Rashid is home to approximately 11 to 12 historical mosques and zawiyas (Sufi lodges), reflecting its religious and national role in resisting colonial campaigns. Among the most important are:
The historic Zaghloul Mosque
The historic Zaghloul Mosque is the largest and oldest mosque in Rashid, and a living symbol of national struggle and Islamic architectural genius.
Its origins date back to the Mamluk era, and it has undergone successive expansions throughout history, reflecting its historical and national significance.
A spark of resistance
From this mosque, chants of "Allahu Akbar" (God is Great) and signals of popular resistance against the French campaign of 1801 and the British Fraser Campaign of 1807 were launched. A beacon of knowledge, it served as a religious and cultural center and a hub for the national movement in northern Egypt.
The Architectural Design
The Area
It spans a vast area of approximately 5,300 square meters (nearly two acres).
The Columns
It rests on 244 marble and granite columns in a unique design reminiscent of the arcades of Al-Azhar Mosque.
The Domes
The mosque is distinguished by its roof composed of numerous small domes, a prominent feature of its Ottoman architecture. Sources indicate that the mosque once housed approximately 170 small domes supported by columns. These domes, with their Ottoman character, resemble those of the Muhammad Ali Mosque in the Citadel. They rest upon marble and stone arches and columns, lending the interior a distinctive, repetitive architectural rhythm. During restoration work, the arches supporting the domes and the domes themselves were reconstructed, preserving their original dimensions and forms as much as possible.
The Mihrabs
The mosque contains a main mihrab in the qibla iwan, which determines the direction of prayer (qibla) within the mosque. There are also four smaller mihrabs, each associated with a different historical period. The presence of multiple mihrabs is a striking feature, reflecting the mosque's various expansions and reconstructions, rather than being merely decorative additions.
The Minarets
The mosque has two minarets. The eastern minaret is fully constructed, while the western minaret remains unfinished due to shelling by the British in 1807.
The Stages of Construction and Restoration
The development of the Zaghloul Mosque reflects an architectural and historical accumulation that extended from the Mamluk era to the Ottoman era. Successive expansions and additions contributed to shaping the mosque as one of the most prominent landmarks of Islamic architecture in Rashid.
The First Stage
Mamluk Era – 775 AH/1373 CE
The initial core of the mosque dates back to the reign of Sultan Sha'ban ibn Husayn, when Fayruz al-Salahi constructed the northern part of the western section of the mosque. This stage included the courtyard and arcades, in addition to the western wall, the western minaret, and the two entrances, thus forming the first architectural core of the mosque.
The Phase Two
The Phase of Hajj Ali Zaghloul – 956 AH/1549 CE
During this phase, the mosque underwent renovation and expansion work by Hajj Ali Zaghloul. The mosque was widened to the south, and a group of endowments were added to serve the mosque. This phase preserved the Mamluk character of the mosque while adding new elements to its original layout.
The third Phase
The Phase of Hajj Muhyiddin Abdul Qadir – 995 AH/1587 CE
The third phase involved the eastward expansion of the mosque by Hajj Muhyiddin Abdul Qadir. The eastern section, including the courtyard and arcades, was constructed, and the eastern minaret and the preacher's platform were added, along with several entrances and service facilities. This largely completed the overall structure of the mosque, bringing it closer to its current architectural form.
The Addition by Khawaja Ahmad al-Ruwa'i
1016 AH/1608 CE
Following these phases, a later addition by Khawaja Ahmad al-Ruwa'i in 1016 AH/1608 CE is also mentioned. However, this is considered a later addition and not one of the three original phases of construction.
The Modern Restoration and Replacement Works
The mosque underwent a comprehensive restoration and revitalization process under the supervision of the Ministry of Antiquities.
The Work began in 2005 and continued until 2017.
The comprehensive project addressed the subsidence of the western section's floor and the high groundwater level, which threatened the structural integrity of the walls and columns.
The Foundation and Soil Replacement Work
The floor level was raised, 300 piles were driven, and reinforced concrete foundations and horizontal and vertical waterproofing were implemented to protect the building.
