The Blue Mosque of Egypt

The Blue Mosque of Egypt

The official name of the Blue Mosque is actually the Aqsunqur Mosque, located in the Islamic Cairo district, situated between the Citadel of Cairo and Bab Zuweila. It was built in 1347. Its primary original function was as part of the mausoleum complex for Shams ad-Din Aqsunqur and his descendants.

The Aqsunqur Mosque is one of the few blue mosques in the world. Its clean and simple exterior maintains an air of solemnity and belongs to the Mamluk and Ottoman architectural styles. It is surrounded by six minarets and features a central ablution fountain; worshippers must perform ritual washing before removing their shoes to enter. The mosque houses two tombs and a finely decorated pulpit, with intricate grapevine patterns inlaid with colored stones.

It is commonly known as the “Blue Mosque” because of the many beautiful blue tiles inside, primarily the blue marble used in the outer walls and the Turkish-style blue floral tiles laid during the interior renovation in 1652. Legend has it that these blue tiles were specially collected and crafted because the then ruler was particularly fond of Chinese blue-and-white porcelain. He even incorporated the vibrant colors of Turkish pottery into the porcelain designs, turning the site into a stunning art center. When sunlight streams through the stained glass windows onto the tens of thousands of blue tiles, the name “Blue Mosque” naturally became widely known.

: Aqsunqur Mosque

Reason to visit: Egypt’s most magnificent mosque

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]