Cairo’s Al Rifai Mosque is a must-see.

A medieval mosque in a prominent location: the center of Old Cairo, in one of the city’s oldest squares, and at the foot of the famed Citadel of Saladin, to name a few landmarks.

They are complementary since they are located precisely next to the Sultan Hassan Mosque, which is similarly ancient and historical.

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Directions:

The Al Rifai Mosque and Sultan Hassan Mosque are pretty simple to find since they are located in the same area in front of the Citadel in Old Cairo, approximately 30 minutes from downtown.

History:

The two Mosques strike out because of their enormous magnitude; they are great but not oppressive, yet gigantic.

The Rifai Mosque, a pseudo-Mamluk structure constructed between 1869 and 1912 for Princess Khushyar, the mother of Khedive Ismail, is an excellent example of this style.

Due to the closure of the royal entrance, you must enter from the side facing Sultan Hassan.

Shiekh Ali al-tomb Rifai is located directly in front of you, inside a sandalwood enclosure, and his moulid is held during Gumad el-Tani. Shiekh Ali al-Rifai was the founder of the Rifai tariqa of dervishes, and his tomb may be found straight ahead.

King Fouad and his mother, as well as the last Shah of Iran and Egypt’s King Farouk, rest in mashrabiya screened graves just off to the left.

Despite the magnificent sanctuary (on the left), which has 44 columns, 19 different kinds of marble, and 18 window grilles, it does not have the same impact as the mosques of Ibn Tulun and Sultan Hassan, which have the force of simplicity contained in their designs.

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