What comes to your mind when I say Egypt?
You think of the Great Pyramids of Giza, right?
But apart from that, there are many iconic attractions like the Egyptian Museum that has more than 120,000 artifacts in Cairo, 63 tombs built at Valley of the Kings in Luxor.
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali in Cairo is one such historic landmark. It’s the most visited Mosque in entire Egypt. The main reason for the popularity is its prominent location; sitting on top of the citadel (like a fort) in Cairo’s center.
The Mosque has a massive capacity of 10,000 worshippers and fondly known as ‘Alabaster Mosque’
↪️ Download your free Mosque of Muhammad Ali tour ↩️
Blog Contents
History
Constructed somewhere between 1830 and 1848, Muhammad Ali built it in the memory of his son Tusun Pasha. Originally the mosque was white in color. But in course of time, the pollution and wind turned it into a dusty color.
Mosque Style
The Mosque features the Ottoman style architecture; dome upon another dome along with thin minarets. You can find a lot in Istanbul like the Blue mosque, the Camlica mosque.
Entrance fee
- The entrance to the citadel and mosque is 180 EGP (Egyptian pounds)~ 10€
- Half the price (90 EGP) for any student in the world (valid for every single attraction in Egypt)
Mosque interiors
The inside structures are fascinating. The combination of stained glass windows, glowing chandeliers, alabaster (mineral for carving) walls, carpet make it unique. It reminded me, Hagia Sophia.
It also has a glimpse of other religions incorporated. As usual like any other mosque, remove your shoes before entering.
Viewpoint
Just outside the premises, you can find a splendid viewpoint. It offers a 180° stunning view of the dusty Cairo city. If you have a closer look, one can notice that many buildings are incomplete. Do you know why?
To avoid property tax
The reason is that if you complete the building, paint it, and have a roof, then you need to pay the property tax. Hence many Egyptians opt to leave their buildings incomplete. Though they give an unpleasant look from outside, it’s well built inside.
Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque
Adjacent to the Mosque of Muhammad Ali is the Al-Nasir Muhammad mosque; a 14th-century monument. Inside there is a collection of Islamic inscriptions. A small 10-15 min walk is enough to explore it.
How to reach Muhammad Ali mosque?
The simple answer is Uber, the best transport mode in Cairo. Download the app, get a ride instantly and you are all set. However, there may be some bitter experiences like I faced in Giza.
What you can expect?
More than the interiors, I loved the Cairo city view from the citadel top. Visit the mosque in the mornings as the day becomes very hot in the noon. It won’t be the best mosque you will every visit but imagine being a nice one. I would definitely recommend you add it to your Cairo itinerary.
Overall experience: 
out of 5
Time of visit: May 2019
” Egypt is a great place for contrasts: splendid things gleam in the dust.” – Gustave Flaubert