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Ibn Tulun Mosque: A Timeless Masterpiece of Islamic Architecture

Explore Cairo's oldest mosque, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture with a unique spiral minaret and serene atmosphere.

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The Ibn Tulun Mosque, Cairo's oldest mosque still in its original form, is an architectural marvel dating back to the 9th century. Built by Ahmad Ibn Tulun, it showcases Abbasid influences and a unique spiral minaret, offering visitors a serene escape and a glimpse into Egypt's rich Islamic heritage.

A brief summary to Ibn Tulun Mosque

  • Ahmed Ibn Tolon Sq., El Sayeda Zeinab, Tolon, Cairo Governorate, EG
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Dress respectfully when visiting the mosque, covering shoulders and knees.
  • Climb the spiral minaret for panoramic views of Islamic Cairo.
  • Visit the adjacent Gayer-Anderson Museum, included in the mosque ticket, for a glimpse into Cairo's past.
  • Explore the vast courtyard and admire the mosque's Abbasid architecture.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Ibn Tulun Mosque via public transport, take the Cairo Metro to the El-Sayeda Zeinab station. From there, you can take a minibus or tuk-tuk to the mosque. The minibus fare is approximately 5 EGP per person, while a tuk-tuk ride may cost up to 20 EGP. Alternatively, you can walk from the metro station to the mosque, which is about a 20-30 minute journey.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Cairo and offer a convenient way to reach the Ibn Tulun Mosque. A short taxi ride from downtown Cairo to the mosque typically costs between 30 to 50 EGP. Negotiate the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem are also available, with fares starting at 7-12 EGP plus 3-4 EGP per kilometer.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Islamic Cairo area, walking to the Ibn Tulun Mosque is a great way to experience the historic neighborhood. From the Wekalet El Ghouri Arts Centre, the mosque is approximately a 4.5 km walk, taking about an hour. The main entrance to the mosque is on Saliba Street.

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Discover more about Ibn Tulun Mosque

The Ibn Tulun Mosque, located in the Sayyida Zeinab district of Islamic Cairo, stands as a testament to Egypt's rich history and architectural innovation. Constructed between 876 and 879 AD by Ahmad Ibn Tulun, the mosque is the oldest in Cairo that remains largely in its original form. Ibn Tulun, the Abbasid governor of Egypt, established a new capital called Al-Qata'i, and the mosque was built to serve as its main congregational mosque. The mosque's design was influenced by the Abbasid architectural style, particularly that of the Great Mosque of Samarra in Iraq. The mosque covers an expansive area of 26,318 square meters and is built primarily of brick, with the exception of the stone minaret. The mosque complex consists of a large open courtyard (sahn) surrounded by arcaded halls on all four sides. The prayer hall, located on the qibla side, is five aisles deep, while the other three wings are two aisles deep. One of the most striking features of the Ibn Tulun Mosque is its unique spiral minaret, which resembles the minaret of the Great Mosque of Samarra. The minaret has an external spiral staircase, a rare design in Islamic architecture. Visitors can climb the minaret for panoramic views of Cairo. The mosque also features a ziyada, an outer courtyard that acted as a buffer zone between the mosque and the surrounding city. The Ibn Tulun Mosque introduced architectural innovations such as pointed arches and piers, which later influenced Gothic design in Europe. The mosque has undergone several restorations throughout its history, preserving its original form. Today, the Ibn Tulun Mosque remains a functional place of worship and a significant cultural landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into Egypt's Tulunid era and its lasting Islamic heritage.

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