Egypt’s mystical texture has witnessed a rich heritage bearing the traces of different civilizations throughout history. In the depths of these ancient lands, the ancient traces of the Turks also appeared in a peculiar way. Tolunoğlu Ahmet Mosque opens a glittering window to this colorful history of Egypt. The breaths of thousands of years ago are still felt on the stone walls of this sacred building.
This mosque, which echoes a culture and aesthetics from Central Asia, stands out as an example of fidelity that resonates in time, beyond just a building. The interesting story of the Tolunoğlu Ahmet Mosque, which started with the stumble of a horse, ended with the completion of a large complex. The mosque has been attracting attention for centuries with its unique minaret and original architecture.
This unique cultural heritage inscribed in the depths of Egypt was built by the hands of Ahmet bin Tolun, the founder of the Tolunoğulları, known as the “first Turkish state”. It rises proudly northeast of Cairo’s old city, Fustat, in the heart of the capital. Considered as a reflection of the elegant architecture of Central Asia, this mosque is seen as one of the most valuable gifts left by the Turks to these lands.
History and Features of Tolunoğlu Ahmet Mosque
The brick walls surrounding the complex hide the stories inside. This building complex, consisting of a mosque, hospital, pharmacy and two baths, embraces all needs. The magnificent inscription was engraved on the pier inside the harim. This inscription states that it was completed in 265 (A.D. 879) according to the Hijri calendar.
Restoration works were carried out during the reign of the Mamluk Sultan Laçin, the protector of the heritage. According to art historians, Tolunoğlu Ahmet Mosque stands out as a work that successfully continues the Abbasid tradition and especially the Samarran style. The Kufe plan of the mosque, with its magnificent courtyard, surrounding cloisters and enclosing naves, offers visitors a magical atmosphere.
The inner courtyard of the complex is reached by passing through 19 doors. However, the most striking element is its minaret, which distinguishes the mosque from other Islamic structures. During the repairs carried out by the order of the Mamluk Sultan Laçin, the minaret was rebuilt with neat cut stones, remaining faithful to its original form. The minaret, which was originally made of brick, gives the mosque a unique identity with its spiral structure.
The influence of the Samarra Mosque in Iraq can be seen in the design of the mosque. The traces of the Abbasid, Samarra and Byzantine periods come together in the decorations of the mosque. The pulpit is made of wood and the mihrab is decorated with geometric and floral patterns, presenting one of the finest examples of craftsmanship of the period.
Interesting Story of Tolunoğlu Ahmet Mosque
The foundation of Tolunoğlu Ahmet Mosque was laid with an interesting story. The story begins when Ahmet bin Tolun discovers gold as a result of an accident in the desert. While traveling in a desert area, Ahmet bin Tolun observed the fall of one of his employees as a result of the tripping of his horse. Tolun, who was standing looking at the place where the horse’s foot was stuck, noticed that there were a large amount of gold traces here and decided to have these gold removed.
Deciding to use this gold for a good cause, Tolun sent a letter to the caliph of the time, Abul Abbas al-Mutemed, in Baghdad. After the approval of the Caliph, he decided to build a hospital (Beymaristan) with this gold. When a larger treasure was discovered while the hospital was being built, Tolun decided to build a larger complex in this area. Ahmet bin Tolun, the founder of the Tolunoğlu state, who realized this project, allocated the remaining money of the construction as a foundation.
Visit to Workers in Ramadan
During the month of Ramadan, Ahmet bin Tolun came to oversee the construction of the mosque and saw the workers working until sunset. Ask those in charge, “When will these people return to their homes for iftar?” he asked and ordered the end of the work after the afternoon prayer. After that, in Egypt, the affairs of the month of Ramadan began to come to a standstill during the afternoon prayer.
Let The Mosque Stay Dry Even If Egypt Floods
There is another rumor about the mosque. According to Ahmet bin Tolun, the mosque had to be built on a high place with steep cliffs.
When asked why he chose such a place, Tolunoğlu replied: “I need to build the mosque in such a place that even if Egypt floods, the mosque stays dry, even if there is a fire in Egypt, the fire does not harm the mosque.”
Tolunoğlu Ahmet Mosque is a monument that carries the stories and cultural accumulation brought by thousands of years. Rooted in the lands of Egypt and bearing the traces of the Turks, this mosque continues to rise as a pinnacle of both history and aesthetics.
