Explore the Beauty and History of the Al-Rifa'i Mosque in Cairo

If you're planning a visit to Cairo, chances are high that you've already heard of the impressive historic mosques that dot the city's skyline. However, one mosque that cannot be missed is the Al-Rifa'i Mosque. With its stunning architecture, rich history, and deep cultural significance, this mosque is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in exploring Cairo's beauty and history. Whether you're a devout Muslim or an architecture enthusiast, there's something for everyone at the Al-Rifa'i Mosque. So pack your bags and prepare to delve into the fascinating world of Islamic architecture and spirituality.

 

Introduction to Al-Rifa'i Mosque in Cairo

As you walk towards the northern facade of the Al-Rifa'i Mosque in Cairo, you'll be greeted by the original royal entrance of this magnificent structure. The mosque stands facing the Salah al-Din Square, adjacent to the historic Citadel of Cairo and opposite the Mosque of Sultan Hassan, dating back to the 14th century. This 19th-century mosque, however, has its unique history and significance. Its name originates from the tomb of Ali, also known as Abu Sheibak, the grandson of Imam Ahmad al-Rifa'i, founder of the Rifa'i Sufi order. Although Ahmad al-Rifa'i was never laid to rest here, the mosque hosts an annual Sufi celebration to commemorate his birth.

The construction of the Al-Rifa'i Mosque dates back to the era of the 19th-century rulers of Egypt, who sought to modernize the city while associating themselves with the glory of earlier periods in Egypt's Islamic history. It was commissioned by Hoshiyar Hanim, the mother of Khedive Ismail, to expand and replace the pre-existing shrine of the medieval Islamic saint. The mosque was built in two phases between 1869 and 1912, with the first phase led by architect Hussein Fahri Pasha. However, work was halted in 1880 when Khedive Tewfik abdicated, and the mosque was not resumed until 1905, when the Khedive ordered its completion. The design and purpose of the structure were changed during its construction, resulting in a unique blend of architectural styles comprising Ottoman, Mamluk, and European influences.

The Al-Rifa'i Mosque's architecture and design are awe-inspiring, showcasing detailed decoration on its outer walls and massive columns of its outer gate. Its minarets are also distinguished by their beauty and elegance. Interestingly, cement was used in its construction for the first time in any Islamic monument in Egypt, signalling the transition towards modernity. The mosque comprises a large prayer hall with the tombs of Ali Abu Sheibak, Ali Abi-Shubbak, and Yahya al-Ansari, as well as Muhammad Reza Pahlavi's burial chamber, Iran's last Shah. Additionally, a section of the mosque is reserved for members of the Muhammad Ali Dynasty, such as Khedive Ismail, his mother Hoshiyar Kadin, and rulers Fuad I and Farouk, who are all buried here in elaborate tombs.

Visiting the Al-Rifa'i Mosque is a must-do experience for anyone interested in exploring the beauty and history of Cairo. Don't forget to purchase inclusive tickets to enter the adjacent Mosque of Sultan Hassan and Madrassa. [1][2]

Significance of Al-Rifa'i Mosque's name

Now that you know about the history of the Al-Rifa'i Mosque, let's dive into the significance of its name. The mosque is named after Ahmad al-Rifa'i, the founder of the Rifa'i Sufi order. Although Ahmad al-Rifa'i was never buried in the mosque, Abu Sheibak, his grandson, was believed to be buried there. Initially, The mosque was Fatimid, but later on, it was transformed into a shrine for Abu Sheibak.

The construction of the present-day mosque was commissioned by Hoshiyar Hanim, the mother of Khedive Ismail, and was put under the supervision of architect Hussein Pasha Fahmi. The structure underwent several design changes during its construction period, which explains its various architectural styles. The mosque's completion in 1912 indicates political and historical changes in Egypt, as the country was being modernized, and rulers wanted to associate themselves with the country's past Islamic glory.

Al-Rifa'i Mosque's architecture is impressive and will leave visitors in awe. The elaborate and detailed decoration of the outer walls, massive columns, and stunning minarets are some of its unique features. Interestingly, the mosque used cement for the first time in any Islamic monument in Egypt. As a result, it marked the transition of Islamic architecture into modern times.

Tourists worldwide visit this mosque yearly to see the burial tomb of Muhammad Ali Pasha's family members, who were in power from the 19th century until the birth of the modern Egyptian Republic in 1953. Besides Abu Sheibak, other notable figures, such as Khedive Ismail, his mother Hoshiyar Kadin, and Kings Fuad I and Farouk, are buried inside the mosque. Muhammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran, is also buried there.

The Al-Rifa'i Mosque commemorates the founder of the Rifa'i Sufi order, which is significant in Islamic history. Also, its unique architectural features and the tombs of Muhammad Ali Pasha's family make it a must-visit destination in Cairo for people worldwide. In the next section, we will explore the mosque's architecture and design and further explore its unique features. [5][6]

 

Architecture and design of the mosque

As you step inside the Al-Rifa'i Mosque in Cairo, a feast for the eyes awaits you. The mosque boasts an intriguing blend of architectural styles, each contributing to the overall aesthetic beauty of the building. The blending of styles was part of a larger campaign by the 19th-century rulers of Egypt to modernize the city while at the same time associating themselves with the glory of Egypt's Islamic history. Here are some fascinating facts about the mosque's architecture and design:

- The Al-Rifa'i Mosque was constructed in two phases between 1869 and 1912 as a house for local traditional relics and as a royal burial site for the family of Muhammad Ali Pasha.

