Islamic Monuments of Egypt

Islamic Monuments

The Islamic art began to emerge in Damascus with the establishment of the Umayyad Caliphate, where architectural arts were the first manifestations of Islamic art. This development arose from the Muslim need to build mosques for worship, congregation, and consultation. As the Arabs interacted with other civilizations and cultures, they started to showcase their unique characteristics in art, differentiating themselves from others. Eventually, Islamic art evolved, with each Islamic nation developing its distinctive style. We saw the emergence of Abbasid architecture in Baghdad, Ottoman style in Turkey, Fatimid and Mamluk styles in Egypt, and Persian style in Persia.

Characteristics of Islamic Monuments

The Islamic architecture is one of the most renowned building traditions globally, featuring various traits that have been associated with it since its inception, giving it a unique appearance distinct from other artistic styles. One of the most recognizable features is the intricate decorations adorning mosques, palaces, and fountains, which stand out due to their precision and craftsmanship. Since the 7th century AD, Islamic art has been celebrated for its vibrant colors and symmetrical patterns. Here are some key features that define Islamic art:

Minarets: Minarets are among the oldest elements distinguishing Islamic art, typically represented as tall, tapering towers with small windows and a closed staircase.
Arches: Arches are pivotal elements of Islamic art and are often built into entrances of religious and cultural buildings. They feature several primary shapes, including pointed, lobed, and horseshoe arches.
Ornamental Details: Islamic art places great emphasis on decorative details, which can be found in interior decorations of buildings, including geometric mosaics, dazzling ornamental stones, and beautiful calligraphic designs.

Islamic Heritage in Egypt

Egypt has a rich array of Islamic monuments spanning various periods established during the different Islamic ruling eras. Below are some of the most significant Islamic heritage sites in Egypt:

Mosques

Masjid Amr ibn Al-As: Located in Cairo, specifically in the Old Cairo neighborhood of Fustat, it is recognized as the first mosque established in Egypt, following Amr ibn Al-As’s conquest in 641 AD (21 AH). The mosque comprises several sections, including:
- Prayer Arches: Initially featuring a single rectangular prayer area, the mosque’s layout later expanded to include four prayer sections to accommodate growing worshippers.
- Entrances: The mosque includes multiple entrances on its walls, with the exception of the Qibla wall, facilitating direct access to the prayer arches.
- Courtyard: Also known as the Sahn, which was not part of the original design, appeared during the Umayyad period and serves as a central area surrounded by four arches.
- Minarets: Originally absent from the first design, the mosque features four minarets built during the Umayyad era, positioned at the corners of the mosque.
- Mihrab: Contains a wooden pulpit added in the Umayyad period, not part of the initial design.
- Pulpit: This pulpit has been in place since the mosque’s inception.
Mosque of Ahmad ibn Tulun: Regarded as the third mosque in Egypt’s historical context, it was established during Ahmad ibn Tulun’s era to serve as a congregation site for Friday prayers. Covering approximately 6.5 acres, its architectural features include:
- Prayer Arches: The mosque contains four arches, with the Qibla arch being the largest, surrounding the mosque’s courtyard, designed to align with prayer rows.
- Entrances: The mosque features several entrances located on the rear and lateral walls, with four doors in the Qibla arch believed to be designated for the prince and his retinue.
- The Courtyard: Positioned centrally, surrounded by the four arches, enhancing light and airflow, with the purification area (Miyadah) located outside the courtyard to maintain cleanliness.
- The Minaret: Built resembling the spiral minarets of Iraq, this minaret is part of the mosque’s rear section, similar to the Mosque of Samarra, with an external staircase leading to the base and a circular staircase extending upward.
- The Mihrab: It is centrally located in the Qibla arch, topped with a wooden dome and four additional mihrabs made of smooth plaster in other parts of the mosque.
Al-Azhar Mosque: Situated in southeastern Cairo near the Eastern Great Palace, it was founded during Jawhar Al-Siqilli’s era and ranks as the fourth mosque in terms of establishment in Egypt. The mosque, which began construction in 970 AD, held its first Friday prayer on June 22, 972 AD (7 Ramadan 361 AH).
Ali Pasha Mosque: A notable landmark in Cairo, constructed in an Ottoman style, its design drew inspiration from the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul. Commonly known as the Alabaster Mosque due to the use of this rare marble for its wall coverings, the mosque, located within Saladin’s Citadel, features a marble structure surrounded by a gold-plated copper enclosure adorned with intricate Islamic and Turkish motifs. The mosque’s two towering minarets are visible from various points in Cairo, with the northeastern facade serving as the main entrance, featuring a two-leaf wooden door topped with a semi-circular arch adorned with intricate vegetative carvings.

