Al-Hakim Mosque

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On the right side of Bab al-Futuh in Islamic Cairo is the magnificent al-Hakim Mosque, named after the third Fatimid caliph. the Mosque was originally an enclosure of Gawhar Al-Siqilli, but was incorporated into the extended fortifications built by Badr al-Gamali. It consists of an irregular rectangle with four arcades surrounding the courtyard. An unusual feature is the monumental entrance with its projecting stone porch.

1 The Minarets
2 Post Fatimid era
3 Today
4 See also

[edit] The Minarets

The most spectacular feature of the Mosque are the minarets on either side of the Facade reminiscent of the propylon to a Pharonic temple.

Originally the two minarets stood independent of the brick walls at the corners. These are the earliest surviving minarets in the city and they have been restored at various times during their history. The massive salients were added in 1010 to strengthen their structure, and the northern minaret was incorporated into the city wall. inside, these strange structures are hollow, for they have been built around the original minarets, which are connected with brackets and can still be seen from the minaret above.

map of the Muizz street in Islamic Cairo

[edit] Post Fatimid era

At various times, this mosque was used as a prison for Crusaders, as Saladin's stable, as Napoleon's Fortress, and as a local school. In 1980 the mosque was practically rebuilt in gleaming white marble and gold trim by the Bohra, a shia sect based in India. However, remnants of the original decorations still remain, in stucco carvings, on timber tie-beams, and Quranic inscriptions.

[edit] Today

Today the mosque is more of a tourist destination than a mosque, its Unique minarets have attracted local and foreign tourists. Al-Hakim Mosque is now a place for Egyptians to feed pigeons and listen to the calm and peace of the Mosuqe.