Gallery
Description
Property Name: Abu el-Abbas el-Mursi Mosque
Inventory No: 20-3-2
Date of infill of the inventory form: 2009-08-18
Country (State party): Egypt
Province: Alexandria
Town:
Geographic coordinates: 31° 12′ 20.43″ N
29° 52′ 55.96″ E
Historic Period: 20th century, 1st half, 18th century, 2nd half
Year of Construction: 1775, 1943
Style: Contemporary
Orginal Use: Mosque
Current Use: Mosque
Architect: Unknown
Significance
It is the most important mosque in Alexandria, constructed in 1775 over the 13th century mausoleum of Sheikh Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi. The height of the mosque is 23 meters, while the minaret reaches to 73 meters. The mosque has two main enrances, one facing the north and the other facing east. The main prayer hall is an octagon, each side measuring 22 meters. The mosque is covered by a central dome flanked by four smaller domes.
Selection Criteria
vi. to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance
State of Preservation
The first construction on the site was the tomb of Abu el-Abbas el-Mursi, which remains today on the original site. In 1307, a mausoleum and a dome was constructed over the tomb, as well a mosque with a small minaret. The mosque then became a pilgrimage place for Muslims. In 15th century, the mosque was neglected and needed repair. In 1477, the mosque was renovated and the tomb of Gaqmas El Zahry was constructed next to the tomb of Abu el-Abbas. In 1596, the mosque was repaired again.
In 1775, the mosque was rebuilt after the order of Sheikh Abu el Hassan El Maghreby, incorporating older elements from the original building. The mosque was dilapitated in 19th century, therefore it was renewed by Ahmed El Kakhakhny in 1863. During the reign of King Farouk, the mosque was renovated again in 1943 in the Ayyubid style, which was the current architectural style during the time of Abu el-Abbas.
References
ed. Michell, George. Architecture of the Islamic World; Its History and Social Meaning. Thanes & Hudson, London, 1978.