The Reconstruction and Precise Restoration
The walls, arches, and domes were dismantled and reconstructed, and damaged columns were replaced with matching marble columns. Precise restoration of the historical decorations was carried out based on the original architectural documentation.
The Official Opening
The first phase of the western section of the mosque was opened in 2018 after the completion of the development and rescue work.
Ali al-Mahalli Mosque
The Location
It's located in the heart of Rashid, on the main market street.
The Construction Date
The construction of the al-Mahalli Mosque dates back to 1134 AH (1721 CE). It was built during the Ottoman era on the tomb of Sheikh Ali al-Mahalli, who died in 901 AH.
(The Meaning, the mosque was built on top of the existing tomb.)
The mosque is distinguished by its unique feature: the tomb is located within the prayer hall itself, in the center of a richly decorated square chamber, and not attached to one side of the mosque as is common in many historical mosques.
Who was Ali al-Mahalli?
Sheikh Ali al-Mahalli (Abu al-Hasan) was a scholar and jurist born in al-Mahalla al-Kubra. He came to Rashid, where he lived and left a prominent scholarly and religious mark, becoming one of its most famous saints. He died in Rashid in 901 AH (1496 CE) and was buried there.
The Architectural and Artistic Design
The Area
The mosque covers an area of approximately 2,300 square meters and can accommodate around 5,000 worshippers, making it the second largest mosque in Rashid after the famous Zaghloul Mosque.
It's located in the city center, it rests on 99 columns of varying designs and features six doors with facades decorated with carved brick.
The courtyard is at the center of the mosque and is surmounted by semi-circular balconies supported by pedestals.
The ablution area is located to the west of the mosque and consists of a canopy supported by 12 columns.
The Mosque Facades
It has two main facades: the eastern and the southern.
The eastern facade features:
3 main entrances
The fountain window
The Quranic school
The Imam's chamber
The fountain window is made of copper and surrounded by marble bands.
Above it is a canopy and a double window with a marble column between its two sections.
The fountain chamber contains a marble basin
The entrances project from the facade and are topped with stepped balconies and decorative brickwork.
The southern facade
has an entrance similar to those on the eastern facade.
The mihrab
It is located in the center of the qibla wall and takes the form of a semicircular niche adorned with delicate carvings and decorations.
The minbar
It is made of turned wood and decorated with calligraphic inscriptions in Naskh script, reflecting the skill of the craftsmen of that era.
The minaret
The mosque has a minaret, approximately 19 meters high, located in the southeastern corner of the mosque. It consists of three stories and culminates in a balcony supported by decorative muqarnas.
The Mausoleum
One of the most important parts of the mosque is the mausoleum of Sidi Ali al-Mahalli, located in the qibla portico.
It is a square chamber.
It has two doors, one on the north side and the other on the south.
In front of each entrance is a projecting stone with a niche in the center.
The niches are topped with trellised arches.
The sides of the chamber are covered with glazed tiles.
The arches are decorated with stucco.
The enclosure of the mausoleum is made of wood.
The Book and the Library
The mosque was not merely a place of prayer; it was also linked to religious education, housing a book and a room for the imam. According to local sources, it also contained a library with Islamic books and manuscripts.
The Modern Restoration
The mosque faced a difficult period after being flooded due to rising groundwater levels, which led to its closure. Through the combined efforts of the Ministries of Antiquities and Religious Endowments, and with the provision of the necessary funding, the mosque was completely restored and reopened to worshippers and visitors, regaining its historical and religious significance.
Al-Abbasi Mosque
The Geographical Location of the Mosque
Al-Abbasi Mosque is located on the southern edge of Rosetta, near the banks of the Nile River, on the Nile Corniche. Its prominent location has made it one of the city's important landmarks and a destination for visitors and researchers of Islamic history and antiquities. It also holds national significance as a symbol of the battle cries of the mujahideen against the Fraser Campaign.
