Islamic heritage · Cairo
Abu al-Dhahab Mosque
An Ottoman-style mosque in Islamic Cairo facing Al-Azhar, a notable example of Egyptian-Ottoman architecture.
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The story
The mosque stands in Islamic Cairo opposite Al-Azhar Mosque and is a notable example of Egyptian-Ottoman architecture. Emir Muhammad Bey Abu al-Dhahab began building the complex around 1773 and finished it in 1774; it originally included a mosque, a madrasa and a takiya, of which the mosque is the part that survives. He had been a follower of Ali Bey al-Kabir, who bought him in 1761 and gave him an emirate. His nickname, meaning 'father of gold', is said to come from scattering gold to the poor on his way home after donning the robe of honour at the Citadel.
Good to know
- Construction began around 1773 and finished in 1774.
- The complex stands opposite Al-Azhar Mosque in Islamic Cairo.