The first thing about this mosque I asked myself about was the name -- why blue mosque? Once I entered, though, I found out why. Aqsunqur Mosque or Blue Mosque was built in the early Mamluk Period in 1374 AD by the hand of Ibrahim Agha in the middle of Old Cairo, or what we can call now Bab El-Wazir street.
The blue mosque took on this name for its beautiful Qashani walls, a form of geometric decorative art. These blue wall styles were first popular in Iran, then Turkey then Egypt. All the walls in the Qibla direction are decorated with this beautiful artstyle.
The lovely thing I found in this mosque, besides the extraordinary decoration, is the open area in the middle, where I can sit on the ground and see the whole mosque from a central point of view.
Bab El-Wzir ST, Qism El-Khalifa
LE
no-price
Find your way with 120 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Alku5" in Cairo is like a gate to another world. It's a cafe with four different rooms and each room has a completely different style...
by
"Qahwet Wadi ElNile" in Cairo is a cozy indoor café with a panoramic view of Tahrir Square. The decoration has remained the same since the '60s...
by
"Abdeen Gardens" outside the magnificent Abdeen Palace in Cairo was recently renovated and now has excellent food courts! Great for families...
by
"Abyssinia" is for all East Africans and East African cuisine enthusiasts in Caior! The meals there are like a journey to the Horn of Africa...
by
The market has an assortment of watches, glasses, furniture, stamps, picture frames, analog cameras & everything that sparks memories from the olden days.
by
The monastery of St "Simon the Tanner" in Cairo is an architectural wonder and a true work of art. Where else will you find a monastery carved in stone?
by
The "Gayer Anderson Museum" in Cairo is an antique house that will certainly catch your attention. Visiting is like reliving moments of history...
by
Do you like or miss Korean food? "Hana Korean Barbecue" will scratch that itch for you... I have been a loyal customer since being introduced to it!
by
"Sufi Cafe and Bookstore" in Cairo is the little cafe I sit at when I want to finish some schoolwork. I love the sufi chants and the events here, too...
by
Here's a fantastic way to get to know the Nile - do some kayaking with birds! You'll watch the sunrise among reeds and water fowl...
by
What’s better than a box of chocolates or a bouquet of roses? A box of shawarma! That's what you can get at "BaB SharQy" in Cairo...
by
"Bayn Al Qasrayn Street" in Cairo, or nowadays Al-Moez street, is not just a historical hotspot: one of the greatest Egyptian movies ever was shot here...
by
120 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 120 Insider Tips