Cairo’s Al-Hakim Mosque is a beautiful structure.

The Mosque of al-Hakim, next to the Northern Walls and, honors one of Egypt’s most renowned kings, is a must-see in Cairo.

Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah was only 11 years old when he was elevated to the position of 6th Fatimid caliph, and he was only 15 when he ordered the death of his instructor.

His rule (996-1021) was marked by the persecution of Christians, Jews, and businessmen, as well as by fanatical misogyny:

According to legend, he prevented women from leaving their houses and once had a group of rowdy ladies roasted alive in a public bath.

Merchants discovered to have cheated during Al-inspections Hakim were summarily sodomized by his Nubian slave, Masoud, while the caliph stood on their heads as punishment for their transgressions.

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As a result, the mosque was either avoided or used for profane purposes until it was renovated in 1980 by a group of Indian Bohara Isma’ili Shi’ites. They have made it their mission to maintain Cairo’s Fatimid mosques.

Purists were incensed by their installation of brass lights, glass chandeliers, and a new mihrab, although the original wooden tie beams and plaster frieze under the ceiling survive.

Views of Bab El-Nasr Cemetery may be enjoyed from the mosque’s top, as well as its minarets, which are shaped like bastions and are the building’s sole original characteristics.

In addition, because of recent renovations, the courtyard now provides some degree of wheelchair accessibility (via the side entrance to the left of the main entry; you’ll need a friend or family member to open it for you).

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