Al-Hakim Mosque, Fatimid mosque in Cairo, Egypt
The mosque exhibits two massive minarets at its western facade, featuring cylindrical shafts and distinctive architectural elements from the Fatimid period.
Construction began in 990 CE under Caliph Al-Aziz and was completed in 1013 CE by his son Al-Hakim, becoming the fourth oldest surviving congregational mosque in Egypt.
The mosque functioned as a parallel institution to Al-Azhar, serving as a center for religious education and the propagation of Shiite Islamic teachings.
Located near Bab al-Futuh gate on Al-Muizz Street, the mosque maintains regular prayer times and welcomes visitors throughout the day.
During the French campaign in Egypt, the military forces used the twin minarets as observation towers and transformed the prayer hall into a fortress.
Location: Cairo Governorate
Architectural style: Fatimid architecture
GPS coordinates: 30.05444,31.26389
Latest update: May 27, 2025 10:05
Cairo preserves an architectural heritage spanning over fifteen centuries. This collection includes religious buildings, traditional houses, and utilitarian structures that reflect the Fatimid, Mamluk, and Ottoman periods. Mosques such as Sultan Hassan with its 68-meter minaret stand alongside ancient homes with mashrabiya windows, while the 9th-century Nilometer highlights the river's importance in Egyptian society. The route passes through various historic districts, from El Khalifa with its medieval monuments to Ottoman houses from the 16th and 17th centuries like Bayt Al-Suhaymi or those housing the Gayer-Anderson Museum. Aqsunqur Mosque stands out with its Iznik tiles showcasing floral motifs, a legacy of Ottoman influence. The City of the Dead, a cemetery stretching four kilometers, illustrates the continuity between burial sites and inhabited areas. Green spaces like Al-Azhar Park offer views of a dense city where traditions blend with everyday life.
Cairo is home to millennia of history. The Giza Pyramids, built between 2686 and 2494 BC, stand alongside Fatimid mosques like the Ibn Tulun Mosque from 879, and Mamluk fortifications such as Saladin's Citadel from the 12th century. Religious heritage reflects community diversity: Saint Serge Church dates to the 4th century, while Sainte-Marie Church from the 7th century reuses elements of the Roman fortress of Babylon. The Cairo Museum, opened in 1902, displays over 120,000 archaeological artifacts including Tutankhamun’s burial mask. Khan Al-Khalili market, established in 1382, continues traditional trade along its alleys lined with spice and craft shops. The Gayer Anderson House exemplifies 16th-century Ottoman residential architecture. These sites span Egypt’s history from pharaonic antiquity to the Ottoman period.
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