The Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque, built in 641 A.D by Commander Amr Ibn Al-Aas, is Egypt’s first mosque and Africa’s oldest. Founded on the site of Amr’s tent marked by a dove’s nest, it became the center of the new Islamic capital, Fustat. Originally simple, made from palm wood and mud bricks, it was expanded and restored over centuries, showcasing evolving Islamic architecture. The mosque symbolizes Islam’s arrival in Egypt and serves as a significant religious, cultural, and historical monument, honoring Amr Ibn Al-Aas and the beginnings of Islamic civilization in North Africa.
Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque was the earliest building of its kind in the history of Egypt. It was constructed in 641 A.D by Commander Amr Ibn Alas, and it was the first mosque to ever be built in the whole of Africa. The mosque was built on the location of his tent because a dove nested in his tent and laid an egg, so he took the dove nest as a good omen of God’s will, and this site became the capital of Islamic Egypt.
The mosque had a modest structure, as it was built using palm leaves and trunks and mud bricks. It’s really hard to know the original appearance of the first building, as it was destroyed and rebuilt in the 7th century.
Amr Ibn Al-Aas was a prominent Arab military leader, diplomat, and companion of the Prophet Muhammad, known primarily for his significant role in the early Islamic expansion across North Africa and his role in the conquest of Egypt. He was born in Mecca around 585 CE and became one of Islam's persistent supporters.
His diplomatic skills and military acumen were highly regarded, earning him assignments of great importance within the Muslim community. Amr Ibn Al-Aas was instrumental in expanding the reach of Islam and establishing new governance structures within the territories he conquered.
One of his most enduring legacies was his conquest of Egypt in 640 CE, which brought the region under Muslim rule for the first time. This conquest is historically significant, as it marked the beginning of a new era for Egypt, transitioning it from Byzantine to Islamic rule.
Amr founded Fustat, the first Islamic capital of Egypt, and constructed the Mosque of Amr Ibn Al-Aas, a landmark symbol of the Islamic presence in Egypt and Africa. Known for his intellect, persuasive diplomacy, and fierce loyalty to his faith, Amr Ibn Al-Aas remains a highly regarded figure in Islamic history.
The Mosque of Amr Ibn Al-Aas is located in the heart of Old Cairo, specifically within the area of Fustat, Egypt's first Islamic capital. According to tradition, the location for the new capital city of Fustat was chosen by a symbolic event involving a bird. Before attacking Alexandria in 641, Amr ibn al-As, under orders from Caliph Umar, set up his encampment on the eastern side of the Nile. Just before departing for battle, a dove laid an egg in his tent.
Upon returning victorious, Amr needed to establish a new capital, as Umar had forbidden the use of Alexandria. Inspired by the dove’s egg, Amr chose this site as the center of the new city, Fustat (or "City of the Tents"), where he built a Grand Mosque on the spot of his tent. The mosque stands as a central landmark in what is today part of Cairo's vast historic quarter. It is easily accessible for visitors interested in exploring the ancient Islamic heritage of Cairo.
Fustat, where the mosque is situated, is part of the Misr al-Qadima district (Old Cairo) and is a short distance from other prominent historical sites, such as the Coptic Quarter, where the Hanging Church and other Coptic monuments can be found. This proximity highlights the area's rich cultural blend, where Islamic, Coptic, and even older Pharaonic influences intersect.
Its location near the banks of the Nile River allowed Fustat to develop as a bustling trade and military hub under Amr Ibn Al-Aas's leadership, giving the city and the mosque itself enduring strategic importance in both religious and administrative spheres. This helped make the mosque a cherished site in Islamic Cairo, serving as both a place of worship and a historic landmark open to visitors and pilgrims worldwide.
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The Mosque of Amr Ibn Al-Aas holds the distinction of being the first mosque constructed in Egypt and all of Africa, which was built in 641–642 CE, shortly after Amr Ibn Al-Aas’s conquest of Egypt. Its original structure was simple and modest, reflecting the early mosque design principles and intended primarily as a place for prayer and congregation.
The mosque was initially a small, rectangular building made of palm trunks, mud, and reeds, covering only about 30 by 17 meters with no decoration, minarets, or even a roof in parts. Over centuries, the mosque underwent extensive renovations and expansions, adapting to the architectural styles and needs of successive Islamic dynasties. By the time of the Abbasid caliphs in the 9th century, the mosque had been enlarged and embellished, featuring additional columns, arches, and a minaret.
Subsequent rulers, including the Mamluks, Ottomans, and the modern Egyptian government, contributed to the preservation and restoration efforts that helped maintain the mosque's structural integrity. Despite these modifications, the mosque remains true to its historical essence as a symbol of the Islamic foundation in Egypt.
The mosque’s architecture today reflects a blend of early Islamic and later Egyptian styles, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Cairo’s layered architectural and cultural heritage. As one of Egypt’s most revered Islamic sites, the mosque not only serves as a place of worship but also as a testament to the country’s rich Islamic history.
