MOSQUE MOHAMMED ALI
A superb mosque in the style of Istanbul's Sainte-Sophie mosque, in keeping with the Ottoman taste of the period.
Construction of this superb mosque, also known as the Alabaster Mosque, was ordered in 1830 and completed in 1857. Its style is derived from the Sainte-Sophie Mosque in Istanbul, and reflects the Ottoman taste of the time. The Viceroy of Egypt had to compete with the Sublime Porte, and this mosque was taken as an act of arrogance. The exterior is completely white, hence its second name. Inside, the mosque is as impressive for its size, volume and location as it is for the quality of its decoration. The domes were removed in the 1930s for restoration. Mohammed Ali is buried in the mosque, on the left as you leave. The mosque is still in use today, so please be respectful when you visit.
Mohammed Ali (born late 1760s - died 1849) was a governor of Egypt sent by the Ottoman caliph. He reigned for 42 years, from 1805 to 1848. Known for the Citadel Massacre, he thus scared off all the Mameluke princes to rule alone. He is also famous for having helped develop the country, enabling real modernization in Egypt. In particular, he enabled cooperation with other countries, bringing in researchers to improve the Nile irrigation system, developing cotton and sugarcane cultivation, and creating the country's first university... His sons and grandsons continued to develop Egypt in the same vein, notably with the creation of the Suez Canal.
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