Abu Al-Abbas Al-Mursi mosque is considered the most important historic mosque in Alexandria. It is dedicated to saint El-Mursi Abu El-Abbas who was a Sufi Saint in the 13thcentury in Alexandria & one of the four master saints in Egypt and that’s why the mosque is built over the tomb of that saint. Discover all information about Abu Al-Abbas Al- Mursi mosque here:
Abu Al-Abbas Al-Mursi Mosque
The Location of Abu Al-Abbas Al-Mursi Mosque
Abu Al-Abbas Al-Mursi mosque is located near the citadel of Qaitbay in the neighborhood of El-Anfoushi. Eugenio Valzania and Mario Rossi were the ones who redesigned and built the current form of the mosque. The Al-Mursi Abu Al-Abbas mosque was constructed by the Algerians in 1775.
Who is Al-Mursi Abu Al-Abbas?
His full name was Sheikh Shehab El-Din Abu El Abbas Ahmed Ibn Umar Ibn Mohamed Al Ansary El Mursi. He was born in 616 in Andalusia. His family was wealthy and they were working in the trading business. He was well educated, having been instructed in the Quran, Sunna, and Sheha. He also grew up helping his father in his work and he was known for his many contributions and his honesty with everyone.
He accompanied his family and left Spain because Christianity spread in the country on a wide range and they head to Tunisia. He met there El Sheikh Abu El Hassan El Shazly and accompanied him in his journey to Alexandria and became one of his best students. He even married El-Shazly’s daughter and he got two daughters & a son from her. Shehab Abu El Abbas lived for about 43 years in Alexandria as a Muslim teacher until he died in 686.
Build A Mausoleum of Abu Al-Abbas Al-Mursi
El-Sheikh Zein El-Din Ibn El Qattan “The Richest Traders of Alexandria” visited the tomb of Abu Al-Abbas Al-Mursi in 1307 AD. He ordered his men to build a dome & a mausoleum for the tomb. He also built a fine mosque with a small square minaret in addition to funding an Iman for the small mosque there you’ll find a tomb, which was placed under the dome to the right-hand side of the entrance. Abu Al-Abbas Al-Mursi mosque became a pilgrimage place for many Muslims from Egypt and Morocco who passes through Alexandria during their Hej journey to Mecca and from Mecca.
Abu Al-Abbas Al-Mursi mosque was neglected in 1477 but when Gaqmas El Zahry, the ruler of Alexandria, visited it, he ordered that the mosque is renovated. He even ordered his men to build a tomb for him inside the mosque where he was buried after his death.
Discover the Reason Behind the Construction of Abu Al-Abbas Al-Mursi Mosque
After the visit of Sheikh Abu el Hassan El Maghraby to Abu Al-Abbas Al-Mursi Mosque in 1775, he ordered to build the current mosque of today. Ahmed El Kakhakhny, who was one of Alexandria’s most famous builders found out in 1863 that the mosque need many modifications and that’s why he renewed it. The governmental endowment for Islamic affairs “The Awqaf” is the one that operated the mosque. When King Farouq decided to make Alexandria “the Jewel of the Mediterranean Sea, he established a square, which was called “Square of the Mosque” and that El-Morsi Abu Al-Abbas mosque waS the main center point of that square.
The Architecture of Abu Al-Abbas Al-Mursi Mosque
The walls of Abu Al-Abbas Al-Mursi mosque stand for about 23 meters high and dressed in artificial stone. While the minaret, situated on the southern side, reaches about 73 meters. It has an Ayoubids design, with four sections. The first section is about 15 meters high and it has a square shape. The second section is four meters high and has eight sides. The third level of the mosque is about 15 high with sixteen sides. There is brass that covers the top of the Minaret and has an Islamic moon finale. There are two entrances to the mosque.
The columns of Al-Mursi Abu Al-Abbas mosque are solid including their capital and base. They have an octagonal shape, which measures 85 meters in diameter and 8.60 meters in height. There is an elevated skylight with eight sides in the center of the ceiling, which is known as a Shokhsheikha, which is 24 meters above floor level and 51 meters side. Each side of the skylight actually has three windows of colored glass in arabesque designs, set into aluminum frames and this one is surrounded by four domes, placed over the four mausoleums within the complex. There is an inner and outer layer for the domes. The inner dome that forms the ceiling stand 22 meters high and is 5 meters in diameter. The floors of the mosque are paved in white marble.
The different parts of the mosque including its doors, Minbar, and windows are made of carved teak, citron and walnut. The Minbar is 6.35 meters high and has, verses of Quran written at the top in French gold. The mihrab of the mosque is located in the Qibla wall and stands at the base of the mosque’s minaret. At the end of each column, you can find the name of Mohamed in the Kufic style of Arabic writing. The main rule in Islam, there is no god except Allah and Mohamed is the prophet of Allah, is written twice, also flanking the mihrab.
The construction of the mosque was completed in 1943 by the Ministry of Waqfs and it cost about 140,000 LE. This amazing construction remains one of the mesmerizing attractions in Alexandria that revives the memory of the most beloved saint of Alexandria.
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FAQ
What Should I Wear While Being in Egypt?
You should wear whatever you want. It is advised to wear something light from cotton or linen, comfortable and put on sunblock during your time in Egypt in the summer and wear comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the sandy terrain.
What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour?
You should bring a brimmed hat and sunglasses if you not used to the Egyptian sun &pack everything you could ever need and put in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.
Are All Nile Cruises Available at Any Time?
Yes, it is available all years. as the Nile from Aswan to Luxor takes three to four days of sailing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the total cost of 600$ and the Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan take four to five days in Saturday, Monday and Thursday for the coast of 650$.
Why book Trips in Egypt?
We have experience in vacation planning for more than 10 years & our staff consists of the most professional operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort create the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time advisors to fit your every possible need during your time in egypt. we always keep in mind that your safety & comfort are our main priority until you return home.
Is it safe to travel to Egypt?
Yes, it is absolutely safe to travel to egypt, You will feel secure in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is very peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt and construct an entire environment dedicated for ensuring the lives of all tourists.
What are Egypt's Visa Requirements?
They are very simples, If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries(check the link), have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD entry fee in cash. As for the E-Visa for 30 days, you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could be one of the countries eligible for a free visa for 90 days.
What is the Weather is Like?
The temperature of Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c, Summer in Egypt is somehow hot and winter is cool and mild but sometimes it becomes cold at night. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 23 ¡ÆC in the summertime and average high temperatures vary from 17 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 32 ¡ÆC in the summertime while the temperature is moderate all along the coasts.
What is the Best Time of Visit Egypt?
It is known the best time to travel to Egypt is in the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a bit tropical, a warm atmosphere with a winter breeze. You will also be notified a week before your trip if the weather is unsafe or if any changes have been made.
Should I Give Tips in Egypt?
It is totally up to you, but if you choose to you can tip the servers at your restaurant 5-10% by handing it to them directly and 5 Egyptian Pounds as a general tip of anyone.
Can I Enter the Pyramids?
Yes, you can enter the pyramids for the small fee of 20$.
How to Enjoy Egypt During Ramadan?
Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslims that should be celebrated by non-Muslims and feel the essence of the Islamic culture. You can fast with the Muslim or just observe but you are always welcome to join the celebrations and festivals.
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