The Registered by the Egyptian Government
As an Islamic monument in 1951
The Origin of the Name
It is named after Sayyid Muhammad al-Abbasi, who is buried in the shrine inside the mosque. It is said that Muhammad al-Abbasi's lineage traces back to al-Abbas, the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The Date of Construction of the Mosque
The mosque was built by Muhammad Bey Tabouzadeh (or Tabouzadeh)
in 1224 AH (1809 CE). It is considered one of the Islamic structures erected in late Ottoman Egypt.
The Architectural Layout of the Mosque
The mosque follows the traditional layout of small Ottoman mosques.
It consists of:
A prayer hall with three naves
Two arcades separating the naves
A mihrab In the qibla wall:
A wooden pulpit
A shrine and dome
A three-story minaret
The Parts of the mosque are covered with ornate wooden ceilings, lending it a distinctive architectural beauty.
The Facades and exterior decorations
The mosque's facades are among the most beautiful facades of Rashid mosques; Resembling the facades of the city's historical houses, it is distinguished by its use of dressed brick, a fundamental element of Rashid architecture.
The main entrance consists of:
A triple arch surmounted by beautiful geometric decorations.
There are also geometric Kufic inscriptions bearing the phrase "Muhammad, the Messenger of God."
Above the entrance is a wooden lantern, inlaid with the Kufic inscription "Muhammad, the Messenger of God."
The door is made of wood inlaid with ivory and mother-of-pearl.
The facade is distinguished by its balconies and decorations, reflecting the Muslim artist's skill in using dressed brick and plaster.
The Mihrab
The mihrab consists of a semicircular niche surmounted by a pointed arch, resting on two marble columns. Its sides are decorated with geometric and floral motifs executed in dressed brick and plaster.
The Muezzin's Platform
Located on the axis of the mihrab, it is made of wood, resting on two columns, and its interior is decorated with geometric and floral motifs.
The Minbar
The minbar is crafted from turned wood, decorated with intricate geometric patterns. It is characterized by its simple yet beautiful design, reflecting... The Skill of Craftsmen in the Ottoman Era
The Mausoleum and Dome
The mausoleum of Sayyid Muhammad al-Abbasi is located in the northeastern corner of the mosque. It is surmounted by a ribbed dome, considered one of the most beautiful domes in Rashid. The dome rests on ornate corner squinches. The mausoleum's door is distinguished by its wooden inlay with ivory and mother-of-pearl, showcasing the beauty of Islamic art and the precision of craftsmanship during that era.
The Minaret
The octagonal minaret, topped with a helmet-like spire, comprises three stories and is adorned with stucco, tilework, and muqarnas (stalactite-like decorative elements). The minaret is a significant architectural feature that lends the mosque a unique beauty and splendor, reflecting the evolution of Islamic architecture in the 19th century.
The Hanging Mosque (Dumqsis Mosque)
The Dumuqsis Mosque is a unique architectural masterpiece and the only mosque in Rashid (Rosetta) accessed via a stone staircase with a wooden balustrade.
The Dumqsis Mosque is known as the Hanging Mosque
because the prayer hall (prayer house) is located on the second floor, while the ground floor houses a group of old storerooms that were endowed to it.
The Location
The mosque is located on Ali al-Jarim Street, opposite the al-Baqrouli House.
The Historical Research and Construction
The opinions vary regarding the date of its construction.
The documents and texts from the Ministry of Religious Endowments indicate that it was built in 1114 AH (1702 CE).
(Some accounts mention 1704 CE.)
The Founder
The official evidence and documents from the Ministry of Religious Endowments indicate that the founder was Ahmad Agha Tutmuqzab, and it was designed by the engineer Mustafa Jurbaji. However, other local accounts attribute it to the Ottoman merchant Salih Agha Dumuqsis.
The Extensions
The mosque did not remain entirely in its original form. An extension to the eastern portico was carried out in 1217 AH / 1802 CE, as evidenced by the inscription above the inner door, which dates the extension using the Abjad numeral system.
The Unique Architectural Design
The mosque consists of a ground floor and an upper floor dedicated to prayer.
