Mosque of al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah
Northern Al-Muizz
The Mosque of al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah is one of Cairo’s great Fatimid mosques, begun in 990 CE and completed in 1013 CE beside Bab al-Futuh at the northern end of Al-Muizz.
Historical Overview
Construction of the Mosque of al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah began in 990 CE under the Fatimid caliph al-Aziz bi-Allah and was completed in 1013 by his son al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah. It is the fourth-oldest surviving congregational mosque in Egypt and one of the largest historic mosques in Cairo. The building originally stood outside the earlier Fatimid walls, but Badr al-Jamali’s expansion of the city in 1087 brought it inside the fortified area. Its monumental projecting western entrance is among the earliest surviving examples of this architectural form in Egypt and reflects influences from Fatimid North Africa. The mosque is organized around a large courtyard surrounded by arcades, with two distinctive minarets at the façade. Over the centuries it served many different roles, including barracks during the French occupation and later part of the early Museum of Arab Art.
Why Visit?
The mosque is essential for understanding Fatimid Cairo and pairs naturally with Bab al-Futuh, showing how religious and military architecture shaped the northern edge of the medieval city.
Media Gallery
Mosque of al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah in Cairo
Opening Hours
Check specific site for hours.