Abu Dahab Mosque

Abu·Dahab Mosque

Abu•Dahab Mosque is located in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, situated on Al-Azhar Street, right next to the main entrance of Al-Azhar Mosque. It was built in 1774 AD and took one year to complete. The mosque is considered the fourth Ottoman-style mosque constructed in Cairo.

The builder of Abu•Dahab Mosque was the prominent politician Muhammad Abu Dahab, who was originally a Mamluk but defected to the Ottomans during a mutiny. Interestingly, the mosque he established features a blend of both Mamluk and Ottoman styles. The structure is a rectangle measuring 33 meters from south to north and 24 meters from east to west. Its prayer area is surrounded by Rewaqs, with Arabic calligraphy inscribed on two opposing pillars. These Rewaqs are adorned with plant motifs. At the top of the prayer area is the mosque’s main dome, which covers half a square meter. The prayer area itself has sides of 15 meters, with each side featuring two copper windows covered in alabaster.

Abu•Dahab Mosque is considered a “hanging mosque” because it is elevated above street level. On the eastern and northern sides at the base of the mosque, there are numerous shops primarily selling books. On its northern side, a staircase made of colored alabaster leads to the mosque’s main gate, while another set of circular stairs leads to the eastern gate. Although these staircases have been modified, the mosque’s gates remain in their original form.

Mosque of Abu Dahab

Reason to visit: One of the most uniquely styled mosques in Cairo in terms of architecture

Continent where the attraction is located: Africa【Africa】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Egypt[Egypt]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Cairo Governorate [Cairo Governorate]

City where the attraction is located: Cairo [Cairo]