Alabaster Mosque (Mohammad Ali Mosque)

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16 Reviews | Add review

Address: The Citadel of Saladin, Cairo
Hours: Open daily 8am - 5pm. Closed Fridays
Admission: Citadel admission: 35 L.E.

ATTRACTION Keywords:
Holy Place, Religious Experience, Mosque

9:31 AM Sunday, May 19
Sunny. Pleasantly warm.
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The citadel of Saladin - and indeed, the Cairo skyline - is dominated by the Alabaster Mosque, or Mosque of Mohammed Ali. Modelled along classic Turkish lines, it took 18 years to build (1830 - 1848) although later the domes had to be rebuilt. It was commissioned by Mohammad Ali, ruler of Egypt from 1805 - 1849, who lies in the marble tomb on the right as you enter.

Perhaps the most evocative description of it is in Olivia Manning's The Levant Trilogy: "Above them Mohammed Ali's alabaster mosque, uniquely white in this sand-coloured city, sat with minarets pricked, like a fat, white, watchful cat." It has never found much favor with writers, who have criticized it for being unimaginative, lacking in grace and resembling a great toad. Note the chintzy clock in the central courtyard, a gift from King Louis-Philippe of France in thanks for the Pharaonic obelisk that adorns the Place de la Concorde in Paris. It was damaged on delivery and has yet to be repaired.

Latest Reviews

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All Alabaster Mosque (Mohammad Ali Mosque) Reviews

Review by Jonathan F, February 2012
Doing what: Private Tour: Egyptian Museum, Alabaster Mosque, Khan el-Khalili

Great tour. We had Hani as our guide and Zeku as our driver. Both extremely friendly and courteous. Hani is very knowledgable and willing to go outside the tour itinerary to personalize our tour. It was sad that the museum was so desolate (given the low tourism in Egypt right now) but I have to say that it was really nice to have the place pretty much to ourselves. Breathtaking to see King Tut's posessions. Khan el-Khalili was fun but be prepared for very pushy vendors. The mosque is gorgeous.

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Review by Allyson W, USA, July 2010
Doing what: Private Tour: Egyptian Museum, Alabaster Mosque, Khan el-Khalili

I have to see the King Tut gold mask if you go to Cairo. A new museum is opening in 2011. My guide, Walaa, told me. It is going to be in Gaza by the pyramids. Alabaster Mosque is beautiful. Khan el-Khalili is not the best place to shop but great place to take photos. Be ready to be harased!

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Review by Catherine S, United Kingdom, July 2010
Doing what: Private Tour: Egyptian Museum, Alabaster Mosque, Khan el-Khalili

On one of the hottest days of the year our guide arrived absolutely on time at 0800 hrs and whisked us away to enjoy a memorable visit to the city of Cairo. Each stop was carefully guided, questions answered and information given in a clear, informative and entertaining way. Nothing was too much trouble and our only regret was that we did not have time available to soak up even more of the culture and atmosphere - from the glories of the Alabaster Mosque to the challenges of haggling in the Bazaar we were thrilled with our guide and driver both of whom proved to be excellent. Great value for money!

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Practical Info

The easiest way to travel around Cairo is by organized tour or private car and guide. If you choose a private car, just be firm that you do not want to visit all the perfume and carpet shops!

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