Al Aqmar Mosque | Cairo | Egypt

The following are some of the highlights of Islamic Cairo:

Al-Muizz Al-Deen Street is home to some of Islamic Cairo’s most famous landmarks. When it was created in the 11th century, this street was the city’s principal thoroughfare, and it was also where mausoleums and palaces were built. The street’s northern half (between Bab El-Fotouh and Al-Azhar Street) was recently repaired and reopened to the public. This is one of Cairo’s most scenic areas, which is why people prefer spending time there. The Qala’un Complex is one of the city’s most spectacular sites.

Some of Cairo’s greatest Islamic monuments may be found in the southern portion of the city. Cairo’s Citadel is one of the outstanding examples of Islamic architecture. The construction of Cairo’s Citadel began in the 12th century by the Ayyubid commander Salah Ad-Din Al Ayyubi. Al-Nasir Muhammed Mosque, Suleyman Pasha Mosque, Muhammed Ali’s Alabaster Mosque, and Al Aqmar Mosque are three significant mosques inside the citadel’s walls.

Al Aqmar Mosque, located on El Moez Street, is one of the most spectacular and oldest mosques in ancient Islamic Cairo. This little yet unusual mosque on Al-Muizz Street is one of Islamic Cairo’s oldest structures. The Fatimids, who governed Egypt from 969 until 1171, were the architects of Al-Qahira, the walled city that now forms the heart of Islamic Cairo. They invaded Egypt and imposed their Shi’a Islamic doctrine as the official religion. They originated in modern-day Tunisia.

Who constructed the Al-Aqmar Mosque?

The Moonlight Mosque, also known as Al-Aqmar Mosque, has various distinctive architectural elements. It was Cairo’s first mosque to employ an offset façade, which allows the front of the building to remain square to the street while the rest of the structure stands at an angle, aligning with the qibla, or prayer direction toward Mecca.

The Al Aqmar mosque was constructed in 1125 AD during the Fatimid dynasty, under the authority of Al-Ma’mun Al Bata’ihi. Some historians say the mosque was established during the time of Imam Al Amir bi-Ahkami l-caliphate, Lah’s while others believe it was erected during the time of Al Mustansir’s caliphate.

The Al-Aqmar Mosque was built in the following manner:

The front is extremely distinctive, with three fluted hoods around the doorway and on either side, as well as lovely inscriptions. Many of the elements of this mosque were eventually adopted by Cairene mosques. The Mosque’s exterior is recognized for its intricate masonry, while the inside greets all guests with a refreshing breeze.

Al Aqmar mosque was erected above street level, above a retail center and a souk, and is regarded one of the earliest hanging mosques in the history of Old Cairo. The mosque, on the other hand, now appears to be at street level, as the stores continue to rise. Instead of facing the prayer’s Qibla, Mecca, the mosque was the first of its sort to be built with an entrance parallel to the street and altered to fit the existing street pattern. According to some historians, the mosque’s ceiling was re-done during Mamluk Amir Yallugha Al-repairs Salami’s because this form of construction was uncommon during the Fatimid period.