Mosque of Muhammad Ali, Cairo

The Mosque of Muhammad Ali is one of the grandest mosques in Egypt and a prominent landmark in the city of Cairo. Perched atop the Citadel of Cairo, this impressive mosque was constructed between 1830 and 1848 during the reign of Muhammad Ali Pasha, an Ottoman governor and ruler of Egypt. With its commanding position, the mosque dominates the skyline and offers panoramic views of Cairo below.

The mosque's design is a testament to the architectural grandeur of the period, heavily influenced by the Ottoman style, akin to the mosques in Istanbul. This is particularly evident in its central dome, which soars to a height of 52 meters, and the two slender minarets that stretch up to 84 meters. The mosque is also known as the Alabaster Mosque, owing to the extensive use of alabaster for both its interior and exterior walls, which gives it a distinctive lustrous appearance.

Visitors to the Mosque of Muhammad Ali are welcomed through a spacious courtyard, which boasts a decorative ablution fountain at its center. The interior is equally impressive, with its lavish use of marble, intricate Islamic calligraphy, and ornate chandeliers. The mosque's vast prayer hall is dominated by the central dome, surrounded by a series of smaller domes and semi-domes.

The mosque is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of Egypt's rich history and architectural heritage. It was built both to honor Muhammad Ali's own rule and to establish Cairo as a center of power, rivaling the great cities of the Ottoman Empire.

Today, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali is open to visitors of all faiths, allowing them to explore its architectural beauty and to soak in the history it embodies. While the mosque remains an active place of worship, tourists are welcomed outside of prayer times. The mosque's elevated position on the Citadel also makes it an excellent vantage point for those looking to capture the sprawling cityscape of Cairo.