Al-Rifa`i Mosque is a majestic mausoleum-mosque, a "pantheon" for the monarchs of 20th-century Egypt. Located directly opposite the Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan (14th century) in the square by the Citadel, it represents a conscious attempt by the modern era to revive Mamluk architecture, creating a worthy burial place for the new ruling elite.
History of Construction: A Princess`s Ambition and a Long-Drawn-Out Project
Initiative: In 1869, the mother of Khedive Ismail, Princess Khushyar, conceived the idea of building a grand mosque-mausoleum for herself and her family. The location was chosen symbolically—opposite the monumental Mamluk complex to emphasize the continuity of power.
Architects and Style: The initial project in the neo-Mamluk style was commissioned to Hussein Fahmi Pasha, but the work progressed intermittently. After his death and the death of the princess herself (1885), construction halted for a long 25 years. The project was completed in the 20th century (1905–1912) by the Austrian architect Max Herz, the former chief architect of the Comité de Conservation des Monuments de l`Art Arabe. He is responsible for the final appearance of the building, where European planning logic is combined with Eastern decor.
Opening: The mosque was inaugurated in 1912, during the reign of Khushyar`s great-grandson, Sultan Hussein Kamel.
Architecture and Interior Decor: Neo-Mamluk Splendor
Externally, the mosque deliberately echoes Sultan Hassan: the same monumentaliti, high portal, two minarets. However, its style is an eclectic neo-Mamluk retrospective with the addition of Ottoman and even European elements.
The interior space impresses with its luxury and eclecticism:
Scale and Light: The vast, almost square prayer hall (6,500 sq. m) is not divided by walls, creating a feeling of airiness and spaciousness. Light pours in through tall pointed windows and stained glass.
Finishes: The walls to a height of over 4 meters are clad in polychrome marble using the inlay technique (damasquinage), forming complex geometric and vegetal patterns. Onyx panels and gilded arabesques add luxury.
Ceiling: The wooden ceiling is richly decorated with gilding and painting with Islamic ornaments. The central dome inside is also decorated with muqarnas (stalactites) and gilding.
Mihrab and Minbar: The prayer niche (mihrab) is inlaid with marble and mother-of-pearl. The pulpit (minbar) of white marble is an example of fine carving.
Tombs of Al-Rifai Mosque
Al-Rifa`i Mosque houses several royal tombs, making it a unique historical necropolis.
Mausoleum of the Shah of Iran: Here lies Reza Shah Pahlavi (d. 1944), founder of the Pahlavi dynasty, deposed in 1941 and died in exile in Johannesburg. His body was brought here in 1950 at his son`s request. Next to him in 1980, his son, the last Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi (d. 1980), was buried, making the mosque a place of pilgrimage for Iranians.
Tombs of Egyptian Rulers: The following are buried here:
• King Farouk I (d. 1965), the last reigning monarch of Egypt.
• Sultan Hussein Kamel (d. 1917), under whom the mosque was completed.
• King Ahmed Fuad I (d. 1936), father of Farouk.
• Other members of the royal family.
Symbolic Sarcophagus of Imam al-Shafi`i: In a separate enclosed area, there is a cenotaph (an empty symbolic sarcophagus) of the great Islamic jurist Imam al-Shafi`i (d. 820), founder of one of the main schools of Islamic law.
The Mausoleum of Sheikh Ali Abi Shabak al-Rifa`i
The mausoleum (or qubba) of Sheikh Ali Abi Shabak al-Rifa`i is the sacred core and historical foundation of the famous Al-Rifa`i Mosque in Cairo. Its importance is difficult to overstate.
Origins of the Mosque: The current majestic mosque, built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was erected around and above this ancient tomb. Originally, a small zawiya (a Sufi lodge and prayer house) existed on this site, built in the 12th century specifically to venerate the sheikh.
Who was Sheikh Ali al-Rifa`i: He was an influential Sufi mystic and sheikh who lived in the 12th century (died around 1182 CE). He is a direct descendant of the founder of the Sufi order (tariqa) Rifa`iyya – Ahmad al-Rifa`i. He was venerated as a saint (wali), and his tomb became a place of pilgrimage.
Architectural Location: The mausoleum is located in the southwestern part of the mosque. It is a separate chamber, crowned with a characteristic dome (qubba). Inside is a wooden cenotaph (dahsh), covered with embroidered textiles (kiswa).
Spiritual Center: Despite its proximity to the luxurious royal mausoleums (of Fuad I, Farouk, and Iran`s Shah Reza Pahlavi), this relatively modest tomb remains the primary object of religious worship and pilgrimage for many believers.
What Else Makes the Mosque Interesting for Tourists:
• Architectural Dialogue: A unique opportunity to compare the "original" (Mosque of Sultan Hassan) and its "neo" reincarnation (Al-Rifa`i).
• Atmosphere of Tranquility: Inside, a solemn, almost museum-like silence prevails, contrasting with the noise of the square.
• Photography: The play of light through stained glass, long perspectives of arches, and symmetrical views create ideal conditions for photography.
• 20th-Century Political History: The mosque is a witness to the fall of monarchies in Egypt and Iran.
Al-Rifai Mosque serves as a dynastic mausoleum where the last monarchs of Egypt and the Shahs of Iran are buried, making it a unique monument to the political history of the 20th century. It is also an outstanding example of architectural eclecticism in the "neo-Mamluk" style, demonstrating the highest level of decorative art from the early 20th century.
