Mosque of Amr ibn al-As - Fustat In Egypt: Brief History,Architecture,Visiting Hours, & Travel Information

Brief History:

Built in 642 AD by Amr ibn al-As, the Arab general who captured Egypt for Islam, the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As is the first mosque to be built on African soil. It is believed to be the oldest existing Islamic structure in all of Egypt and marks the birth of the nation as a center of Islamic culture. It is also known as Masjid al-Fustat due to its location in the city of Fustat, which was the first capital of Egypt under Muslim rule. The current structure is the result of a 17th century renovation by the Ottoman Turks. It is one of the most famous mosque in Egypt which you must visit.

Architecture:

The Mosque of Amr ibn al-As is an Islamic mosque located in Fustat, Egypt. The original structure was built in 641 by Amr ibn al-As, the Arab general and conqueror of Egypt, and is the first mosque constructed in Egypt and the third mosque on the entire continent of Africa. The mosque is believed to have been built of bricks and clay and was quite rectangular in shape. Its walls were approximately 10m high, 10m wide and 30m long. The mosque originally had 10 doors, one of which was considered the entrance. The main prayer hall inside was 31m long and 17m wide and contained seven aisles. The aisles were covered by three rows of wooden pillars. At the center of the hall was a mibhar or pulpit which served as a lectern from which speeches and sermons were given. The mosque was initially surrounded by a garden and courtyard. The courtyard was paved with marble which was surrounded by a low wall with ten gates in it. The mosque originally had no dome. Despite this, it was originally thought to be a prototype of the mihrab shape that would later come to distinguish the traditional design of a mosque. The mosque faced toward Mecca and, unlike traditional mosques today, featured no minarets. Instead, the entrance was adorned with a single minaret which was added in the 10th century. The minaret was decorated with multi-colored tiles and featured an inscription at the top. The mosque was restored multiple times throughout its history and is considered to be in remarkably good condition today. It is considered a major historical and religious landmark and is frequented by both tourists and worshippers alike. This is why, it is considered one of the most beautiful mosque in the world.

Explore Egypt most popular tourist destination with us. Mosque of Amr ibn al-As - Fustat In Egypt: Brief History,Architecture,Visiting Hours, & Travel Information,which is 0 km away from Egypt main town, is the most popular destination to add in your travel wishlist.

City:
Egypt
state:
Fustat, Egypt
country:
Egypt
country code:
EG