The Blue Mosque of Egypt

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

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

　　It is commonly referred to as the “Blue Mosque” because of the many beautiful blue tiles found inside, particularly the blue marble used for the outer walls and the Turkish-style floral blue tile floor laid during the 1652 renovation. Legend has it that these blue tiles were especially collected and crafted because the then-ruler was fond of Chinese blue-and-white porcelain. He also incorporated the vibrant colors of Turkish ceramics, turning the site into a veritable art center. When sunlight streams through the stained-glass windows onto the thousands of blue tiles, the name “Blue Mosque” naturally caught on.

　　: Aqsunqur Mosque Reason to visit: The most magnificent mosque in Egypt Continent: Africa [Africa] Country/Region: Egypt [Egypt] Province/State: Cairo Governorate [Cairo Governorate] City: Cairo [Cairo]