In 640 A.D, the Muslim army led by General Amr Ibn Al Aas was able to capture Alexandria (The capital of Egypt during the Greco-Roman Period) and move to modern-day Cairo to attack the powerful fort of Babylon along the Nile. The mosque was built in the place of Amr Ibn Alas’s tent in the city of Fustat (Arabic word for the tent), which became the capital of Muslim Egypt. Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque was rebuilt so many times over the years, as in 827 A.D, the mosque was rebuilt, doubled in size, and arcades of columns were erected.
In 1172, the city of Fustat was burned by the crusaders and restored by the great ruler Saladin. After years of decay because of the coming of Napoleon Bonaparte’s troops to Cairo in 1798, the last renovation to the mosque was in 1875. The mosque can incorporate elements of Greek and Roman architecture and holds 150 white marble columns, three minarets designed in a very simple manner, also has an open court surrounded by four Riwaqs, the largest being the Qiblah Riwaq.
The mosque is still an active house of prayer with a devout congregation, it's one of the top Cairo tourist attractions that you can visit during one of our Cairo day tours if you are already in Cairo, you can also combine it with all the historical attractions in Luxor and Aswan with our incredible nile river cruise and magical Egypt tours.
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The entire country of Egypt deserve to be explored with its every heavenly detail but there are places that must be seen before any other such as the breathtaking Hurghada's red sea, The wonders of Cairo the pyramids of Giza, the great sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the wonders of Luxor like Valley of the Kings, Karnak & Hatshepsut temple and the wonders of Aswan such as Abu Simbel temples, Philea temple, Unfinished obelisk and The Wonders of Alexandria like Qaitbat Citadel, Pompey's Pillar and Alexandria Library. Read more about the best places to visit in Egypt.
If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries, have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD in cash, as for the E-Visa for 30 day 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 also be one of the lucky ones who can obtain a free visa for 90 days. Read more about Egypt travel visa.
Egypt has a variety of delicious cuisines but we recommend “Ful & Ta’meya (Fava Beans and Falafel)”, Mulukhiya, “Koshary”, a traditional Egyptian pasta dish, and Kebab & Kofta, the Egyptian traditional meat dish.
The best time to travel to Egypt is during the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a little tropical accompanied by a magical atmosphere of warm weather with a winter breeze. You will be notified in the week of your trip if the Climate is unsafe and if any changes have been made.
You should pack everything you could ever need in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.
We have been creating the finest vacations for more than 20 years around the most majestic destinations in Egypt. Our staff consists of the best operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort to make you have the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time consultants to fit your every possible need during your vacation. It doesn't go without saying that your safety and comfort are our main priority and all of our resources will be directed to provide the finest atmosphere until you return home.
You will feel safe in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is quite peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt. Read more about is it safe to travel to Egypt.
Wear whatever feels right and comfortable. It is advised to wear something light and comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the terrain of Egypt. Put on sun block during your time in Egypt in the summer to protect yourself from the sun.
The best activity is by far boarding a Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan or Vise Versa. Witness the beauty of Egypt from a hot balloon or a plane and try all the delicious Egyptian cuisines and drinks plus shopping in old Cairo. Explore the allure and wonders of the red sea in the magical city resorts of Egypt like Hurghada and many more by diving and snorkeling in the marine life or Hurghada. Behold the mesmerizing western desert by a safari trip under the heavenly Egyptian skies.
There are a lot of public holidays in Egypt too many to count either religious or nation, the most important festivals are the holy month of Ramadan which ends with Eid Al Fitr, Christmas and new years eve. Read more about festivals & publich holidays in Egypt.
Egypt is considered to be one of the most liberal Islamic countries but it has become a little bit conservative in the last couple of decades so it is advised to avoid showing your chest, shoulders or legs below the knees.
Arabic is the official language and Most Egyptians, who live in the cities, speak or understand English or at least some English words or phrases. Fewer Egyptians can speak French, Italian, Spanish, and German. Professional tour guides, who work in the tourism sector, are equipped to handle visitors who cannot speak Arabic and they will speak enough English and other languages to fulfill the needs of all our clients.
The fastest way is a car, of course, a taxi. If you are in Cairo ride a white taxi to move faster or you could board the fastest way of transportation in Egypt metro if the roads are in rush hour.
The temperature in Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c. Summer in Egypt is somehow hot but sometimes it becomes cold at night and winter is cool and mild. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 °C in the wintertime to 23 °C in the summertime and the average high temperatures vary from 17 °C in the wintertime to 32 °C in the summertime. The temperature is moderate all along the coasts.
It is the home of everything a traveler might be looking for from amazing historical sites dating to more than 4000 years to enchanting city resorts & beaches. You will live the vacation you deserve as Egypt has everything you could possibly imagine.
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