The Muhammad Ali Mosque, also known as the Alabaster Mosque, is the architectural centerpiece of the Cairo Citadel and one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. Built between 1830 and 1848 by order of the founder of the modern Egyptian state, Muhammad Ali Pasha, the mosque is a striking example of Ottoman architecture, inspired by Istanbul models.
Muhammad Ali came to power in the chaos following Napoleon`s departure. To strengthen his legitimacy and mark a break with the former Mamluk elite, he chose the most expressive method—architecture. He decided to build a mosque that would surpass all Mamluk monuments in Cairo in scale and splendor. Its location on the highest point of the Citadel was no coincidence: the mosque was to dominate the city`s skyline, visibly asserting the power of the new dynasty.
Construction began in 1830 and lasted almost 18 years. Interestingly, to clear the site, Muhammad Ali ruthlessly demolished many buildings from the Mamluk era, including palaces, underscoring his desire to erase the former rulers from the face of the citadel.
Architect and Prototype: The project`s author is believed to be the Greek architect Yusuf Bushnaq (or, according to some sources, his Turkish colleagues). The mosque became the brightest example of Ottoman architecture in Egypt. Its direct architectural prototype was the great mosques of Istanbul from the Sinan era, such as the Süleymaniye Mosque, and in a broader sense—the Hagia Sophia Cathedral, the greatest symbol of imperial sacred architecture in the region. This was a conscious gesture, demonstrating a connection with the metropolis (the Ottoman Empire), but even more so—the Pasha`s own ambition to rival the sultans.
Architecture and the "Alabaster" Story: Stone from Beni Suef
The mosque earned the name "Alabaster" thanks to its unique cladding.
The Alabaster Story: It was initially envisioned that the mosque would be clad in expensive marble. However, due to the enormous cost, Muhammad Ali changed plans. The primary material chosen was alabaster (calcite onyx or Egyptian alabaster)—a softer, semi-translucent stone quarried near Beni Suef in Middle Egypt.
What is Covered in Alabaster: The lower part of the exterior walls, interior walls up to a height of 11 meters, the columns of the arches, and the mihrab are faced with it. Initially, it was planned to cover the entire mosque, including the domes, with alabaster, but this was abandoned. The upper parts were built of limestone, later whitewashed, creating the famous contrast between the snow-white top and the golden-honey bottom, streaked with natural veins. It is precisely this luxurious, sunlit cladding that gave the mosque its popular name.
Why "Alabaster": The name stuck as an accurate description of its most striking and memorable material. In tourist literature and among guides, it is used even more often than the official name.
The Inner Courtyard: A French Gift and Islamic Tradition
Ablution Fountain: In the center of the courtyard is an elegant marble fountain under a carved wooden dome supported by columns. Here, believers perform ritual ablution (wudu) before prayer.
Clock Tower—A Diplomatic Curiosity: On the western side of the courtyard rises an ornate clock tower in Ottoman style. This tower is a reciprocal gift from French King Louis-Philippe I for the giant obelisk of Ramesses II, which Muhammad Ali gave to France, and which now stands on the Place de la Concorde in Paris. The clocks, however, arrived in Cairo defective and did not work for a long time. They were repaired only in the 21st century. Similar clock towers in mosques are a great rarity in Islamic architecture. This one is a unique example for Cairo of technological exchange between Europe and the East in the 19th century, integrated into sacred space.
Interiors: Ottoman Splendor under the Egyptian Sky
Dome and Space: The central dome, 21 meters in diameter and 52 meters high, rests on four massive columns. It is supported by four semi-domes, creating the classic Ottoman structure that provides a vast, column-free space for worshippers. The interior resembles the great imperial mosques of Istanbul.
Decorative Finishes: The walls and columns up to a height of 11 meters are covered with the alabaster. Above, they are decorated with bright gilded stucco and paintings in the Ottoman Baroque style with vegetal arabesques, garlands, and medallions bearing the names of Allah and the Prophet Muhammad. Huge hanging brass lamps and wooden choir galleries complement the decor.
Mihrab and Minbar: The mihrab (niche indicating the direction of Mecca) and the richly decorated carved minbar (pulpit for sermons) are made of the same shimmering alabaster and are the compositional centers of the interior.
Founder`s Tomb: To the right of the entrance is the marble tomb of Muhammad Ali Pasha, crowned with a carved grille. This place gives the mosque the special status of a mausoleum for the dynasty`s founder.
The Muhammad Ali Mosque is the architectural landmark of Cairo and its most recognizable silhouette. It is the visible embodiment of the ruler`s ambitions, who sought to modernize Egypt and immortalize his name in history. The blend of Ottoman style, local material (alabaster), and a European technological gift (the clock) make it a unique monument of its era.
