Cairo Celebrates the Historic Splendor of Ibn Tulun Mosque

Cairo – The Mosque of Ibn Tulun, an architectural marvel in the heart of Cairo, stands as a testament to the city’s rich historical and cultural heritage. Recognized as the oldest and largest mosque in Cairo, this impressive brick wall structure is a major draw for tourists and a symbol of Egypt’s illustrious past.

According to Ghana News Agency, Nii Martey M. Botchway, who recently captured the essence of the mosque’s architecture, the Mosque of Ibn Tulun was constructed in the ninth century. Ahmad Ibn Tulun, a slave-soldier who rose to prominence and was appointed to govern Egypt under the Abbasid Caliphate, commissioned its construction. The mosque covers an expanse of approximately six acres, showcasing the grandeur of Islamic architecture during that era.

The structure is divided into three main sections: the prayer hall, a vast courtyard designed to separate the sacred space from the secular external environment, and a 13th-century Fauwara fountain. This fountain, which occupies the center of the courtyard, is a later addition that replaced the original 9th-century gilt-domed version, further enhancing the mosque’s aesthetic and historical value.

One of the mosque’s most iconic features is its exterior spiral staircase minaret, which distinctly marks the Cairo skyline. This unique element not only adds to the mosque’s visual appeal but also serves as a symbol of the city’s enduring Islamic architecture and cultural legacy.

The Mosque of Ibn Tulun continues to captivate visitors with its beautiful architecture, standing as a proud reminder of Cairo’s significant role in the historical development of Islamic art and architecture.