Ahmad Ibn Tulun completed the construction of his mosque in 265 AH/879 CE, using red brick.
The Design of the Mosque of Ahmad Ibn Tulun
The Mosque of Ahmad Ibn Tulun is considered one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in Egypt, combining beauty and functionality in its design. Built in the Abbasid style, it incorporates many architectural elements characteristic of that era. Upon entering, you will notice the expansive open courtyard, the heart of the mosque, surrounded by tall columns that support it. The central dome features a unique octagonal design. The mosque is one of Cairo's most prominent tourist attractions, reflecting perfect geometric design. Built on Mount Yashkur, it offers a commanding view of the surrounding area. Its elevation above ground level adds to its captivating beauty.
The Inscriptions and Decorations
Inside the Mosque of Ahmad Ibn Tulun, you will see many stunning Samarra-style inscriptions adorning the walls and columns. These inscriptions represent an important part of the history of Islamic art in Egypt and were brought to Cairo from Iraq. If you are a fan of Islamic art, you will find exquisite artistic forms in the mosque that reveal the artistic creativity of its designers. The wooden panels adorning the mosque's doors also bear intricate and beautiful carvings that reflect refined artistic taste.
The Location
Al-Khudairi Street, Sayyida Zeinab/Old Cairo, situated atop Mount Yashkur (now Ahmed Ibn Tulun Square – Sayyida Zeinab).
The Main Mosque of Al-Qata'i, Egypt
Ahmad Ibn Tulun established an independent Egyptian capital, Al-Qata'i, separate from the Abbasid Caliphate. The mosque of Ahmad Ibn Tulun served as the capital's main mosque.
Where is Al-Qata'i located now?
The capital of the Tulunid state, Al-Qata'i, is now located in Old Cairo, near the Sayyida Zeinab district. Over time, most of its landmarks have disappeared due to natural factors and wars, but some monuments, such as the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, still stand as testaments to its former glory.
Why should we visit the Mosque of Ibn Tulun?
Visiting the Mosque of Ahmad Ibn Tulun is not just a visit to a religious site; it's a journey through time. Through tours inside the mosque, you will feel transported to the Abbasid era, from the inscriptions and decorations to the architectural design that evokes distinction and creativity. Furthermore, the mosque's distinguished location atop Mount Shukr offers a magnificent opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of Old Cairo. On a silent hill that defies the bustle of Cairo, the Mosque of Ahmad Ibn Tulun stands like an ancient guardian, having survived the vicissitudes of time. It is a gateway opening onto a thousand years of stories; every brick holds a secret, and every arch whispers of the traces of those who passed through it. Here, you do not merely wander among an ancient monument, but walk among the shadows of rulers, scholars, physicians, and jurists, touching the history of a city that has been vibrant for centuries. Among the most important figures who studied in this mosque was Al-Izz Ibn Jama'ah, who began teaching at the age of twenty. He studied jurisprudence and hadith and studied his major and minor works. The number of Ibn Jama'ah's teachers reached 1300.
The mosque consists of the following
Its area exceeds 26,000 square meters, making it
one of the largest mosques in Egypt to this day. Its design is based on the old Abbasid style, inspired by the mosques of Samarra in Iraq.
The arches and windows overlooking
The mosque's courtyard features geometric and floral stucco decorations.
The ablution fountain is located in
the center of the courtyard and is topped by a dome supported by marble columns.
Inside the mosque, there are six mihrabs (prayer niches)
The mihrab is a niche in the mosque wall indicating the qibla, the direction Muslims face during prayer towards the Kaaba in Mecca.
The main mihrab is distinguished by its exquisite decorations
The mosque's minaret, whose staircase winds around its exterior, is known as the spiral minaret. Similar to the minaret of the Great Mosque of Samarra in Iraq, it stands approximately 40 meters tall and features a unique Samarran design reflecting the ingenuity of Abbasid-era engineers. In 1296, Sultan Lajin restored the minaret, preserving its beauty and elegance. The minaret is one of the prominent landmarks that The Mosque of Ahmad Ibn Tulun stands out from other mosques in Cairo. Its minaret is unique in Egypt, featuring a distinctive external spiral staircase. No other minaret in Egypt shares this design, inspired by the famous minaret of Samarra. The staircase winds around the minaret's exterior in a unique spiral motion, making it the first minaret of its kind in Egypt.
The Oldest Pulpit in Egypt
One of the unique landmarks not to be missed during your visit to the Mosque of Ahmad Ibn Tulun is the ancient pulpit located in the center of the mihrab. This marble pulpit represents a long history in the mosque and is one of the oldest surviving pulpits in Egypt. Despite the passage of time, the pulpit remains a part of the rich Islamic heritage of the region.
