Al-Rifa'i Mosque, mosque in Egypt
Al-Rifa'i is a mausoleum and mosque in the Cairo Governorate, featuring two slender minarets rising above the grounds. Granite columns support the entrance gate, while inside, elaborate marble work covers the walls and connects the prayer hall with the burial chamber.
Khoshiyar Hanim, mother of Khedive Ismail, began construction in 1869 to create a worthy burial site for the ruling family. Completion came only in 1912 under Khedive Abbas Hilmi II after several construction pauses and redesigns.
The royal necropolis houses tombs of the Muhammad Ali dynasty, including King Farouk and Khedive Ismail, and continues to serve as the final resting place for Egyptian rulers. The last Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, was buried here after his death in exile.
The building opens daily and welcomes visitors for tours during daylight hours, with exceptions on religious holidays. Women should cover shoulders and knees, while men should wear long trousers, and it is advisable to arrive outside prayer times.
Cement was used here for the first time in Egyptian Islamic architecture, revolutionizing construction methods. Gothic window shapes and cross-shaped ornaments decorate the building, an uncommon blend of European and Islamic design.
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