The Ground Floor
This floor includes storage rooms, warehouses, and shops. Some of these spaces were endowed to the mosque, providing resources for its upkeep.
The Ascending to the Mosque
The prayer hall is accessed via a stone staircase with a wooden balustrade.
The Building Materials
The mosque was constructed using the renowned black and red Rashidi bricks.
The Roof
The entire mosque has a wooden roof.
The Interior Layout
The prayer hall consists of three naves separated by rows of marble columns. The columns support pointed arches, while the structural system supports the wooden roof. The arches are connected by wooden beams, a style characteristic of Ottoman architecture.
The Pulpit
The mosque's wooden pulpit is considered one of the finest wooden pulpits, featuring intricate wood carvings that authentically represent the Ottoman era.
The Qibla Wall
This is considered one of the most beautiful religious walls in Rosetta, rich with colorful faience tiles and marble adorned with floral motifs.
The Mihrab
It is semicircular, topped by a pointed arch, and rests on two marble columns, each with a muqarnas capital and decorated with exquisite faience tiles.
The Minaret
The attached to the north wall, it consists of three stories and a balcony that rotates on muqarnas and is decorated with bands of faience tiles.
Abu Mandour Shrine and Mosque
The Abu Mandour Shrine and Mosque is one of the most important and famous historical and religious landmarks in the city of Rosetta.
The Location
It is distinguished by its unique location on a peninsula atop a high sand dune known as "Tell Abu Mandour," overlooking a branch of the Nile River.
The people of Rashid call the hill surrounding the mosque "Kom al-Afrah" (Mound of Joys), commemorating their victory against the British campaign in 1807.
A Brief History of the Shrine's Owner
The Name and Lineage
The mosque is attributed to the Sufi mystic Muhammad Abu Mandur, known as "Abu al-Nadr" (Father of Light) for his profound insight and radiant countenance. His lineage traces back to Imam Muhammad ibn al-Hanafiyyah ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib (may God be pleased with him).
His Arrival and Mission
The sheikh arrived in Rashid in 991 CE (10th century CE) and resided there for 11 years, teaching people about their religion.
The Date of Death
He passed away in 1002 CE and was buried in this location.
The Date of Construction
The initial foundation dates back to the arrival of Sheikh Muhammad Abu Mandur in Rashid in 991 CE, where he continued to teach until his death.
The mosque was then completely renovated during the reign of Khedive Abbas Hilmi II in 1321 AH (1903 CE). (M)
The archaeological sources indicate earlier architectural and documentation work dating back to around 1312 AH (1897 CE).
The Registration as an Antiquity
The Ministry of Antiquities registered the mosque as an official Islamic antiquity in 1987 CE.
The Architectural Design
The mosque has a rectangular shape and three main entrances located on the northern, eastern, and western sides.
The Exterior Facades
The mosque has four facades, distinguished by their carefully crafted entrances, arches, and decorative elements.
The Western Facade
This facade features the eastern entrance to the mosque, a prominent entrance topped by a triple arch. Above the lintel is a white marble plaque bearing Arabic inscriptions in Thuluth script and the date of construction.
The Northern Facade
A prominent memorial entrance, consisting of a rectangular opening surmounted by a triple arch, is located in the center of this facade. Near its western edge is the facade of the public fountain (sabil).
The Western/Southern Facade
This facade includes rectangular openings and entrances surmounted by triple arches. The southern facade is divided into two sections: the eastern section houses the mausoleum chamber, while the western section features rectangular windows.
The Minaret
Located in the northwest corner, the minaret is built in the renowned Ottoman style. It is distinguished by its slender, cylindrical design, culminating in a pointed, pencil-like top. This contrasts with many other minarets in Rosetta, which are predominantly polygonal in the Mamluk style.
The minaret serves as a prominent landmark for boats and ships sailing on the Nile.
