Mosque of al-Malika Safiyya

The mosque of al-Malika Safiyya is a prayer house in Cairo with a main dome flanked by smaller cupolas and two slender minarets. A rectangular courtyard opens into the prayer hall, where geometric patterns and tile work decorate the interior surfaces.

The mosque was built in 1610 during Ottoman rule and shows the architectural influences that emerged in Cairo following the 1517 conquest. It represents a transitional style bridging earlier Mamluk traditions and newer Ottoman forms.

The mosque demonstrates the combination of Ottoman and Mamluk architectural elements through its geometric patterns, tile decorations, and structural composition.

The building is located in the historic Islamic Cairo district and welcomes visitors outside of prayer times. It is advisable to wear respectful clothing and keep quiet during active worship.

The building displays rare imported tiles from Byzantine and Delft regions, reflecting trade routes between Europe and the Near East during the 1600s. These costly materials reveal how wealthy the family was that commissioned the site.

Location: Cairo

Inception: 1610

Architectural style: Ottoman architecture

GPS coordinates: 30.04051,31.25428

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:05