Ibn Tulun Mosque
Ibn Tulun is a historic mosque situated in Cairo. It is the third largest mosque in the world. Ibn Tulun is the oldest surviving mosque in Egypt, and dates back to 870-9 AD. It is a marvel of architecture, and is best known for its unique minaret. The mosque was built by Ahmad Ibn Tulun.
Background . . .
Ahmad Ibn Tulun had the mosque built from 870 to 879 AD so that all his troops could be accommodated. The mosque was the third one to be built in Cairo for congregational purposes. The mosque has survived all this long mostly in its original form.
The Tulunid Dynasty, headed by Ahmad Ibn Tulum, remained in power from 868-905 AD in Egypt. Power was regained by the Abbasids in AD 905, and Ibn Tulun’s city was ravaged. The Ibn Tulun mosque, located at the center of the razed city, was spared.
In spite of this, the center of the city shifted away from the mosque and slowly fell into neglect and disrepair. It had some damage caused to it in the 12th century, when it was used as a shelter for pilgrims.
The Ibn Tulun mosque has a story related to its first restoration by Mamluk Sultan Lajin in 1296. Lajin was implicated for conspiring to assassinate Sultan Al-Ashraf Khalil ibn Qalawun. He was hiding in the abandoned mosque, and vowed to restore it if he could escape with his life. Lajin escaped, and restored the mosque right upto the unique minaret.
There have been a number of renovations other than these as well. There was a major restoration project in 1999 when the courtyard was paved, and the fountain was refaced with black marble.
The Main Sights . . .
The Mosque of Ibn Tulum sits in a complex which encompasses more than six acres of area. The Mosque is surrounded by a wall. The area of the mosque itself is 26, 318 sq m.
The courtyard galleries have arches which are beautifully decorated with exquisitely carved stucco. This was a first, as the medium was never used in Cairo before.
The minaret was the most unique in Egypt. It was designed after the minarets of Samarra, featuring spiral staircases on the outside. The horse shoe arches at the windows of the minarets reflect some Andalusian influences as well.
Fast Facts . . .
Site Info . . .
- Names - Ibn Tulun Mosque; Mosque of Ibn Tulun.
- Location - Cairo, Egypt.
- Category - Mosques.
- Date - 870-79.
- Faith - Islam.
- Features - Oldest; Largest.
- Status - active.
- Patron(s) - Ahmad Ibn Tulun.
- Size – Area - 26,318 sq m.
Visitor Info . . .
- Address - Shar’a Tulun Bay, Cairo, Egypt.
- Coordinates - 3 0 . 0 2 9 1 2 3 ° N, 3 1 . 2 4 9 5 5 9 ° E.
- Cost - £e6.
-
Four Seasons excellence in the land of the pharaohs Click on photo for more information... Read Full Story » -
Answer: Africa, my Africa of my dream Here is where I want to be Here, I have always been... Read Full Story »
