Ibn Tulun Mosque: A Timeless Islamic Masterpiece

4.7 (4054)

Explore Cairo's oldest and largest mosque, a stunning example of Abbasid architecture with a unique spiral minaret and serene courtyard.

Home
Egypt
Cairo
Islamic Cairo
Ibn Tulun Mosque

The Ibn Tulun Mosque, built in the 9th century by Ahmad Ibn Tulun, is Cairo's oldest mosque that remains in its original form and is among the largest. Its Abbasid architectural style, featuring a unique spiral minaret, makes it a significant historical and cultural landmark.

A brief summary to Ibn Tulun Mosque

Ahmed Ibn Tolon Sq., El Sayeda Zeinab, Tolon, Cairo Governorate, EG
Click to display

Monday 9 am-4 pm
Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
Thursday 9 am-4 pm
Friday 9 am-4 pm
Saturday 9 am-4 pm
Sunday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

Dress respectfully when visiting the mosque, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered.
Visit during the spring months (March to May) for pleasant weather.
Take your time to explore the intricate details of the mihrab and the unique spiral minaret.
Combine your visit with a tour of nearby historic sites like the Coptic Museum and the Hanging Church.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Sabil-kuttab of Sultan Qaitbay سبيل و كتاب قايتباى

Sabil-Kuttab of Sultan Qaitbay

Prince Taz Palace

Prince Taz Palace: A Mamluk Marvel

سبيل وكتاب الست صالحة

سبيل وكتاب الست صالحة: A Historic Ottoman Landmark

Getting There

Public Transport

To reach the Ibn Tulun Mosque via public transport, take the Cairo Metro Line 1 (red line) to the Sayeda Zeinab station. From the station, it's approximately a 10-minute walk to the mosque. Follow the signs towards Al Hanafi Street and El Sayeda Zainab Square. A single metro ticket costs around 5-10 EGP, depending on the number of stations you're traveling.
Taxi/Ride-Sharing Service

For a direct route to the Ibn Tulun Mosque, hail a taxi or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Careem. Set your destination as 'Ibn Tulun Mosque' or 'El Sayeda Zeinab Square'. The mosque is located near Ahmed Ibn Tolon Square in the El Sayeda Zeinab area. A taxi ride from downtown Cairo to the mosque typically costs between 30-50 EGP, depending on traffic conditions. Ride-sharing services may have similar fares, with transparent pricing available in the app.
Walking

If you are already in the El Sayeda Zeinab area, the Ibn Tulun Mosque is easily accessible by foot. Head towards Ahmed Ibn Tolon Square, where the mosque is located. The main entrance is on Saliba Street. There are no costs associated with walking, and it allows you to explore the historic neighborhood at your own pace.

Discover more about Ibn Tulun Mosque

The Mosque of Ibn Tulun stands as a testament to Cairo's rich Islamic history and architectural prowess. Constructed between 876 and 879 AD by Ahmad Ibn Tulun, the then Abbasid governor of Egypt, it is the oldest mosque in Cairo that has been preserved in its original form. The mosque's construction marked a statement of Ibn Tulun's independence from the Abbasid Caliphate. Inspired by the Abbasid capital of Samarra in Iraq, the mosque showcases a hypostyle design with a vast open courtyard surrounded by arcades. The iconic spiral minaret, reminiscent of the Great Mosque of Samarra, is a distinctive feature. The mosque complex covers an expansive area of 26,318 square meters, making it the largest mosque in Cairo. The interior features a spacious courtyard with roofed halls divided by pointed arches and piers. The main prayer hall, located on the qibla side, is adorned with six mihrabs, with the main mihrab showcasing intricate details and Koranic verses. A central water fountain, surmounted by a dome supported by marble columns, adds to the serene atmosphere. Over the centuries, the Mosque of Ibn Tulun has undergone several restorations, preserving its architectural integrity and cultural significance. Today, it remains a functional place of worship and a celebrated monument, attracting visitors from around the world.