Al-Aqmar Mosque Cairo | History, Architecture & Dawoodi Bohra Restoration

The History and Restoration of Al-Aqmar Mosque (The Moonlit Mosque) in Cairo

Jamea Al Aqmar

Introduction to Al-Aqmar Mosque

Jamea Al Aqmar, Moonlit Mosque si bhi mashur che. Aa Masjid Fatemi Architecture ni ek nayab nishani che je Al Moeaztul Qahera (Cairo) Misr ma che. Aa Masjid nu kaam 1125-1126CE (519H) ma Fatemi vazir  al-Ma'mun al-Bata'ihi ye kidi che. Aa Masjid Historic Street al-Mu’izz Street ma aavi che.

Historical Background

Al Ma'mum al Bataihi,  20th Imam Maulana Mansoor al-Aamir Bi Ahkaamillah (AS) na vazir tha. Aapna Huqum si aa Masjid ni tameer ye vaqt ma thai che je vaqt ma Fatemi Khilafat par mushkilo na Badal gheraya hata. Aa Masjid Imam As na Qasar na Eastern side ma che. Aa masjid ma koi bhi Minara nathi.

Al-Aqmar, meaning “moonlit,” symbolizes divine light, similar to other Fatimid mosques like Al-Azhar and Al-Hakim. Al-Ma'mun al-Bata'ihi was executed in 1128 CE, but his architectural legacy endured.

Al Aqmar ni maana "Moonlit" thai che, je Fatemi Noor ne zahir kare che. Aa Masjid bhi biji Fatemi Jamae ni misal che. Al Ma'mum ye aa masjid nu kaam 1128 CE ma tamam kidu.

Architectural Features

View of the street façade

• Street-Aligned Façade:  Aa masjid misr ni pehli masjid ma si che jeye ehne Facade ne Street ni side Qabila ne dhyn ma lai ne rakhu che. Walls ni different thickness sabab aa possible thayu che.

• Hypostyle Layout: Internal Courtyard Square shape ma che ane ye aas paas roofed sections che je four-centered arches na upar supported che. Namaz ni jagah 3 bays deep che ane Courtyard ni gallery 1 bay deep che.

• Domed Bays: Dome na har ek hissa shallow brick si bana huva che je ek Fatemi Innovation hatu. Lekin baad ma Mamluk dynasty ye ehne restored kidu.

Carved image of doors, on left side of the façade

• Symbolic Façade: Masjid na andar Rasullah S.a.w ane Maulana Ali as na naam na in craved karva ma aaya che. Windows na upar Shubbak (Grill) ane Darwaza na Carved krva maa aaya che je Fatemi architecture ni nishani che. 

Inscription of the name "Mohammad" chained together five times, with the name "Ali" in the middle, on the façade's left side

• Mihrab & Interior: Original je Fatemi mihrab tha ehne Mamluk dynasty ye 14th Century ma Marble si replace kida hata lekin jivare Syedna Mohammed Burhanuudin R.a ye aa Masjid nu restoration farmayu to original Fatemi mihrab vapas restore karva ma aaya jema Kufi Khatt ma Inscriptions che.

• Minaret:  Aa Masjid ma Imam As na zaman ma Minara nohta lekin Mamluk khalida Amil Yalbugha ye ehma Minara banaya ane Ottoman period ma ehna upper na portion ne replace karva ma aaya.

Restoration by the Dawoodi Bohra Community

The mosque in 1906, before modern restorations. (The right half of the facade was missing.)

Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA aqa ye aa Masjid nu comprehensive restoration nu kaam 1993, ma shuru farmayu which included:

• Structural Repairs: Fixing decay, damage, and missing elements.

• Restoring Original Fatimid Features: Removing Ottoman-era additions to revive the mosque’s authentic Fatimid style.

• Façade Reconstruction: Southern half rebuilt to match preserved northern section, replicating original artistry.

• Mihrab Renovation: Modern marble mihrab installed, preserving historical aesthetics while respecting Fatimid design.

Renovated marble Mihrab inside the mosque

• Courtyard & Roofwork: Decorative crenellations and arches restored according to historical references.

• Spiritual Revival (iḥyāʾ): Mosque reopened for namaz, ziyarat, and educational visits, ensuring the Fatimid heritage remained living and active.

This restoration is considered one of the most significant Fatimid heritage revivals in modern times, combining architectural precision with spiritual purpose.

Renovated interior courtyard, looking towards the entrance and the Minara

Interesting Facts About Al-Aqmar Mosque

• First Mosque with Street-Aligned Façade: Designed to harmonize with al-Mu’izz Street while keeping internal symmetry.

• Symbolic Decorations: Names of Muhammad and Ali, carved doors, and a shubbāk reflect Fatimid Shi’a ideology.

• Grille Window (Shubbāk): Served as a ceremonial viewing point for the caliph.

• Restoration Excellence: Dawoodi Bohra artisans preserved intricate details including mihrab, stucco carvings, and façade medallions.

• Living Heritage: Today, the mosque is active for prayers and ziyarat, connecting visitors with Fatimid history.

Façade of the mosque (central portion). 

Timeline of Al-Aqmar Mosque

• 1125-1126 CE (519 Hijri): Mosque built by Fatimid vizier al-Ma'mun al-Bata'ihi under Caliph al-Amir.

• 1393-1397 CE: Mamluk restoration by Amir Yalbugha al-Salimi, adding minaret, mihrab, and shop stalls.

• 1412 CE: Minaret partially collapsed; repaired later.

• 19th Century CE: Restoration by Amir Sulayman Agha al-Silahdar during Muhammad ‘Ali’s reign.

• 1993 CE: Dawoodi Bohra restoration initiated by Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA.

• Post-1993 CE: Mosque reopened for namaz, ziyarat, and educational tours, preserving Fatimid heritage.

• Present Day (Under Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS): Continues as a living symbol of faith, architectural brilliance, and spiritual devotion.

Image of window and lamp carved in stone on the right (reconstructed) side of the façade

Significance

Al-Aqmar Mosque remains a historical and spiritual landmark, exemplifying:

• Fatimid architectural innovation and urban planning.

• Shi’a ideological expression through symbolic decoration.

• Preservation of Cairo’s historic streetscape.

• Legacy of Dawoodi Bohra restoration, keeping Fatimid heritage alive.

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• Al Jamea Al Anwar
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• Jamea Al Juyushi Cairo: History, Fatemi Architecture & Dawoodi Bohra Restoration

Disclaimer

This blog has been written based on the author’s thorough research and verified quotes available from reliable online sources. It is intended solely for educational and informative purposes. The content is respectful, harmless, and not meant to offend, harm, or mislead anyone.