The Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque, erected by Amr Ibn Al-Aas in 642 AD, holds the prestigious title of the first mosque built in Egypt and Africa. It is recognized as one of the oldest mosques in the world. The Islamic liberator Amr was an Arab leader who fought the Romans and was revered by the Copts; later, the Caliph appointed him governor of the province. To replace the previous capital, Alexandria, which had fallen out of service, Amr established a new capital named Fustat. This sacred Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque was built in the heart of Fustat, surrounded by housing in the area. Initially, the structure stood on the northwest bank of the Nile, overlooking the river. Throughout its storied history, the Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque has been referred to as the “Crown of Mosques” and the “Ancient Mosque.” It is interesting to note that the current characteristics of the mosque are very different from those that existed initially, as many reconstructions and restorations have been carried out since its construction.

The Legacy of the Founder: Amr Ibn Al-Aas

Amr Ibn Al-Aas is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of Egypt because he introduced Islam to the country. He founded the new city of Fustat just north of the Roman fort of Babylon. On orders from Caliph Umar back in the Muslim capital of Medina, Egyptian Christians were treated well under their new rulers. They were required to pay a poll tax in exchange for exemption from military service and the right to practice their religion—a system that was standard practice under the Persian, Roman, and Byzantine empires. For those exploring Cairo Tours, understanding this era is essential to grasping the city's identity.

Who Built the First Mosque in Egypt?

The first mosque in Egypt, located now at Old Cairo, was built by Amr ibn al-Aas, the Arab leader who defeated the Romans by order of Caliph Omar. According to tradition, a bird chose the site of the first settlement. At the beginning of the year 641, before attacking Alexandria, Amr set up camp on the eastern bank of the Nile in the southern Delta. Legend says a dove laid an egg in Amr’s tent; after his triumphant return, Amr chose this location for the new capital, Al-Fustat, as Omar declared he could not stay in Alexandria. Amr described the site of the dove’s egg as the geographical center of the city. Later, the Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque was erected as a monument on this exact site.

The Architectural Structure of Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque

The original layout of the Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque was a simple rectangle, 29 meters in length by 17 meters in width. It featured a low slope with columns made of split palm tree trunks, mudstones, and bricks, covered by a roof of wood and palm leaves. The floor was gravel, large enough for Amr’s army but devoid of minarets or decorations. In 673, Mu’awiya completely rebuilt the Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque, adding four minarets. In 827, seven new halls were built parallel to the qibla wall, featuring arcades of columns attached with carved wooden architraves. By the 9th century, the Abbasid Caliph Al Mamoun extended the Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque to 120m x 112m.

Tragedy struck in 1169 when the vizier Shawar ordered the destruction of Fustat and the Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque by fire to prevent a Crusader capture. After Saladin took power, he had the mosque rebuilt in 1179. In the 18th century, the Mamluk leader Mourad Bey rebuilt it in 1796, changing the aisles to be perpendicular to the qibla wall and likely adding the current remaining minarets. Later, Muhammad Ali of Egypt rebuilt it in 1875, followed by restorations under Abbas Helmi II and further work in the 1980s. Today, some architraves from 827 along the southern wall are the only ancient structures still visible in the Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque.

Instructions on How to Visit Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque

The Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque is located in Coptic Cairo, next to the Egyptian Civilization Museum. To reach it, head north through St. George, past the Souk El Fustat market, and turn right. The Mar Girgis metro station is a 10-minute walk away. Many Egypt tour packages include this site to showcase the transition of Egyptian history. Whether you are arriving from a Nile Cruise or starting your journey in Cairo, this landmark is a must-see. To learn more about the history of the Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque, Inquire now via WhatsApp -> http://wa.me/+201550191399.