Mosque of Sultan al-Mu'ayyad Shaykh
Al-Darb al-Ahmar / Southern Al-Muizz
Explore a magnificent Mamluk mosque built beside Bab Zuweila, where the medieval gate's Fatimid towers became the foundations for two soaring minarets and a former prison was transformed into one of Historic Cairo's great religious monuments.
Historical Overview
The mosque surrounds a central courtyard with an ablution fountain and four riwaqs, the largest being the qibla prayer hall. Funerary domes were built beside the prayer area; one survives and contains Sultan al-Mu'ayyad and some of his sons. Its most extraordinary urban feature is its relationship with Bab Zuweila: the two towers of the earlier Fatimid gate were used as bases for the mosque's Mamluk minarets.
Why Visit?
For tourists walking Al-Muizz from north to south, this monument provides one of the strongest architectural finales: Fatimid military architecture and Mamluk religious architecture physically merge into one composition.
What to See
- Twin minarets above Bab Zuweila
- Courtyard
- Ablution fountain
- Qibla riwaq
- Mausoleum
- Geometric Mamluk decoration
- Historic relationship with the former prison
- Architectural connection with Bab Zuweila
Getting There
Destination / الوجهة
جامع المؤيد شيخ
Point to this and ask them to take you there
من فضلك وديني جامع المؤيد شيخ عند باب زويلة
Public Transit Options
Metro
Attaba — Lines 2 & 3
Recommended Route
Metro: Attaba -> El-Muski/Al-Azhar -> toward historic district
Media Gallery
The grand courtyard of the Mosque of Sultan al-Mu'ayyad Shaykh
Good to Know
Best Combined With
Make the most of your visit by combining this with:Bab Zuweila,Al-Salih Tala'i Mosque,Nafisa al-Bayda Sabil-Kuttab,Sultan al-Ghuri Complex
Opening Hours
Check specific site for hours.
Ticket Prices
Plan Your Visit
- Duration: 30 - 45 mins
- Best Time: Daytime.