Blue Mosque, Cairo: Interior prayer hall, view of the minbar and qibla niche on the left
Date
Circa 1910
Location
Architecture Library, Hesburgh Libraries
In addition to cross-vaults on piers, the mosque has arcades on columns supporting a flat wooden ceiling, probably a later addition. One of several "blue" mosques in the world, named for blue Iznik tilework of the qibla wall (added later by Ibrahim Agha). The hypostyle mosque of Amir Aqsunqur was built by the amir, a son-in-law of al-Nasir Muhammad, in 1346-1347. In addition to cross-vaults on piers, the mosque has arcades on columns supporting a flat wooden ceiling, probably a later addition. Part of the foundation is a mausoleum located on the street side. The original minaret of Aqsunqur and the rectangular minaret of al-Ghuri are the only documented Cairene examples of four-story minarets.
Our collection information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. If you have spotted an error, please contact Architecture Library, Hesburgh Libraries at asklib@nd.edu.
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Abu El-Maati Mosque: Interior view showing wooden minbar and qibla niche

Abu El-Maati Mosque: Interior, prayer hall

Abu El-Maati Mosque: Interior, side view of wooden minbar
