Mohamed Ali Mosque
Al Qāhirah
The Muhammad Ali Mosque, also known as the Alabaster Mosque, is a prominent historic mosque located within the Citadel of Cairo. Commissioned by Muhammad Ali Pasha and constructed between 1832 and 1857, it stands as a striking example of Ottoman architectural influence in Egypt, distinct from traditional Cairene styles. The mosque features a large central dome surrounded by semi-domes and smaller domes, with twin minarets that are the tallest in Egypt, each reaching 84 meters. Its interior and exterior walls are clad with alabaster, a material chosen to support a declining local industry. The mosque's open courtyard includes a copper clock tower gifted by France, symbolizing historic diplomatic ties. Muhammad Ali Pasha himself is interred within a marble tomb inside the mosque. Extensive restorations in the 20th century preserved its structural integrity and ornate decoration, ensuring its status as a key cultural and religious monument overlooking Cairo's skyline.
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Astuce: Visit the mosque during the cooler morning hours between 8 AM and 11 AM to avoid crowds and heat. Tickets are included with the Cairo Citadel entry, so purchasing combined tickets in advance can save time. Modest dress is required, and women should bring a headscarf. The mosque's elevated location offers panoramic views of Cairo, so bring a camera for photography. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends.
Faits intéressants
- •The mosque's twin minarets are the tallest in Egypt, each standing 84 meters high.
- •The mosque is sometimes called the Alabaster Mosque due to its extensive use of alabaster marble on walls.
- •A copper clock tower in the mosque's courtyard was a gift from King Louis Philippe of France in 1845.
- •Muhammad Ali Pasha's tomb inside the mosque is carved from Carrara marble.
- •The mosque was built on the site of demolished Mamluk palaces within the Cairo Citadel.
Histoire
The Muhammad Ali Mosque was commissioned by Muhammad Ali Pasha, the Ottoman governor who became Egypt's autonomous ruler, beginning construction in 1832 after rejecting earlier neo-Mamluk designs.
Built atop the ruins of Mamluk palaces within the Cairo Citadel, the mosque was completed in 1857 during the reign of Sa'id Pasha.
Its alabaster cladding was intended to revive local industries.
In the 1930s, structural deterioration prompted a major restoration under King Fuad I, involving dismantling and rebuilding the central dome and reinforcing the structure while preserving original aesthetics.
The mosque was reopened for prayer in 1939 by King Farouk I, who also commissioned a new alabaster pulpit to harmonize with the mosque's grandeur.
Guide du lieu
Central Prayer Hall1832-1857
A large square hall surmounted by a massive central dome surrounded by four semi-domes and four smaller corner domes, exemplifying Ottoman architectural style.
Twin Minarets1832-1857
Two slender minarets reaching 84 meters, the tallest in Egypt, flanking the mosque and visible across Cairo's skyline.
Alabaster Walls1832-1857
Interior and exterior walls covered with alabaster panels, chosen to support a declining local industry and give the mosque its nickname.
Copper Clock Tower1845
Located in the mosque's courtyard, this clock tower was a diplomatic gift from France's King Louis Philippe in 1845.
Muhammad Ali's Tomb1857
A tomb carved from Carrara marble where Muhammad Ali Pasha was interred after the mosque's completion.