A Square Open Central Courtyard with a Dome and Ablution Area
Surrounding the courtyard are four arcades, the largest being the qibla arcade, which consists of five galleries. The ablution area, built during the Mamluk era, is a work of art in itself with its elegant dome. It is a captivating space where light and shadow meet, creating a serene atmosphere unlike any other. Historic Mosques in Andalusia
The mosque's courtyard contains a fountain (fasḥā) with clocks
to tell the time. The timekeeper would look at the clocks and call the adhan (call to prayer).
The other three arcades each consist of two porticoes
The mosque's exterior facades are crowned with crenellations known as "al-ʿarāis" (the brides).
The Ibn Tulun Mosque is a remarkable example of how to adapt to climate change
Its unique drainage system has protected the mosque for over 1147 years since its founding. Engineers meticulously designed an innovative drainage system capable of withstanding heavy rainfall. Ahmad ibn Tulun instructed the mosque's engineers to design a drainage network that would keep the mosque dry even during the most intense rainy periods.
The mosque was built in a city that neither sinks nor burns
Ahmad Ibn Tulun chose a high, rocky hill to erect his magnificent mosque between 263 AH and 265 AH, a mosque that would withstand fire and floods and become the beating heart of his new city, al-Qata'i. The city and everything in it vanished, but the mosque alone remained standing tall, guarding the memory of a bygone era and telling the story of a leader who sought immortality and left us an architectural marvel that still resonates with awe today.
The mosque was a true university centuries before the advent of Al-Azhar
Its halls teemed with scholars and students, and within its walls, religious, linguistic, and legal sciences were taught, alongside medicine, which was taught practically for the first time in Egypt. Here, al-Izz ibn Jama'ah sat, illuminating the place with his knowledge, and the lessons of al-Hafiz Zayn al-Din al-Iraqi resonated, while the voice of Baha' al-Din al-Subki rose in the circles of jurisprudence and law. Meanwhile, leading physicians of the medieval era, such as Ibn al-Khashab and al-Amshati, provided the first clinical training for medical students.
The Four Arcades
The widest of these is the Qibla Arcade, comprising fifteen bays and featuring stucco decorations unparalleled in Egypt.
The External Extensions
These are open spaces surrounding the mosque on three sides, used to alleviate crowding and provide spiritual seclusion.
The Walls and Entrances
The mosque boasts 42 gates, an unprecedented number for any Egyptian mosque, reflecting the massive movement of worshippers in ancient times.
The Stucco Windows
There are 128 stucco windows, each with its own distinct artistic character. Only four of these windows date from the Ibn Tulun era, while the rest are additions from the Fatimid and Mamluk periods. Together, they create a stunning geometric symphony
The plant motifs
Interlocking geometric patterns
The Deliberately Designed Spaces
Allowing for ventilation and light
The Multiple Mihrabs
The mosque contains six mihrabs, the oldest being the Tulunid mihrab, and the most beautiful being the Mamluk mihrab, adorned with stucco and wood decorations.
The Stages of Mosque Restoration
The mosque went through difficult periods, some of which nearly led to its destruction.
During the reign of Muhammad Bey Abu al-Dhahab
it was converted into a factory for ihrams (pilgrim's garments).
During the reign of Clot Bey, it was used as a home for the elderly
During the Ayyubid period, the mosque fell into ruin.
A Mamluk prince, Prince Lajin, sought refuge there
taking shelter in the mosque's minaret. He vowed to rebuild the mosque if he became Sultan of Egypt. After this happened, he undertook significant architectural work, including rebuilding the fountain in the courtyard, constructing a mihrab (prayer niche), adding a dome to the mihrab, and other additions. One of his most important achievements was transforming the mosque into a university where secular and religious sciences were taught. Thus, in the Ibn Tulun Mosque, houses of worship and houses of learning intertwined, creating a flowing stream of light.
The Committee for the Preservation of Antiquities intervened in 1882
because parts of it had collapsed and its walls were covered by modern buildings that marred its beauty. Thus began the rescue operation.
It was then reopened for prayer in 1918
Finally, it underwent complete restoration in a major project in 2005.
For more information
please call the hotline 19654
The Visiting Hours
9 AM to 5 PM
Ramadan Hours
9 AM to 4 PM
Avoid visiting during the hottest hours of the day
It is preferable to visit in the early morning or evening to enjoy the more moderate weather.
The entry is completely free
making it an ideal destination for local and international tourists who wish to explore Cairo's history through its famous Islamic landmarks.
Tips for the Mosque Visitors
Wander around the outer courtyards to capture unique photos of the mosque from unusual angles.
Dress appropriately for the occasion out of respect for its sanctity.
Don't miss admiring the stucco decorations; they are among the oldest and most beautiful examples of Islamic art in Egypt.
