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Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque: A Historic Landmark in Old Cairo

Visit the Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque, the first mosque in Egypt and Africa, a landmark of Islamic history and architecture in Old Cairo.

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The Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque, the first and oldest mosque in Egypt and Africa, was built in 641-642 AD by Amr ibn Al-A'as after conquering Egypt. Located in Old Cairo, it marks the center of the former Islamic capital, Fustat, and showcases early Islamic architecture.

A brief summary to Amr ibn Al-A'as Masjid Jama

  • الكفور ميدان جامع, Sidey Hassan Al Anwar, Old Cairo, Ad Deyorah, Cairo Governorate, EG

Local tips

  • Dress modestly when visiting the mosque; women should cover their heads, arms, and legs.
  • Visit outside of prayer times and holy days, as the mosque is an active place of worship.
  • Explore nearby historical sites such as Coptic Cairo and the Hanging Church.
  • Take your shoes off before entering the mosque.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Tahrir Square, take Line 1 of the Cairo Metro towards Mar Girgis station. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes and costs 7 EGP. From Mar Girgis station, the mosque is a short walk away.

  • Taxi

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem are readily available in Cairo. A taxi ride from downtown Cairo (e.g., Tahrir Square) to the mosque takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare ranges from 50 to 150 EGP. Ensure the driver uses a meter or negotiate the fare beforehand.

  • Walking

    If you are already in Old Cairo, you can easily walk to the mosque from nearby landmarks such as the Hanging Church or the Coptic Museum. The walk typically takes 10-15 minutes.

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Discover more about Amr ibn Al-A'as Masjid Jama

The Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque, also known as Masjid Amr ibn al-As, stands as a testament to Egypt's rich Islamic heritage. Constructed in 641-642 AD by Amr ibn Al-A'as, the commander who led the Arab conquest of Egypt, it holds the distinction of being the first mosque built in Egypt and the oldest in Africa. The mosque's foundation marked the beginning of Fustat, the first Islamic capital of Egypt. Originally, the mosque was a simple structure made of palm trunks, mud, and reeds. Over the centuries, it has undergone numerous expansions and renovations, reflecting various architectural styles. Although little of the original structure remains, the rebuilt mosque remains a prominent landmark in Old Cairo. The mosque has a large central courtyard and a prayer hall adorned with Islamic calligraphy and geometric patterns. Beyond its architectural and historical importance, the Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque is a significant religious and cultural center. For 600 years, it served as a hub for Islamic learning until Al-Azhar Mosque was established. Today, it remains an active mosque with a devout congregation and is open to visitors when prayers are not taking place. Visitors should dress modestly and respectfully.

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