Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque

　　As one of the three major mosques in the Cairo Citadel, the Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque might seem overshadowed when standing next to the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, yet it remains the sole surviving architectural gem of the Mamluk era. Built in 1335, this structure is actually the oldest building within the citadel, which was originally constructed in 1176. All previous buildings inside the citadel had been demolished by Muhammad Ali, who ruled Egypt in the 19th century.

　　When Muhammad Ali built the citadel, he tore down many of the original structures to make way for his own mosque and palaces, preserving only a few. The Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque was one of the few spared—kept intact only because it was repurposed as a stable. The mosque’s dome is distinctive, adorned with Persian-style turquoise and blue mosaic tiles, and it features two minarets of differing heights. Inside, visitors can still admire the beautifully preserved carved wooden ceiling, along with vibrant blue and green tiles that are a rare sight in Egyptian mosques. Walking through this beautiful and ancient place of worship easily transports one into the realm of Arabian tales like Aladdin’s Magic Lamp or the Thief of Baghdad.

　　Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque Reason to visit: The world’s only surviving architectural gem of the Mamluk era Continent: Africa [Africa] Country/Region: Egypt [Egypt] Province/State: Cairo Governorate [Cairo Governorate] City: Cairo [Cairo]