The Mosque of Mohamed Ali, often referred to as the “Alabaster Mosque,” is the most visible and iconic Islamic monument in Cairo. Perched high atop the Citadel of Salah El Din, its soaring minarets and massive dome dominate the city skyline, making it the most popular mosque among travelers to Egypt.
Built in the first half of the 19th century by Muhammad Ali Pasha, the viceroy and de facto king of Egypt, this architectural masterpiece stands as a symbol of Egypt’s break from the past and its step into the modern era.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Salah El Din Citadel, Southern Enclosure, Cairo |
| Builder | Muhammad Ali Pasha |
| Construction Period | 1830 – 1848 |
| Architectural Style | Ottoman (Turkish-style) |
| Minaret Height | 82 meters |
| Central Dome Diameter | 21 meters |
| Opening Hours | Daily, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
The Location: Inside the Salah El Din Citadel
The mosque is located within the historic Salah El Din Citadel, a massive fortress that served as the seat of government in Egypt for nearly 700 years. The Citadel itself is divided into two main sections: the northern enclosure and the southern enclosure.
- Northern Enclosure: Distinguished by semicircular towers and curtain walls. In 1207, Sultan El-Adel fortified this area, establishing towers like Burg El-Ramla and Burg El-Haddad.
- Southern Enclosure: Includes the Mosque of Mohamed Ali, the 14th-century Mosque of Sultan El Naser Mohamed (1335), and the famous Joseph’s Well (Bir Yusuf).
Today, the Citadel complex also houses the National Military Museum, the Police Museum, and the ruins of the Al-Gawhara Palace, which was also built by Muhammad Ali in 1814.
Who Built the Mosque of Mohamed Ali?
The mosque was commissioned by Muhammad Ali Pasha between 1830 and 1848. The architect was Yusuf Bushnak, a prominent designer from Istanbul, who modeled the structure after the Yeni Mosque in Istanbul.
A Statement of Independence
Muhammad Ali chose to build his state mosque entirely in the Ottoman architectural style, featuring a large central dome surrounded by semi-domes and pencil-shaped minarets. This was a bold political statement. Unlike the Mamluks, who stuck to traditional local styles, Muhammad Ali used the architectural language of the Sultan to declare his own power and Egypt’s de facto independence from the Ottoman Empire.
Architecture of the Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque
The mosque is widely known as the Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque because of the extensive use of alabaster stone.
- The Exterior: The lower story and the forecourt are tiled with alabaster up to a height of 11.3 meters. The upper facades are limestone, rising angularly to the lead-covered domes.
- The Minarets: Two elegant, cylindrical Turkish-style minarets rise to 82 meters on the western side.
- The Domes: The grand central dome is 21 meters in diameter and the building reaches a height of 52 meters. It is surrounded by four semi-circular domes and four smaller corner domes, a design that creates an immense sense of space.
The Clock Tower and the Obelisk
In the middle of the northwest arcade (riwak) stands a brass clock tower. This clock was a gift to Muhammad Ali from King Louis Philippe of France in 1845. It was presented in exchange for the Ancient Egyptian Obelisk of Luxor, which now stands in the Place de la Concorde in Paris.
Interior Design and Restoration
The interior of the mosque measures 41×41 meters. The central dome rests on four colossal piers and arches, painted and embellished with relief ornaments. The walls and pillars are clad in alabaster up to 11 meters high.
Historically, the mosque faced structural issues. In 1899, signs of cracking appeared. By the 1930s, the condition was dangerous, leading King Fuad to order a complete restoration scheme in 1931, which was finally completed under King Farouk in 1939.
Where is Muhammad Ali Buried?
Muhammad Ali Pasha is buried inside the mosque he built. His body was transferred from the family burial grounds (Hawsh al-Basha) in 1857 and placed in a carved Carrara marble tomb located in the courtyard of the mosque.
Mohamed Ali Mosque Cairo Opening Hours
If you are planning a visit, it is important to know the Mohamed Ali Mosque Cairo opening hours. Since the mosque is located inside the Citadel, it follows the site’s general visiting schedule.
- Daily: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Hours may vary slightly during Ramadan or holidays).
- Friday Prayers: The mosque is an active place of worship; tourist access may be paused during prayer times, particularly on Fridays around noon.
Visiting the Citadel allows you to explore not just the mosque, but also the panoramic views of Cairo, the military museums, and the nearby historical structures all in one trip.
