The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Image via Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

Although Cairo is home to many impressive buildings, lately, our attention has been drawn specifically to the mosques that feature uniquely designed minarets. Located across the city, the architectural grandeur of these six minarets will leave you in awe.

1. The Minaret of Ahmed Ibn Tulun Mosque

via Wikipedia

As well as being an architectural marvel, this minaret also holds the title of being the second-oldest minaret in Egypt, after the one at the Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque. Along with the rest of the structure, it was constructed in an Iraqi architectural style. In the reign of Ahmed Ibn Tulun, Sultan Lajin al-Mansouri built this towering structure, which stands at a height of almost 40 metres.

2. The Minaret of Al-Hakim Mosque

via Wael Mostafa

It’s a cylindrical minaret decorated with Kufic lettering, located on Al-Muizz Street. It has a stone construction and a massive square base that wraps around it like a pyramid.

3. The Minaret of Al-Aqmar Mosque

via Mohammed Moussa 

One of the most distinguished minarets in Islamic Cairo, it’s built from white bricks that reflect the light of the moon. It is full of many Islamic decorations and inscriptions written in Kufic script, and their existence dates back to the Fatimid era.

4. The Minaret Al-Azhar Mosque

via Daniel Mayer 

Although the mosque has multiple minarets, the one that draws the most attention is the one with two peaks. It is a powerful symbol of Mamluk architecture, distinguished by its elegant Islamic design.

5. The Minaret of Muhammad Ali Mosque

via Ahmed Ragheb

The Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha is situated in the Citadel of Cairo. Its minaret dates from the Ottoman era and stands 84 metres high, making it the tallest minaret in Egypt! 

6. The Minaret of Sayyidah Zaynab Mosque

via ا روسا / Wikipedia

As a historical landmark, it ranks among Cairo’s grandest mosques. The structure’s four minarets are each differentiated by elegant and modest Islamic calligraphy and decoration.