Vincent Poon :: Mosques!
Mosques are really architectures built upon geometries: they come with circular domes, oval-shaped arches, rectangular or square courtyards, hexagonal fountains, spiral or cylindrical minarets... Excluding the religious implications of these buildings, they really worth the time to visit! Besides, Egypt is one of the Islam countries where it contains so many different varieties and what's more, non-muslims like me are allowed to go inside... (well, into most of them)
Visits: 635 times
Last changed: Jul 08, 2007
5 items in this album
View of the mosque from the tourist police office in Citadel.
View of the minaret from inside the arched dome
Again, students are drawing the mosque
Al-Azhar at night
Album: Mosque of Mohammed Ali
Built in early 19th Century by the ruler himself, the value of the Mosque of Mohammed Ali is really neither religious nor historical. Still, it is one of the most popular mosques among the tourists. The reason?  The impressive outlook of the mosque has successfully dominated the skyline of Cairo. Its great dome and towering minarets give the Citadel a romantic, oriental quality that makes up for any shortcomings in its detail.

Changed: Jul 08, 2007.
Contains: 21 items.
Album: Mosque of Ibn tulun
With a coverage of 2.5 hectares, Ibn Tulun is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the country. Built between AD 876 and 879, the most unique feature about this mosque is really on the spiral Iraqi-style minaret that allows visitors to climb atop to get a magnificent view of the Islamic Cairo. Truly breath-taking!

Changed: Jul 05, 2007.
Contains: 18 items.
Album: Mosque of Amr Ibn al-Aas
This is the first and oldest mosque ever built on the land of Egypt (and Africa). Erected in 642 AD by Amr Ibn al'Aas, the commander of the Muslim army who conquered Egypt, the original, tiny mosque was built as a place for the army to worship. Since then it has undergone many restorations to become today's look.

Although not the most beautiful mosque I have seen, its red carpet against the white background still forms a striking image on my mind.

Changed: Jul 07, 2007.
Contains: 12 items.
Album: Mosque of Al-Azhar
Al-Azhar was founded in AD 970 as the main mosque and the centre of learning for the city. The university founded there is one of the world's oldest surviving educational institution. (after Fez University in Morocco) While ten thousand students once studied here, today university classes are conducted in adjacent buildings and the Mosque is reserved for prayer...

...Oh! no wonder why I didn't see any students there... initially thought that they all skived lessons like the Brits. :P

Changed: Jul 08, 2007.
Contains: 12 items.
Sultan Hassan Mosque (left) along with the later El Rifai Mosque (right) and two Ottoman mosques (foreground)
Album: Other Mosques Around
Besides the three mentioned, there are so many other mosques in Cairo that I did not have time (or the rights) to visit, nevertheless, they are also very unique and beautiful...

Changed: Jul 08, 2007.
Contains: 12 items.
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