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Sulayman Agha al-Silahdar Mosque: An Ottoman Gem in Cairo

Explore the Ottoman-era Sulayman Agha al-Silahdar Mosque on Cairo's Al-Muizz Street, a blend of Islamic and Ottoman architectural styles.

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The Sulayman Agha al-Silahdar Mosque, dating back to 1839, stands as a testament to Ottoman architectural influence in Cairo. Founded by Sulayman Agha al-Silahdar, a prince of Muhammad Ali Pasha, the mosque features a unique blend of Ottoman and local Cairene styles, making it a notable landmark on Al-Muizz Street.

A brief summary to Sulayman Agha al-Silahdar Mosque

  • 3726+XQR, Haret Beregwan, El Gamaliya, El-Gamaleya, Cairo Governorate, EG
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Visit in the morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience and better lighting for photography.
  • Dress modestly when visiting, as it is a place of worship.
  • Take a guided tour to learn more about the history and architecture of the mosque.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Al-Azhar Street, head north towards Al-Muizz Street. Turn right onto Al-Muizz Street and walk for approximately 500 meters. The Sulayman Agha al-Silahdar Mosque will be on your left, located at the beginning of Haret Burjouan. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    From Tahrir Square, catch a microbus heading to 'El Gamaleya'. Microbuses are located near the square. Inform the driver of your destination, and they will drop you off at a stop close to 'Haret Beregwan'. Walk towards 'Haret Beregwan' and the Sulayman Agha al-Silahdar Mosque will be nearby. The microbus fare is typically around 5-10 EGP.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    From Cairo city center (e.g., Tahrir Square), a taxi or ride-sharing service to the Sulayman Agha al-Silahdar Mosque will cost approximately 25-40 EGP, depending on traffic. The journey typically takes 15-25 minutes. Ask the driver to take you to Al-Muizz Street, near Haret Beregwan.

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Discover more about Sulayman Agha al-Silahdar Mosque

Located on Al-Muizz Street in the El-Gamaleya district, the Sulayman Agha al-Silahdar Mosque offers a glimpse into Cairo's rich Islamic history and Ottoman architectural style. Built in 1839 by Sulayman Agha al-Silahdar, a prince in the court of Muhammad Ali Pasha, the mosque showcases a blend of Ottoman and Cairene design elements. The mosque's rectangular layout is divided into two main sections. The western section features a central courtyard surrounded by four porticos, each topped with small, shallow domes supported by marble columns. The courtyard's wooden roof has an octagonal dome in the center for ventilation and light. The eastern section contains the qibla iwan, which includes three arcades parallel to the qibla wall and a wooden ceiling with simple ornamentation. A unique prayer niche carved from a single block of marble sits in the center of the qibla wall, flanked by golden marble friezes. The minaret, designed in Ottoman style, is attached to the main facade near the entrance, resembling a straight, ribbed tower ending in a point. A sabil-kuttab, annexed to the mosque, features a marble, circular facade with four windows and copper grills. The mosque's design reflects an adaptation to its urban context, adjusting to both the interior qibla orientation and the street's existing layout. The mosque was renovated in 2015 by a grandson of Suleiman Agha al-Silahdar.

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