5 Sept 2025
Step back in time to a city where every stone tells a story. In Cairo, the "City of a Thousand Minarets," history isn't just in the museums — it etches itself into the very skyline. With an estimated 110,000 to 140,000 mosques across Egypt, it is a country deeply rooted in its faith, but it is the historic mosques of Cairo that genuinely stand out.
These places of worship are living testament to a millennium of Islamic civilisation. From the sprawling courtyards that once housed the world's most influential scholars to the towering minarets that have witnessed the rise and fall of empires, these architectural marvels showcase Egypt's spiritual and cultural soul.
Join The Sandy Times to explore the core of Islamic Cairo, where faith, knowledge and artistry converge in a timeless dance.
Photo: Diego Delso
One of the top historic mosques in Cairo: Ibn Tulun
Travel through history at the iconic Ibn Tulun Mosque, Cairo. Commissioned by Ahmad ibn Tulun, the founder of the Tulunid dynasty, this architectural marvel was built between 876 and 879 AD. As one of the oldest and largest mosques in Egypt, it exemplifies a powerful symbol of Ibn Tulun’s independent rule. Its unique design, which draws on architectural styles from Iraq and Persia, sets it apart from other mosques in the region.
Visitors are captivated by its massive courtyard and the iconic spiral minaret, reminiscent of the Great Mosque of Samarra. Inside, you will discover a peaceful prayer hall adorned with beautiful stucco decorations and exquisite wooden panels. The Ibn Tulun Mosque offers an opportunity to experience the beauty and grandeur of 9th-century Egypt.
Photo: Diego Delso
The enduring legacy of Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo
A visit to Cairo isn't complete without experiencing the spiritual heart of the city: the Al-Azhar Mosque. Built in 970 AD, this magnificent mosque is a living monument to over a thousand years of Islamic scholarship. It served as the first mosque in the new city of Cairo and quickly evolved into one of the world's oldest continuously operating universities.
Originally established to spread the Shi'a faith, Al-Azhar now symbolises a globally renowned centre for Sunni Islamic studies. Dwelling here is not just a sightseeing experience, but an opportunity to learn and understand the deep heritage of Islamic Cairo. You can marvel at its white marble facade, explore its intricate courtyards and imagine the countless scholars and students who have passed through its doors.
Photo: Mohammed Moussa
A jewel of the Mamluks: Sultan Hassan Mosque, Cairo
Near the historic Citadel of Cairo stands a colossal masterpiece of Mamluk architecture: the Sultan Hassan Mosque. Some consider this imposing structure the "Jewel of Islamic architecture in the East," as it was built in the 14th century to showcase the power and artistic prowess of the Mamluk dynasty. Its sheer size and architectural complexity are spectacular, from its towering minarets to its four enormous domes.
The mosque’s exterior is a canvas of intricate stonework, while its grand interior features soaring arches and stately columns that lead to a magnificent prayer hall. More than a place of worship, this complex also served as a prestigious religious school (madrasa), solidifying its place as a centre of both faith and learning. Exploring the Sultan Hassan Mosque offers a profound encounter with one of Egypt's most celebrated and visually stunning historic landmarks.
Photo: Jorge Láscar
An Ottoman gem in the Citadel: Mosque of Muhammad Ali
Perched majestically within the historic Saladin Citadel, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali serves as a prominent landmark and a tribute to modern Egyptian history. Built between 1830 and 1848 by the founder of modern Egypt, Muhammad Ali Pasha. This mosque is a great example of Ottoman architecture, earning it the nickname "Al-Alabaster Mosque" due to its extensive use of alabaster on its walls.
With its grand central dome, two slender, towering minarets, and a vast courtyard, it evokes the splendour of Istanbul's imperial mosques. A visit here offers a double reward: a magnificent architectural experience and a panoramic view of Cairo, the Nile River, and even the distant pyramids. This enduring symbol of faith and power is a must-visit for anyone exploring the rich heritage of Islamic Cairo.
Photo: Osama Awny
Journey to the cradle of Islam in Egypt: Mosque Amr Ibn Al-As
To truly understand the origins of Islamic Cairo, the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As will top the list. Widely regarded as the oldest mosque in Egypt and one of the oldest in Africa, it has a history that dates back to the city's founding. Founded in 642 AD by the Muslim commander Amr ibn al-As, this mosque was the sacred sanctuary of Fustat, Egypt’s first Islamic capital.
While its many cycles of demolition and reconstruction mean little of the original structure remains, the mosque’s simple, open design honours the modest aesthetics of early Islamic architecture. Today, it stands as a tangible heritage to the establishment of Islam in Egypt. In this serene and holy space, you can connect with over a millennium of history and faith. Best of all, this crucial landmark is open 24/7, with no entry fee.
Tips for visiting famous mosques in Cairo
- Find a comprehensive list of the most historically significant and famous mosques in Cairo.
- For each of these mosques, analyse their historical context, architectural style, and the key features that make them unique.
- Get practical visitor information for each mosque, including general visiting hours, specific dress code requirements, and any potential entry fees or photography restrictions.
- Investigate the general etiquette and customs for tourists to mosques in Cairo, including behaviour, appropriate attire, and rules regarding photography or prayer times.
- Compare and contrast the different mosques to identify must-visit sites based on their historical importance, architectural beauty, or cultural significance.
- Research guided tours that focus on Islamic Cairo and its mosques, and identify what they typically include.
- mosques
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