Mosque of Ibn Tulun, Cairo
Mosque of Ibn Tulun
Mosque of Ibn Tulun
4.5
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This is considered one of Egypt's largest and oldest mosques, which was built between AD 876 and AD 879 by an Abbasid governor sent from Baghdad to rule over Egypt.
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- AlSayyeda Zeinab • 8 min walk
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Myo M
Coquitlam, Canada20,851 contributions
Nov 2021
Quite impressive here is the spaciousness of the "interior square" of this mosque although its corridors on the four sides & the round-shaped pavilion in the middle are all quite plain I would say (nowhere as elaborate as the similar square at the Muhammad Ali Mosque at the Cairo Citadel visited just prior to here although it's one of smaller size than this one). Then yes, what can be done here which is likely not possible at many mosques of the world (my first such experience among those I've been to) is to go right up above the Mosque where there are actually "2 parts": its rooftop with a fairly spacious area to walk around on the four sides (where you can go "right to the edge" to see the big square down below); and its minaret which you go up along an "exterior staircase" (for some great views of the city to some distances all around including the view of the Citadel located not too far away from this mosque).
So, it was actually "4 mosques" that I visited on the same day with the fourth one (apart from this one, Muhammad Ali at the Citadel as mentioned above & also the smaller mosque just within the Citadel) being the mosque right beside this one which is actually one seemingly "not in use" with signs of decay around its small square inside but with its minaret also being one available for going up (a "tighter space" to move around at the top of that one though compared to the top of the minaret at this mosque). And also located right beside this mosque (in the "opposite direction" as that to the fourth mosque just mentioned which was actually the third one in my "order of visit" just before this mosque) is Gayer-Anderson House Museum which despite its 3-story structure is not much one for impression with a "dreary look" from outside (and which is all I saw of it arriving at about their closing time of 3 pm).
So, it was actually "4 mosques" that I visited on the same day with the fourth one (apart from this one, Muhammad Ali at the Citadel as mentioned above & also the smaller mosque just within the Citadel) being the mosque right beside this one which is actually one seemingly "not in use" with signs of decay around its small square inside but with its minaret also being one available for going up (a "tighter space" to move around at the top of that one though compared to the top of the minaret at this mosque). And also located right beside this mosque (in the "opposite direction" as that to the fourth mosque just mentioned which was actually the third one in my "order of visit" just before this mosque) is Gayer-Anderson House Museum which despite its 3-story structure is not much one for impression with a "dreary look" from outside (and which is all I saw of it arriving at about their closing time of 3 pm).
Written 14 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TTOverseas
Cairo, Egypt206 contributions
Apr 2022
One of our favorite Mosques- We stopped here while touring Islamic Cairo. The kids loved the adventure of climbing and the views were unique. This was a good mix with the Islamic Cairo and Citadel Tour we did on this day.
Very much felt like a hidden gem- as there were no tourists around and just a few local people walking around.
Very much felt like a hidden gem- as there were no tourists around and just a few local people walking around.
Written 30 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hyoga83
Bordeaux, France657 contributions
Mar 2022
Could be the favourite of the mosque's we visited; simple yet elegant, with an old and beautiful mihrab and incredible views from the minaret -you need(?) to pay for this privilege(?) but do not give much-.
It is very old (879 ac) and as per Wikipedia: one of the oldest mosques in Egypt as well as the whole of Africa surviving in its full original form, and is the largest mosque in Cairo in terms of land area
After visiting this place do not hesitate to visit the Gayer Anderson Museum, we loved it (included in the Cairo Pass) and walking around the neighbourhood as it is still unspoilt by tourism
It is very old (879 ac) and as per Wikipedia: one of the oldest mosques in Egypt as well as the whole of Africa surviving in its full original form, and is the largest mosque in Cairo in terms of land area
After visiting this place do not hesitate to visit the Gayer Anderson Museum, we loved it (included in the Cairo Pass) and walking around the neighbourhood as it is still unspoilt by tourism
Written 30 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jazzumbo
Romania1,470 contributions
Dec 2021
If one has time to visit only one Islamic monument in Cairo, it should be this one.
Its simplicity and grandeur of scale make it the most moving of the great mosques.
Built between 876 and 879 AD, it is the oldest mosque in Cairo that remains essentially as it was built. Its inspiration is almost exclusively Mesopotamian as Ahmad ibn Tulun, the ruler of Egypt at the time, came from Bagdad as a representative of the Abbasid caliph.
Ibn Tulun razed the Christian and Jewish cemetery to build the mosque in their place, on top of the hill. The legend says that Noah’s ark had landed here after the flood.
The crenellation above the walls is amazing: it bears a resemblance of human figures with linked arms. It's weird but they seem designed by Keith Haring!
Another interesting feature is the minaret, with a spiral staircase on the outside, inspired by the ziggurats of ancient Babylon. Climbing the stairs to the top of minaret worth the efforts as the panoramic views are exceptional.