The Prayer Hall
The mosque's interior consists of a square courtyard divided into three aisles by two rows of marble columns. These columns support pointed arches, which are surmounted by a wooden roof. This combination of marble columns, pointed arches, and wooden ceilings gives the interior a simple yet distinctive character, both structurally and decoratively.
The Minbar
The minbar is made of decorated wood. Its two sides are distinguished by intricate woodturning, along with the use of star-shaped motifs and geometric patterns. The entrance door features star-shaped decorations and decorative motifs, and is surmounted by a muqarnas (stalactite-like) arrangement with pendants, making it one of the most important artistic elements within the mosque.
The Mihrab
The mihrab is located in the center of the qibla wall. It is recessed and features a pointed arch resting on two marble columns. Its capitals are distinguished by muqarnas decorations.
The Mausoleum Chamber
The mausoleum of Sidi Abu Mandur is located in the southeastern part of the qibla wall. It is a fundamental element in the building's architectural composition. It is a square chamber with a wooden enclosure at its center.
The Mausoleum Door
It consists of two richly decorated wooden leaves, including:
Star-shaped motifs
Geometric patterns
Ivory and mother-of-pearl inlay
And inscriptions in two scripts Kufi and Diwani
The Dome of the Mausoleum
The mausoleum chamber is surmounted by a dome supported by tiers of muqarnas (stalactite-like decorative elements). Eight small skylights pierce its drum, allowing light and ventilation into the chamber.
The Cistern
The archaeological site surrounding the mosque includes a historic underground cistern that was used to store fresh water. This architectural style is characteristic of Ottoman-era buildings in Rosetta.
The Tourist and Cultural Significance
1. The Panoramic View
The mosque presents a rare natural vista where the sand dune embraces the waters of the Nile, making it a major destination for domestic and religious tourism in the Delta.
2. A Center for Social Solidarity
The Abu Mandour Mosque has never been merely a historical site, but a vibrant social institution within the Rashidi community. Throughout history, the mosque has been associated with providing food and shelter to strangers, embodying the spirit of the Prophet's family, known for their generosity and benevolence. This has made it a center of solidarity among the people of the city and neighboring villages.
3. The spreading Religious and Moral Awareness
Today, the mosque stands as a bastion of moderate awareness, witnessing intensive outreach and cultural activities that include:
- The Reviving Quranic Heritage
Through public recitation sessions and the "Correct Your Recitation" program to improve the recitation of the Holy Quran.
- The Building Emerging Awareness
Through the "Children's Educational Program," which aims to instill Prophetic and national values in young minds.
- The Scholarly Councils
These councils restore to people the true concept of guardianship, linked to knowledge and action, far removed from extremism or apathy, so that the mosque remains a beacon radiating light and morality.
Al-Jundi Mosque
The Distinguished by its unique Ottoman architectural style
Al-Jundi Mosque is the only remaining mosque in Rosetta with an entrance fronted by a portico supported by two marble columns. It also contains the last sundial in the mosques of the Beheira region, as similar sundials have disappeared from other historical mosques, making it a distinctive landmark.
The Location
The mosque is located on the main market street (the vegetable market) in the heart of historic Rosetta.
The Founder
Its construction is attributed to Prince Muhammad al-Jundi (Muhammad al-Rabban), a name associated with the date inscribed on the mosque's entrance.
The Date of Construction
The date inscribed on the entrance: 1133 AH/1721 CE
The date of the mosque's existence in documents: 16th century CE.
It is likely that the mosque underwent several phases of construction and renovation, which explains the discrepancies in the dates found in various sources.
This historical discrepancy is a significant point in the study of the mosque, as it indicates that the current structure may be the product of more than one architectural phase.
The Architectural Design
It is the third largest mosque in Rashid, and its roof consists of a series of small domes built of red brick and supported by 39 columns.
These columns vary in shape and material, including some made of granite.
The mosque features a distinctive architectural plan that reflects the Islamic style prevalent during the Ottoman era.
The Arcades and Courtyard
The mosque consists of four arcades and an open courtyard.
The Open Courtyard
The open courtyard is located in the center of the mosque, and its walls are topped with semicircular battlements.