- The mosque was originally commissioned to replace a preexisting shrine of the medieval Islamic saint Ali Abu-Shubbak and was later envisioned to have a dual purpose.

- The original architect, Hussein Fahri Pasha, passed away during the first phase of construction, and the work was halted, only to be resumed years later under the supervision of the architect Hasan Fahmi Pasha.

- The building is a melange of styles taken primarily from the Islamic Timurid period. The entrance is lined with ornate marble columns, while the building's pillars exhibit a mix of Ottoman, Classical, and Neo-Mamluk styles.

- The Al-Rifa'i Mosque is located adjacent to the mosque of al-Sultan Hassan, which was transformed into a shrine for Ali Abu-Shubbak before Ottoman queen Kosheir Hanim commissioned the current design of the mosque.

- Visitors are struck by the intricate details of the outer walls and massive columns of the outer gate, as well as the elegant minarets and remarkable pieces of furniture such as the ornate wooden and alabaster minbar.

The unique blend of architectural styles provides an unforgettable, stunning visual experience. Next, let's explore the unique features of the mosque that make it stand out from other religious sites in Cairo. [7][8]

Unique features of the mosque

As you step into the Al-Rifa'i Mosque, you'll be mesmerized by the unique features that adorn this place of worship and history. Here are the top unique features that make the Al-Rifa'i Mosque stand out:

- Inspired by medieval Islamic architecture, the mosque features a fusion of styles adopted from the different periods in Egypt's history. The result is a remarkable blend of Mamluk, Ottoman, and Neo-Classical styles.

- The mosque comprises several sections, including a prayer hall, tombs of the royal family, and the zawiya of the medieval Islamic saint Ali Abu Sheibak.

- Cement was used in the mosque's construction, marking a transition into modern times. It was the first time this material was used in any Islamic monuments in Egypt.

- The mosque's minarets are a masterpiece of elegance, with a distinct beauty that makes them one of the most outstanding features.

- The mosque's original architect, Hussein Fahri Pasha, was a distant cousin of the dynasty's founder, Muhammad Ali Pasha. However, he died during the first construction phase, leading to a shift in the mosque's design and purpose.

- The mosque's construction spanned over decades, beginning in 1869 and ending in 1912, making it a symbol of political and historical revolution in Egypt.

- The Al-Rifa'i Mosque is not just a house of worship. It's also the final resting place of the royal family members, including Kings Fuad I and Farouk, Khedive Ismail, his mother, Hoshiyar Kadin, and the last Shah of Iran, Muhammad Reza Pahlavi.

As you admire and explore the magnificence of the Al-Rifa'i Mosque, remember that the mosque's design reflects Egypt's rich history and heritage. In the next section, we'll delve into the fascinating history of the mosque and the royal family buried within its walls. [9][10]

 

The family of Muhammad Ali Pasha buried in the mosque

As you step into the Al-Rifa'i Mosque in Cairo, you can't help but feel the history seep through its walls. The mosque is not only a beautiful example of Islamic architecture, but it also holds a significant place in the history of Egypt. In fact, the mosque is the final resting place of the Muhammad Ali Pasha family members. Let's delve deeper into this fascinating topic and discover what makes the mosque so unique:

- Khedive Ismail and his mother, Hoshiyar Kadin, laid the foundation of the current design of the mosque, with the aim of creating a mausoleum for the family of Muhammad Ali Pasha.

- The mosque's construction was halted after Ismail's abdication in 1880 and was not resumed until 1905 when the Khedive ordered its completion.

- The mosque was designed by the architect Hussein Pasha Fahmi and features imported building materials such as Italian marble and cement, which were used for the first time in any Islamic monument in Egypt.

- The building is a melange of styles inspired by different historical periods, including Ottoman, Mamluk, and European Renaissance.

- The mosque contains the burial chamber of Muhammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran, who died in 1980 and was interred here.

- Members of the Muhammad Ali Pasha family, including Khedive Ismail and his mother Hoshiyar Kadin, and Kings Fuad I and Farouk, the last two rulers of the Muhammad Ali Dynasty, are buried in the mosque. They are all enshrined in elaborate tombs.

- The mosque witnessed a joyous annual Sufi celebration commemorating the birth of Ahmad al-Rifa'i, though he was never buried there.

- The mosque's construction signals the transition into modern times, as it was one of the first buildings in Egypt to incorporate modern materials and design elements.

As you stand in the mosque, surrounded by ornate decorations and intricate designs, you can't help but feel a sense of wonder at the history it holds. The Al-Rifa'i Mosque is a beautiful example of the blending of different architectural styles across different eras, and its significance in the history of Egypt cannot be overstated. Next, we'll explore the mosque's connection to the nearby Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrassa. Keep reading! [11][12]