A Tour Inside Qaysoun Mosque

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Rulers and Princes in the Mamluk era used to build mosques to keep their memory and names engraved in history forever. That’s why Prince Seif El Dine Qusson built Qusson Mosque (also known as Qaysoun Mosque).

One of the famous events was King Farouk I leading the Jumaa prayer inside Qaysoun Mosque on Friday, 29th of Dhu al-Qahda in 1357 A.H, hoping to unite all Muslims.

Before we talk about the Mosque of Qaysoun, let’s shed lights on the founder of the mosque, Prince Seif Eldein Qusson. Qusson came to Egypt at the age of 18 with a delegation coming from Bukhara, home of Imam Bukhari.

After his marriage from Sultan’s daughter, Prince Qusson reached the highest ranks and strengthened his position. Just before he died, the Sultan made Prince Qusson guardian for his children, and he took over the State. He began building the mosque in Mohamed Ali Street near the Citadel and it was named after him.

When you visit the mosque, you will find that most parts of the mosque have disappeared, and only the northern door and many windows and decorations are still intact.

The rest of the current mosque buildings are new. It was not renewed until 1893 by the Minister of Awqaf at the era of Ali Pasha Mubarak. The building is made of stone, and consists of four iwans with a wooden dome in the center and its doorstep is made of marble.

Although this mosque is so old, it is still open for prayers to this day. What makes Qaysoun Mosque stand out is its location as it is on the main street and can be easily reached.

Mohamed Ali street is one of the most famous streets in Cairo and the presence of Qaysoun Mosque enriches its heritage. I hope that the mosque will be renovated in order to have it around for more and more generations to come.

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Haya Nasser, an Alsun student at Misr international University. Passionate about exploring new things whether within herself or in real life. In addition, she’s passionate about fashion and design.

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