The Qibla Iwan (Southern Arcade)
This is the largest arcade and comprises three bays. At its center is a mihrab in the form of a semicircular niche surmounted by an arch, and next to it is a wooden minbar.
The Western Arcade
This consists of four bays.
The Northern Arcade
This consists of two bays, and the minaret, located in the middle of the northern wall, intersects with it.
The Eastern Arcade
This consists of two bays and contains the main projecting entrance preceded by an arched portico.
The Entrances
The mosque has three main entrances.
1. The Eastern Entrance
Located on the eastern facade overlooking the main market street, it is distinguished by a portico preceding the entrance and supported by two marble columns. The portico bears the date of construction or renovation.
2. The Northern Entrance
It's located in the middle of the northern wall, near the minaret.
3. The Southwestern Corner Entrance
It's located in the southwestern corner of the mosque.
The Minaret
The minaret occupies a prominent position in the center of the northern wall of the mosque, instead of the traditional corners.
It was built in the Ottoman style prevalent in Rashid, using dressed brick (red and black) distinguished by its intricate geometric decorations.
The Mihrab
The mihrab is located in the center of the qibla wall. It is a semi-circular niche topped by a pointed arch, and its Islamic architectural style reflects the arts of the Ottoman era. The wooden minbar is located directly next to it.
The Minbar
The Al-Jundi Mosque contains a unique composite wooden minbar, distinguished by its decorative style based on inlays and inscriptions.
The pulpit bears inscriptions dating its construction, including one that reads:
"In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. The pulpit of Al-Jundi Mosque..."
The name of Suleiman Abu Atwan is also mentioned, along with the date 1132 AH/1720 CE, while another inscription in Turkish dates it to 1140 AH/1728 CE.
These dates suggest that the pulpit itself may have undergone several stages of construction or addition, which explains the multiple dates inscribed upon it.
The Famous Sundial
The most distinctive feature of Al-Jundi Mosque is that it houses the last remaining sundial in the mosques of Beheira Governorate, after the sundial of Zaghloul Mosque collapsed.
It is mounted atop one of the columns on the northern side of the mosque's courtyard.
It is made of limestone and engraved in Kufic script with relief carving.
It bears the name of its maker and the date of its creation: "Made by Ridwan in the year 1106 AH / 1694 CE."
This sundial is considered one of the most important pieces of evidence that aids in studying the history of the mosque, as it predates the date 1133 AH / 1721 CE inscribed on the entrance. This supports the possibility that the mosque existed or that its site was used for religious purposes before that date. It consists of a stone slab divided into several sections representing the hours from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and it includes an iron pointer that indicates the shadow cast by the sun. (Sundials were used in ancient times to accurately determine prayer times by observing the movement of the sun's shadow.)
The Mosque of the Light
This is one of the most important historical mosques in the city of Rashid. It combines the richness of Islamic history with the beauty of Ottoman architecture.
The History and Origins of the Mosque
The Origin and Foundation
The mosque was initially built over the tomb of a saint, as documented in ancient historical records dating back to 985 AH / 1577 CE.
The Ottoman Renovation
The mosque was completely renovated and rebuilt in 1178 AH / 1764 CE, a date officially inscribed above the mosque's entrance, pulpit, and foundation plaque.
Ther Location
It is located in the heart of historic Rashid, specifically on Sidi al-Nour Street, branching off from the public market.
The Architectural Design and Features
The Columns and Ceilings
The mosque rests on 17 massive columns and is distinguished by its ceiling, designed in the form of harmonious Ottoman domes that lend depth and reverence to the space.
The Windows and Doors
The mosque has 13 windows to provide natural light and ventilation.
It also has three main entrances and exits.
The Minaret
The mosque's minaret is distinguished by its Mamluk style and consists of three stories.
The upper story features a cylindrical section and a cylindrical base containing a door.
The minaret incorporates prominent decorative elements, including a drum adorned with triangular ribs. The upper section culminates in a projecting cornice supporting an onion-shaped dome with prominent ribs.
