🕌 Mosque of Muhammad Ali (Alabaster Mosque)
Egypt
About This Sacred Site
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali, also known as the Alabaster Mosque, sits atop the Citadel of Saladin and dominates the Cairo skyline with its Ottoman-style domes and two slender minarets. Built between 1830 and 1848 by Muhammad Ali Pasha, the founder of modern Egypt, the mosque was modeled after the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) in Istanbul. The interior is covered with alabaster panels, and an enormous chandelier illuminates the central prayer hall. The courtyard contains a beautiful ablution fountain and an ornate clock tower gifted by King Louis-Philippe of France in exchange for the Luxor Obelisk that now stands in Paris.
Key Facts
- •Built between 1830 and 1848 by Muhammad Ali Pasha, founder of modern Egypt
- •The interior is clad in alabaster panels, giving it its popular name
- •Modeled after the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) in Istanbul
- •The clock tower in the courtyard was a gift from France in exchange for the Luxor Obelisk
- •Visible from almost anywhere in Cairo due to its elevated position on the Citadel
Location
Coordinates: 30.0288, 31.2599
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