Islamic heritage · Cairo
Al-Burdayni Mosque
A 17th-century Ottoman mosque in Al-Dawoudia, Islamic Cairo, built in stone by a wealthy merchant near the Mosque of al-Malika Safiyya.
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The story
The Al-Burdayni Mosque stands in the Al-Dawoudia district of Islamic Cairo, close to the Mosque of al-Malika Safiyya. It was founded by a wealthy merchant, Kareem al-din al-Bardayni, and completed in 1616 under Ottoman rule. The building is made of stone and has two facades; the western one holds the entrance. Elements of the western side are dated to 1629, and sources differ on whether this refers to the minaret or to the gates. Some studies note that its revived Mamluk style may reflect its patron, an Egyptian scholar rather than a member of the Ottoman ruling class.
Good to know
- The mosque was completed in 1616 during Ottoman rule, funded by a wealthy merchant.
- The mosque is built of stone; its minaret (or, in some sources, its gates) is dated to 1629.
- Built under Ottoman rule but in a revived Mamluk style, a choice attributed to its Egyptian scholarly patron.