Mezquita de Ibn Tulun en El Cairo

It is Cairo’s oldest mosque surviving substantially in its original form. Its enormous courtyard, brick piers, pointed arches, stucco ornament and external-stair minaret preserve the scale and design language of the ninth-century Tulunid capital.

Ahmad ibn Tulun commissioned it in his new capital, al-Qata’i. The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities dates construction from 263 AH/876 AD to 265 AH/879 AD.

The official Egyptian Ministry listing currently shows 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Because it remains a place of worship, sightseeing access can pause or change for prayers, Friday worship, Ramadan, religious events, conservation work or official instructions.

The official monument page checked on 4 August 2026 publishes opening hours but no separate admission tariff. Confirm any current fee, ticket or donation arrangement at the entrance or through your guide.

Non-Muslim visitors are generally welcome outside prayer periods when sightseeing access is open. Dress modestly, remove shoes where directed, keep voices low and never cross in front of people praying.

Minaret access is not guaranteed. When permitted, the external stair is steep, exposed and uneven and may be unsuitable for children, visitors with limited mobility or anyone uncomfortable with heights.

Men and women should cover shoulders and knees and avoid transparent or tight clothing. Women should carry a light scarf and follow current on-site guidance about head covering. Shoes are removed before carpeted prayer areas.

Allow 45–90 minutes for the courtyard, prayer hall, stucco details, ziyada and any minaret access that is open. Add 60–90 minutes for the neighboring Gayer-Anderson Museum.

The historic complex includes thresholds, steps, uneven surfaces and no guaranteed continuous step-free route. The minaret is not accessible. Confirm assistance and entrance arrangements before visiting.

The Gayer-Anderson Museum adjoins the mosque. Sultan Hassan Mosque, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, the Museum of Islamic Art and Al-Muizz Street can be combined into a wider Islamic Cairo itinerary.