Mohammad Ali Mosque, Cairo is a mosque located in the Citadel of Cairo in Egypt. This mosque is also known as “Alabaster Mosque” because of its extensive use of a particular stone on some of the outer walls and other surfaces. At times it is prominently known as “al-qal’a” meaning “citadel”. Mohammad Ali Mosque, Cairo was constructed in memory of Mohammad Ali’s oldest son Tusun Pasha. It is one of the milestones and well-known mosques in Cairo.
Mohammad Ali Mosque, Cairo is the biggest mosque constructed during the initial half of the 19th century. It looks more remarkable from a distance. It is an enormous dome and high minarets bestow the mosque a romantic, classy outlook that covers up all other shortcomings.
Mohammad Ali Mosque in Cairo is not archetypal of such structures in Cairo. Mohammad Ali Pasha, King of Egypt, was the founder of the mosque. He stands distinct in his ideas regarding the architecture of the mosque compared to the other architectures of Cairo from Mamluk to the late Ottoman period. Mohammad Ali Mosque, Cairo is very much prominent of most Islamic monuments in Cairo. As a result it has become an icon of Cairo.
Actually the designing of the mosque was allotted to a French architect, Pascal Coste who would have constructed it in Mamluk style. Finally Mohammad Ali Pasha altered his mind and appointed a Greek architect, Yusuf Bushnaq to design the mosque. Mohammad Ali Mosque in Cairo was constructed between the years 1830 and 1848. It is thought that may be due to its huge size it took such a long time to finish its work. The Egyptians are very much proud of this monument.
The composite of the mosque comprises of two parts - the mosque proper to the east and the open courtyard facing the west. The design of the mosque is a central dome placed on four piers and circular pendentives, edged by four half domes and four smaller domes on every corner. There is also another dome which divides the mihrab ceiling from the Qibla Wall.
In the southwest part of the mosque within an area ornately adorned with bronze openwork is the grand white marble commemorative of Mohammad Ali. Initially he was buried at Housh el Basha but one of his successors shifted the emperor’s body to this place.
The mosque has three doorways - on the north, west and east. The western doorway opens onto a courtyard. The courtyard is enclosed by spherical arcades consisting small domes. In the centre of the courtyard is a fountain with shaped roofs on the columns. On the west side of the courtyard is an iron clock gifted to the Mohammad Ali by French King Lois Philippe. Mohammad Ali Mosque, Cairo is worth visiting due to its unique structure and beauty.
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