Palaces and Fortresses

Egypt is home to numerous historical palaces and fortresses, including:

Citadel of Salah al-Din: Also known as the Citadel of the Mountain, this fortress boasts a strategic defensive location. Established by Salah al-Din close to the Muqattam Hills on the outskirts of Cairo, it was intended to oversee and protect the city from potential invasions. Construction was completed by his brother, King Al-Adil, in 1208 AD. The citadel, a vital stronghold from the medieval period, serves as a natural barrier between Fustat and Cairo, allowing it to control both cities.
Palace of Bishtak: Constructed by Prince Sifa al-Din Bishtak al-Nasiri between 1334-1339 AD, this site was initially a part of the Eastern Great Palace during the Fatimid era. The prince acquired the location to build the palace facing his rival prince Qusun, although he sold it after completion. Situated on Al-Muizz Street, one of the entrances overlooks the eastern side of Darb Qarmz, and some parts, including the stable, remain to this day.
Palace of Al-Jawhara: Located within the Citadel of Salah al-Din in the southwestern part, next to Muhammad Ali’s citadel, its construction took place between 1811-1814 AD on the ruins of some Mamluk palaces from the reign of Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay and Sultan Al-Ghuri. The palace served as the residence for governors, including Muhammad Ali Pasha, hosting official receptions. It consists of multiple elegantly adorned rooms with intricately decorated walls and ceilings distinguished by unique ornate motifs, along with a dedicated guest area. The palace has since been converted into a museum.

Schools

Egypt is home to several historical schools, including:

School of Al-Salih Najm al-Din Ayyub: This institution was established on part of what was formerly the Eastern Fatimid palace grounds. It is considered Egypt’s first school aimed at teaching the four Sunni Islamic jurisprudential schools. The site evolved into a significant Ayyubid architectural complex in Islamic Cairo after Shajarat al-Durr placed the tomb of her husband, Sultan Al-Salih Najm al-Din, following his death in 1250 AD. The paradigm of educational complexes developed during the Mamluk era, becoming a new architectural style adopted by Mamluk sultans. The school is located in Cairo, along Al-Muizz Street, famously known as the route of Fatimid Shi’ite processions (between the two palaces).
Al-Nasiri School: Initiated by King Al-Adil Zain al-Din Kottbagha, the school was later completed by Sultan Al-Nasir Muhammad bin Qalawun in 1304 AD. Its design features Gothic elements, with the entrance inspired by a church in Acre. It showcases a façade height of 21.42 meters, featuring three arcades of the same height, each adorned with small windows that overlook both the Qibla and a dome, topped with beautifully carved arches.
School of Sultan Hasan: Constructed between 1356-1363 AD under Sultan Hasan bin Al-Nasir Muhammad bin Qalawun’s supervision, it is one of the largest and tallest ancient mosques in Egypt, featuring an open central courtyard and four entry doors leading to four schools dedicated to teaching the four jurisprudential schools. The building, situated at the end of Muhammad Ali Street, across from the Al-Rifa’i Mosque in Salah al-Din Square, is recognized for its impressive domes, designed according to Armenian architectural arts, frequently restored throughout history, even into the 20th century.

Domes and Shrines

Among Egypt’s numerous domes and shrines, the most significant is the shrine and dome of Imam al-Shafi’i, one of the largest in Egypt. It consists of two levels of different heights, with the first rising 10.62 meters above ground while the second stands at 6.16 meters. It features a main entrance 1.58 meters wide and a corridor embellished with ceramic mosaic designs shaped like stars. The shrine also has two large windows allowing ample light, one facing north and the other northeast, topped with wooden decorations. Four mihrabs are present along the shrine’s wall, three of which are adorned with colorful marble bands and beautifully carved wooden inlays, while the fourth smaller mihrab is aligned with the Qibla, adorned in colorful marble from the inside, characterized by intricate designs. The walls are richly decorated, with pointed arch windows, along with three marble plaques; two of which indicate Sultan Qaitbay’s restoration efforts, covered in lead plates. Above the dome rests a bronze boat, known as “Al-Ishar,” which features a crescent moon.

This dome, constructed in 1211 AD during King Al-Kamil’s reign, is one of Egypt’s most beautiful domes, set on a square base topped with a wooden dome. The base concludes with crenellated terraces, beneath which lie tri-arced mihrabs adorned with plaster decorations. The famous Islamic landmark is located on Imam Al-Shafi’i Street, formerly utilized as a school teaching the four Sunni schools of thought. Like many historical sites, it underwent restoration, culminating in its current appearance during the reign of Khedive Tawfiq, preserving only the intricately inscribed wooden shrine, which features Kufi script engravings.

Other Monuments

Egypt also boasts numerous other ancient monuments, including:

Island Citadel: This historical Islamic site dates back to the Tulunid dynasty in Egypt, built on Rhoda Island during Ahmed ibn Tulun’s rule in 876 AD. The construction lasted ten months, costing around 80,000 gold dinars. No ruins remain of the Island Citadel, as it gradually vanished due to the Nile River’s effects, later replaced by the fortress of Al-Rawda during Sultan Najm al-Din Ayyub’s reign.
Al-Tabataba Shrine: Dating back to the Ikhshidid period, the Al-Tabataba shrine was constructed in 943 AD, characterized by its rectangular shape, approximately 30 meters long and 20 meters wide, featuring two domes on its southern side, enclosed by a wall with an entrance on the northeast. A newly built square room with a dome and a well supplying water to the shrine can also be found.
Fatimid Bathhouse: This bathhouse is part of Egypt’s Islamic heritage, constructed during the Fatimid era and discovered in 1932 in Kom Al-Garh’s territory at the edge of Kom Al-Garh hill. Set directly on rocky land to facilitate natural water drainage, the bath’s construction reflects Roman bath architecture, featuring a spacious cold room for relaxation, a warm room leading to an adjoining hot room similar to Roman designs, and concluding with a bathing area.

For further insights into tourism in Egypt, you may read the article on tourism in Egypt.