Its simplicity and grandeur of scale make it the most moving of the great mosques.
Built between 876 and 879 AD, it is the oldest mosque in Cairo that remains essentially as it was built. Its inspiration is almost exclusively Mesopotamian as Ahmad ibn Tulun, the ruler of Egypt at the time, came from Bagdad as a representative of the Abbasid caliph.
Ibn Tulun razed the Christian and Jewish cemetery to build the mosque in their place, on top of the hill. The legend says that Noah’s ark had landed here after the flood.
The crenellation above the walls is amazing: it bears a resemblance of human figures with linked arms. It's weird but they seem designed by Keith Haring!
Another interesting feature is the minaret, with a spiral staircase on the outside, inspired by the ziggurats of ancient Babylon. Climbing the stairs to the top of minaret worth the efforts as the panoramic views are exceptional.
Written 30 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ogerkan
New York City, NY4,319 contributions
Sep 2021
Mosque of Ibn Tulun is expansive Mosque with an amazing courtyard. The Mosque dates back to the late 800 AD timeframe. The beauty of the mosque is entirely on the inside. Very peaceful and good energy all about.
Written 18 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
NickiR
Ottawa, Canada33 contributions
Dec 2020
We were 2 women and had no problems entering the mosque, we sat in the back and were able to listen to the prayer. We were the only tourists and were greeted by many Egyptians.
Written 26 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ron W
Cedar City, UT172 contributions
Mar 2020
Mosque of Ibn Tulun is the oldest mosque in Cairo and in Egypt. The mosque was commissioned under the rule of Ahmad ibn Tulun, the Abbassid governor of Egypt from 868–884. The Mosque itself is quite large and sits in the middle of a large square with prayer nooks. The Mosque is pretty basic, unlike many churches and cathedrals that have lots paintings, statues, gold gilding, etc.. Along with all the tourist, there were numerous people praying.
Cost: Free
Weather: The weather in February was perfect – not hot, but no jacket required.
Toilets: toilets are available – expect to tip EGP 10.00 (about 63 cents USD) at any public toilet in Egypt.
Caution: none
NOTE: Street vendors all accept U.S. Dollars. Be sure to haggle the price down before buying anything.
Cost: Free
Weather: The weather in February was perfect – not hot, but no jacket required.
Toilets: toilets are available – expect to tip EGP 10.00 (about 63 cents USD) at any public toilet in Egypt.
Caution: none
NOTE: Street vendors all accept U.S. Dollars. Be sure to haggle the price down before buying anything.
Written 29 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kazi Y
Dhaka City, Bangladesh131 contributions
Feb 2020
The Mosque of Ibn Tulun, Cairo, Egypt is the second oldest mosque in Egypt and Africa surviving in its full original form, and is the largest mosque in Cairo in terms of land area. The Mosque of Ibn Tulun was constructed by Ahmed Ibn Tulun between AD 876 and 879 and modeled on the Kaaba in Makkha (Saudi Arabia). Since Ibn Tulun is an open space, it brings in a lot of sun and shadows. Its decorations being created from carved stucco and wood. On the mosque's northern side is the 40-meter-high minaret with a fine horseshoe arch over the entrance and a spiral staircase swirling through the interior.The mosque is an active place of worship. At the time of visiting the mosque women need to cover their heads; arms and legs and all visitors will need to leave their shoes or have shoe covers put over shoes prior to entering the mosque.
Written 25 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
zurichhiker
Zurich158 contributions
Feb 2020
It is possible to climb the Minarett and have a great view over the roofs of old Cairo. Also visit the nearby Gayer Anderson museum!
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Krasavice I
Prague, Czech Republic42 contributions
Can someone please advise opening hours?
t-annaransibia
Waltham Abbey, UK14 contributions
the entrace price if going without a group
abuai
LondonTraveller9945 contributions
I don't have the ticket, but it will be approximately 60 LE.
What are the opening and closing times? How much does it cost to enter?
yuyitc
Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina61 contributions
i don`t have to pay to enter, but you have to give a tip because the people who recive you, put in your feet a kind of shoes (it is a sacred place).
and when you finish the visit there are some books that explain the ISLAM, you can take this books, giving a tip.
morning and evening it is open, after that i don't know
Frequently Asked Questions about Mosque of Ibn Tulun
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- Hotels near Mosque of Ibn Tulun:
- (2.16 km) Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City Cairo
- (2.12 km) Freedom Hostel
- (1.60 km) Osiris Hotel
- (2.32 km) Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir
- (3.30 km) The St. Regis Cairo
- Restaurants near Mosque of Ibn Tulun:
- (0.14 km) Papadino's Cafe & Restaurant
- (0.34 km) El Tahra
- (0.41 km) Anter El Kebabgy
- (2.17 km) The Blue Restaurant & Grill
- (2.16 km) Osmanly Restaurant