Overview:

: The Mosque of Amr Ibn Al-As is located in the historic neighbourhood of Old Cairo, Egypt. Built in 641 CE, it is the oldest mosque in Africa and the first mosque built in Egypt. The Mosque is believed to have been constructed under the orders of Amr Ibn Al-As, an army commander who conquered large parts of the Nile Delta for the Islamic Caliphate. It is constructed on the site of the Coptic Church of Saint George, and it was reportedly the first mosque in the world to feature four minarets. Inside the Mosque, there are several mausoleums and tombs, including that of Amr Ibn Al-As and a number of prominent figures in the history of Egypt. The Mosque is also home to the first Quranic school of Cairo. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt
Prominent Features:

The Mosque of Amr Ibn Al-As is one of Cairo’s most iconic monuments and is generally considered to be the first mosque established in Africa. Located in Old Cairo, it is believed to have been built in 641 AD, making it one of the oldest and largest mosques in the country. The mosque was commissioned by Amr Ibn Al-As who was an Arab general and one of the leading commanders in the Islamic conquest of Egypt in 641 AD. The mosque itself is made of mud-brick and wood, and is centered around a large courtyard. Its iconic minaret was added in the 9th century and stands at 67 meters tall, towering over the nearby skyline. Inside, the mosque houses a number of tombs and mausoleums, as well as the mosque’s original pulpit. The Mosque of Amr Ibn Al-As is one of the most important religious sites in Cairo and is a major draw for tourists and locals alike. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Egypt.

History:

The Mosque of Amr ibn al-As, located in Old Cairo, is the oldest standing mosque in Egypt and all of Africa. It was commissioned by the four-time conqueror of Egypt, Amr ibn al-As in 642 AD, immediately after he captured the city. The mosque is part of the larger Amr ibn al-As complex, which includes a school, a hospital, several tombs, and the original city walls. The mosque has experienced several expansions over the centuries, the most extensive of which took place during the Mamluk and Ottoman eras. The original structure was a roughly square-shaped courtyard surrounded by four porticos and accessible through an ornate stone gate. In the center of the courtyard was the mihrab (prayer niche) which indicated the direction of Mecca, along with the minaret where the call to prayer was announced. Later additions included an elevated pulpit, colonnades, and indoor prayer halls surrounded by stone walls, making it the first mosque to have an enclosed interior space. At its height, the mosque was able to accommodate an estimated 20,000 worshippers at any one time. It also contained a number of historical treasures, including the original door to the Kaaba in Mecca, brought to Cairo by Amr ibn al-As. Today, the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As is an important landmark in Cairo, and is open to visitors every day from 9am to 4pm. It is also a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, with its ornate architecture and historical significance making it a must-see attraction in the city. Visit one of the famous monuments of Egypt with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Mosque of Amr ibn Al-As is the first mosque built in Egypt and the entire African continent, after the Muslim conquest of Alexandria in 642 AD. 2. It is located in the historical center of Cairo, next to the Fustat area, the first Islamic capital of Egypt, remaining still one of the most important religious institutions of the city. 3. The Mosque is highly respected and considered a holy site in Islamic history, as it was established by Amr Ibn Al-As, the Muslim commander who conquered Egypt and founded the great city of Cairo. 4. The Mosque is known for its rich architectural style, which can be seen in its minarets, grand arches and intricate designs. There are two different styles of architecture that can be seen in the mosque. The first one is the traditional Muslim style of architecture, while the second is the Byzantine style. 5. The mosque is home to many ancient relics, manuscripts and artworks dating back to the early Islamic period. It also houses one of the oldest copies of the Quran, written in the Kufi style on a sheet of parchment paper. 6. The Mosque is also home to the tomb of Amr ibn Al-As, as well as the resting places for many of Egypt’s historic rulers and notable figures. One of the historical monuments of Egypt, it tells the story of a bygone era