Tucked away in the historic heart of القاهرة, the Mosque of Ibn Tulun stands as one of Egypt’s oldest and best-preserved religious monuments. Built in the ninth century by Ahmad ibn Tulun, the founder of the Tulunid dynasty, the mosque is renowned for having survived in a largely unaltered state since its construction. Its vast courtyard, elegant arcades, and striking stucco motifs make it a unique relic of early Islamic architecture, offering solace and serenity amid the vibrant chaos of the city’s labyrinthine streets.
What sets this mosque apart is not only its age or size but also its distinctive features and design cues, inspired by Abbasid styles from Iraq, particularly seen in the iconic spiral minaret. The mosque’s minaret, inspired by the Great Mosque of Samarra, is a rare sight in Egyptian architecture, with its helical ramp coiling around the outside instead of being secreted within the tower. This structure stands as a testament to the cross-cultural influences that shaped medieval القاهرة, and its unique silhouette has become one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.
One of the more beguiling aspects of the mosque’s architecture is the use of stalactite (muqarnas) ornamentation, particularly around the arches and within the domes. These decorative elements create a play of shadow and light that enlivens the interior, highlighting the creative brilliance of ninth-century craftsmen. The muqarnas serve both structural and aesthetic purposes, providing support while enchanting the observer with their intricate, honeycomb-like textures – a hallmark of Islamic stonework in the region.
A true highlight awaits those who climb the 40-metre high spiral minaret. The ascent offers a slightly dizzying perspective but is richly rewarded at the summit, where one is treated to panoramic vistas of Old Cairo. From this vantage point, the ochre tones of Islamic القاهرة roll out beneath, crowned by the silhouettes of distant minarets and the sparkling cityscape beyond. The alchemy of history, architectural audacity, and sweeping views ensures that a visit to the Ibn Tulun mosque lingers long in the traveller’s memory.
Ibn Tulun Mosque
القاهرة
Egypt
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