Al-Aqmar Mosque: A Magical Islamic Architecture

Today’s story is about Al-Aqmar Mosque, one of the mosques of Fatimid Cairo and an architectural gem that steals the spotlight. Al-Aqmar Mosque is located on Al-Muizz Li-Din Allah Al-Fatimi Street, one of the oldest and most prestigious streets of Islamic Cairo.

It was founded in 1125 AD. It is worth noting that it was built by Minister Al-Ma’mun bin Al-Bata’ihi after being commissioned by Al-Amir bi-Ahkam Allah bin Ali Al-Mansur, the Fatimid Caliph.

The ancient mosques in Egypt bear witness to the antiquity of Islamic history and cultural values ​​throughout the ages and times.

The ancient mosques in Cairo are considered among the most prominent historical landmarks that show the development of Islamic architecture throughout the different ages.

We notice that the unique Islamic arts intertwine harmoniously with the cultural and political influences of each time period. These mosques are also famous for their unique designs, exquisite decorations, and their pivotal role in religious and scientific life since their establishment until today.

Cairo is adorned with dozens of mosques that were built in the era of the Fatimid state.

No one who steps foot in Al-Muizz’s Cairo can do without feeling the spirituality and tranquility they seek. Each of these mosques has an origin and a story told with the fragrance of history and tells the authenticity of that time.

In addition to being an architectural gem in the heart of Cairo, it is also considered one of the most prestigious and beautiful Fatimid mosques in Egypt.

Al-Aqmar Mosque is known for its unique architectural design, which, if it indicates anything, indicates the brilliance and magnificence of Islamic architecture in the Fatimid era.

It is considered evidence of a historical antiquity that is manifested in a sophisticated image of Islamic art and architecture.

Reasons for naming Al-Aqmar Mosque

There is an inherited story about the reason for naming Al-Aqmar Mosque with this name; This is due to the beauty of its architectural style and decorations inspired by the unique Islamic art, especially at nightfall.

it appears with a luster resembling moonlight, and in the Fatimid era, where the mosque was built with precision and delicacy of details, and the distinctive decorations suggest an expression of magnificence and beauty, and therefore the name “Al-Aqmar” was associated with its meaning of works and is the most brilliant and radiant.

This indicates the splendor of the unique mosque that matches the moonlight in its clarity and light, and in another narration, the Al-Aqmar Mosque attributes its name to Al-Aqmar; because it contains white stones on its sides that resemble the color of the moon.

Construction history

The Al-Aqmar Mosque was built in the year 519 AH / 1125 AD by order of the Fatimid Caliph called Al-Amir bi-Ahkam Allah, and the order to build it at that time was assigned to the minister Al-Ma’mun Al-Bata’ihi.

The mosque is considered one of the architectural masterpieces that reflect the unique Fatimid character. It is the smallest of the Fatimid mosques in Cairo, but it is distinguished by its rich architectural and decorative details.

It was built on the site of one of the Coptic monasteries that was called Bir al-Azma because it contained the bones of some Coptic martyrs, according to the account of the historical historian Al-Maqrizi.

The Al-Aqmar Mosque is considered one of the famous historical landmarks in Cairo, as it was established to be a symbol of the distinctive Islamic architecture.

The mosque was built during the era of the prosperity of the Fatimid state, and was known for its precise design and unique geometric decorations that indicate the spirit of that wonderful era.

Since its establishment, this mosque has been called “Al-Aqmar” in reference to the sparkle that rises above its decorated facade, which was similar to the light of the moon on moonlit nights, which made it especially famous among the many Islamic landmarks of Cairo. 

The ancient architectural style

The Al Aqmar Mosque was designed to suit the layout of the street it passes through, as it tends to deviate slightly to keep up with the direction of the street and was based on the idea that the facade of the mosque should be parallel to the Qibla wall, as its walls from the inside form a regular rectangle with sides 28 meters long and 17.5 meters wide.

This deviation created a void, which was utilized and exploited to create three small rooms inside, one on the right and two on the left.

The walls of the mosque, its beautiful, delicate decorations and the architectural style show the flavor of the Fatimid civilization and the extent of its influence on the diversity and distinction of Islamic architectural arts.

Interior design of the mosque

The interior of Al-Aqmar Mosque consists of a small square courtyard, containing a decorated mihrab and a wooden pulpit made of the finest wood, dating back to the Ottoman era. The courtyard is surrounded by a single arcade on three sides, and three arcades in the Qibla Iwan.

The arcades are decorated with Kufic decorative inscriptions, carried on ancient marble columns.

At its entrance is the interlocking arch, which spread in Mamluk architecture in the fifteenth century AD, and above it is the Persian arch, which was created in the shape of a fan with a circle in the middle.

These decorations became widespread in most Islamic architecture after the construction of this mosque.

The ceiling of Al-Aqmar Mosque is also distinguished by its arches and exquisite decorations that reflect the precision of Islamic craftsmanship in that era.

Restoration of Al-Aqmar Mosque

Al-Aqmar Mosque has witnessed many restoration and renovation operations throughout history, including the renovation of the pulpit and minaret during the reign of Sultan Al-Zahir Barquq in 1396 AD, and the last of these was part of the restoration projects of historic Cairo to preserve its architectural beauty.

These restorations helped highlight the magnificence of its engravings and decorations that embody the spirit of the Fatimid era.

The mosque still retains some of the ancient Fatimid decorations. Despite its modest size compared to the rest of the mosques around it, Al-Aqmar Mosque remains unique and has a unique design that attracts attention.

Over the ages, the mosque has witnessed several renovations and restorations that preserved its authenticity and historical beauty, to remain a living witness to the genius of Islamic architecture and the ancient legacy of the Fatimid state.

During the construction period of Al-Aqmar Mosque in the Fatimid era (12th century AD), Egyptian society was distinguished by its diversity and cultural and social richness.

The rule was in the authority of the Fatimid state, which adopted the Ismaili Shiite doctrine, where the class of caliphs, ministers, scholars and thinkers supported urban, artistic and cultural projects, which made Cairo a pivotal center for intellectual and artistic activity.

Skilled craftsmen also played a fundamental role in reviving the landmarks of architecture, engineering and arts.

We must mention the sculptors, potters, carpenters and other artists who contributed to the fine details and architectural decorations that distinguished the mosque, reflecting a high level of creativity and craftsmanship in that era.

The diversity expanded to include economic and social aspects, and also extended to the religious and cultural aspect.

At that time, Muslims from different trends and intellectual currents lived side by side, in addition to the presence of minorities of Christians and Jews who played a role in urban and economic life.

Have you visited Al-Aqmar Mosque before?

If you have not visited Al-Aqmar Mosque before, do not hesitate to do so so that you do not miss out on a lot of goodness and take with you those you love from your family and children so that you can learn about the history of the Fatimid state and the antiquity of history and enjoy seeing the movable decorations and architectural civilization at that time.

Where is Al-Aqmar Mosque located?

The mosque is located on Al-Muizz Li-Din Allah Street, one of the oldest streets in Islamic Cairo that tells the history of the Fatimids.

No matter how long we talk about one of the most important Islamic and archaeological landmarks in Cairo, words fail to describe the effect of seeing it on the soul thirsty to see those glorious Islamic monuments.

Al-Aqmar Mosque is part of everything that embodies the fragrance of history and the splendor of architecture. We hope that you will like this article.

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