The Mosque of Muhammad Ali: Cairo's Ottoman Icon

The Mosque of Muhammad Ali stands as a testament to Ottoman influence in Egypt and the ambition of its commissioner. Muhammad Ali Pasha, considered the founder of modern Egypt, ordered its construction in 1830. The mosque, built to commemorate his son Tusun Pasha, who died in 1816, was designed to be the state mosque of a newly modernized Egypt.Located within the Citadel of Saladin, the mosque occupies the highest point, offering commanding views of Cairo. Its design, inspired by the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, showcases a departure from traditional Cairene architecture, embracing an Ottoman style. The use of limestone and alabaster gives the mosque its distinctive appearance, leading to its nickname, the Alabaster Mosque.The mosque features a large central dome surrounded by smaller domes and towering minarets, which reach 84 meters, the highest in Egypt. The interior is adorned with intricate details, including stained glass windows, marble floors, and Islamic calligraphy. The courtyard contains a unique copper clock tower, a gift from Louis Philippe of France in 1845. Muhammad Ali Pasha was buried in a Carrara marble tomb in the mosque's courtyard. His remains were moved from Hosh al-Basha in 1857.Visitors should dress modestly, covering shoulders, knees, and hair (for women). The mosque is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, but non-Muslims have restricted access to the main prayer hall.