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| Ibn Tulun Mosque |
Have you ever visited a place that feels untouched by time? A place where history whispers through ancient walls, and every step takes you deeper into a past that still lives? If you haven’t, then Ibn Tulun Mosque should be at the top of your list. This mosque has stood in Cairo for over 1,100 years, surviving floods, wars, and the rise and fall of entire cities. Yet, it remains strong, standing above time itself.
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| The entrance |
The Mosque That Outsmarted the Nile
Cairo’s history is written by the Nile. It brings life, but it also brings destruction. Many ancient landmarks have suffered from floods—except Ibn Tulun Mosque. What protected it while others fell?
Back in 879 AD, Ahmad Ibn Tulun had a clever plan. Instead of building near the river, he chose Jabal Yashkur, a small hill that legend says was where Noah’s Ark rested after the flood. Whether or not the story is true, the decision was brilliant. While many places in Cairo suffered from water damage, this mosque stayed dry and safe for over a thousand years.
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| The courtyard |
A Quiet Escape in the Heart of Cairo
The moment you step inside, you’ll notice something different—it’s peaceful. Unlike other mosques crowded with decorations, Ibn Tulun Mosque is simple yet powerful. The huge open courtyard, the long rows of archways, and the soft light filtering through carved windows create a sense of calm that makes you want to stop and take it all in.
Built from red bricks and carved gypsum, its design is strong and timeless. There are no golden details or fancy tiles—just architecture that was made to last forever.
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| One of the rows of archways |
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| The carved windows |
The Minaret With a Spiral Secret
If you love views, you can’t miss the mosque’s unique minaret. It’s different from any other in Egypt because it has a spiral staircase on the outside—a rare design inspired by the famous minaret of the Great Mosque of Samarra in Iraq.
Climbing it is an experience of its own. With each step, you see more of Cairo spreading out beneath you—rooftops, mosques, and streets weaving through the city. Once you reach the top, the view is breathtaking. For a moment, it feels like you’re standing between the past and present, watching centuries of history unfold below.
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| The unique minaret |
A Survivor Through the Ages
Cairo has changed beyond recognition since 879 AD, but Ibn Tulun Mosque remains just as it was. The city Ibn Tulun built around it—Al-Qata’i—disappeared long ago, yet the mosque still stands, as if refusing to be forgotten.
It wasn’t always treated well. Over time, it was abandoned and left to decay. But just when history seemed ready to erase it, it was saved—first by the Mamluks, then again in the 19th century by Khedive Abbas I, who worked to restore its beauty. Even when the world moved on, this mosque never disappeared.
How to Visit Ibn Tulun Mosque
Want to see this hidden treasure for yourself? Here’s what you need to know:
• Where It Is: The mosque is in Sayyida Zeinab, right next to the Gayer-Anderson Museum, making it a perfect two-in-one visit.
• Entry Fee: No need to worry about tickets—it’s completely free!
• Dress Code: Visitors must wear cover shoes inside (provided at the entrance) to keep the floors clean.
• How to Get There:
• By Metro: Take the metro to Sayyida Zeinab Station, then a short taxi ride or walk will get you there.
• By Taxi or Uber: Just enter Ibn Tulun Mosque, and you’ll be taken right to the entrance.
Don’t Just Read About It—Go See It!
Some places are meant to be experienced, not just read about. Ibn Tulun Mosque isn’t just an old structure—it’s a living part of history. It has stood against time, nature, and even neglect, proving that some things are built to last.
So why just imagine it? Step inside, walk under its arches, climb its minaret, and let the past surround you. Cairo has many stories, but this one is waiting for you to see it for yourself.