mohamed Ali Mosque?

Mohamed Ali Mosque, also known as the Alabaster Mosque, is one of Cairo’s most iconic landmarks and a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. The idea of Mohamed Ali mosque was derived from Sultan Ahmed’s mosque in Istanbul.

highlighting of Mohamed Ali Mosque

Here are some of its notable features:

Mohamed Ali mosque is rectangular and contains an eastern section & western one.

Architectural beauty: the mosque design combines the Ottoman &mamluk design 

Courtyard: in the courtyard, there is a central fountain; the fountain adds to the scene of the mosque and the courtyard with its unique look.

 

The alabaster cladding: the mosque’s walls and interior are made of alabaster; it adds to the look and gives a luminous appearance. That’s why the mosque has a nickname, which is “the alabaster mosque.” 

Domes: The mosque has many domes, and the central one is surrounded by four smaller domes, which are decorated with richly intricate geometric patterns.

 

The eastern section was dedicated to prayer. 

The prayer hall: the internal of the mosque contains beautiful things as well; the prayer hall is decorated with ornate chandeliers and colorful stained glass windows, 

The prayer niche is also beautifully decorated and serves as a point of worship.

Minarets: the mosque contains two tall, slender minarets, each one with a different design; the two tall minarets offer stunning views of the city itself (Cairo) and some parts of it.

 

Tomb of Mohamed Ali: It’s in the mausoleum in the mosque complex so that visitors can come and pay their respects to the former ruler of Egypt and Sudan. Mohammed Ali Pasha Pasha.

The panoramic view:  the scenic view of Cairo can be enjoyed from the mosque location in the citadel; we can see various parts of Egypt, such as the Nile River and, of course, the most beautiful scene of all time .. the pyramids of Giza.

 

What is the importance of the mosque?

The mosque is a place of worship for Muslims and has held paramount religious & historical importance from that time until now. It’s a landmark of Mohamed Ali and that period, and it’s considered an architectural heritage.

Visitors in contemplation within the mosque.

How has Mohamed Ali Mosque influenced Islamic architecture?

The mosque has profoundly impacted Islamic architecture, particularly in Egypt. Its unique blend of Ottoman and European influences has inspired subsequent mosque designs in the country, leaving a lasting legacy on the architectural landscape.

 

Can visitors explore the Mohamed Ali Mosque?

Visitors can explore the mosque and admire its breathtaking interior and exterior. However, it is essential to note that respectful attire is required, and visitors should be mindful of adhering to the mosque’s rules and customs. You can enjoy a wonderful visit to the mosque with our Cairo day trips.

Engaging with the mosque’s heritage.

What other attractions are located near the Mosque?

There are wonderful attractions near the Alabaster Mosque, such as the mosque of el-nasir Mohamed, el Rafael mosque, ibn Tulan mosque, the Police Museum, and the National Military Museum. Enjoy all of these attractions simply through our Islamic Cairo Day Tour.

Exploring neighboring attractions.

Suppose your visit to Egypt extends beyond a single day, and you wish to explore more of the country’s remarkable attractions. In that case, we highly recommend considering our captivating Egypt tour packages, available from various regions of Egypt.

For travelers arriving at any of Egypt’s ports, our Egypt Shore Excursions offer the perfect opportunity to experience the finest of Cairo, Luxor, Alexandria, and Aswan.

Moreover, our diverse range of Egypt Package Tours, including options like our 5-Day Egypt Tour Packages and 6-Day Trips to Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, ensures that you can tailor your experience to match your preferences and travel goals. Explore the many tour packages we have to offer and create an unforgettable Egyptian adventure.

 

Muhammad Ali Pasha and King Louis Philippe I of France

Majestic Ramses II Obelisk and the Clock Tower.

The relationship between Muhammad Ali Pasha and King Louis Philippe I

At that time, Egypt and France had a relationship due to the making of the Suez Canal, of which France was a part. The canal is what connects the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea to stop sailing in the east, and as a result, the relationship between the two kings became more robust, and gifts were exchanged

Mohamed Ali gave King Philip l an obelisk, which now stands in Paris; this obelisk is originally from the Luxor temple; it’s from the time of Ramses ll; the obelisk is over 3000 years old.

King Philip l gave Mohamed Ali a gift in exchange for a mechanical clock, which was installed in the tower at the entrance of  Cairo’s citadel, which is now known as the Clock Tower.

 

The Story of Construction Mohamed Ali Mosque

The intriguing history of mosque construction.

Here’s the story of its construction:

Origins: The construction began in 1830 and ended in 1848. It was ordered by Muhammad Ali Pasha himself, the Ottoman governor of Egypt, who effectively ruled the country of the early 19th century.

 

Inspiration: The design of the Mosque was heavily influenced by the Ottoman architectural style, especially reminiscent of the mosques in Istanbul. This was not surprising given Muhammad Ali’s own origins in Ottoman Kavala and his desire to align his reign with the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire.

 

Architect: The architect Yusuf Bushnak designed the mosque, which was inspired mainly by the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) in Istanbul.

 

Construction Details: The mosque has a large central dome with four smaller ones around it, supported by semi-domes. It features a large courtyard common to Ottoman mosques and includes a clock tower, a gift from King Louis Philippe of France for the obelisk now in Paris’ Place de la Concorde.

 

Interior: The mosque’s interior features alabaster on walls and columns, earning it its nickname “Alabaster Mosque. It also contains Muhammad Ali’s tomb near the entrance.

 

Legacy:  Mohammad Ali Mosque has a special place in modern Egyptian history. It shows Mohammad Ali’s efforts to modernize Egypt and as a symbol of his aspirations for both political and cultural grandeur.

Conclusion:

Mohamed Ali mosque is a wonder in this world as we have known so far; the mosque has some of the most catching and attractive features among the other mosques, and visitors from all around the world come to enjoy and appreciate this architectural beauty and pay respects to the former ruler of Egypt, the founder of modern Egypt, Mohamed Ali pasha.