Islamic heritage · Cairo
Al-Maridani Mosque
A lavish 14th-century Mamluk mosque in Darb al-Ahmar, south of Bab Zuweila, known for its octagonal minaret and rich decoration.
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The story
The mosque was built between 1338 and 1340 in the Mamluk era and was built by Amir Altinbugha al-Maridani, with substantial help from Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad, on what was then the edge of medieval Cairo. It follows a hypostyle plan similar to the Mosque of al-Nasir, and its outer walls carry typical Mamluk decoration. When built it was among the most richly decorated mosques in the city, described as marked by the first fully octagonal minaret and a large dome. Its splendour reflects the patronage of the sultan, al-Maridani's father-in-law, and donations from the amir's own fortune.
Good to know
- The mosque was built between 1338 and 1340, in the Mamluk Sultanate era.
- At the time it was built it is described as featuring the first fully octagonal minaret.
- A multi-phase restoration (exterior and minaret, then interior) was completed in 2024 with support from the European Union and the Aga Khan Foundation.