Al-Hussein Mosque, Shiite mosque in Islamic Cairo, Egypt
Al-Hussein Mosque is a house of prayer in Islamic Cairo, Egypt, located directly across from the Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Three marble gates lead into a large courtyard surrounded by arcaded walkways, while the main prayer hall features chandeliers and woven carpets throughout.
The building was erected in 1154 during Fatimid rule and later expanded several times under the Ayyubids and Mamluks. A minaret was added in 1235, and further structural changes followed over the centuries.
The name honors Hussein ibn Ali, a seventh-century figure deeply revered by Muslims whose memory draws pilgrims from across the Islamic world. Worshipers enter through the marble gates to gather in the courtyard, where communal prayer and devotion remain part of daily life, especially during religious festivals.
Visitors should dress modestly and remove shoes before entering prayer areas, as this is an active place of worship. The best times to walk through are outside prayer hours, especially in the morning when fewer people are present.
A silver chamber inside is said to house a seventh-century reliquary that serves as an important destination for many worshipers. Abu al-Qasim al-Sukari designed the minaret with decorative patterns typical of construction during that era.
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