The Amru Al-As Mosque, also widely known as the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As, is the oldest mosque in Egypt and Africa. Located in Cairo, Egypt, it was originally built in 641-642 AD (21 AH) by Amr ibn al-As, the Arab general who conquered Egypt and founded Fustat, the first capital of Egypt under Muslim rule.
History and Construction: The mosque was initially constructed at the center of Fustat, serving not only as a place of worship but also as a hub for the newly established Muslim community and a center for Islamic learning. Its original structure was very simple, built with palm trunks, mud bricks, and covered with palm leaves, encompassing an area of about 50 by 30 meters. It did not have a minaret or elaborate decoration. Over centuries, the mosque underwent numerous expansions, demolitions, and reconstructions due to various rulers, earthquakes, and the growth of the city.
Architectural Evolution: The mosque's form evolved significantly from its humble beginnings. Key periods of reconstruction include:
- Umayyad Period: During the reign of the Umayyad Caliph Mu'awiya I, the mosque was expanded and renovated by Maslama al-Ansari in 672 AD.
- Abbasid Period: Further expansions and improvements were made under the Abbasid Caliphs.
- Fatimid Period: The Fatimids significantly rebuilt the mosque, adding new features.
- Ayyubid Period: Saladin, after establishing the Ayyubid dynasty, ordered the mosque's restoration after it was burned during the Crusader invasion attempts to prevent its capture.
- Mamluk Period: The Mamluk Sultan Baybars I ordered a complete reconstruction after an earthquake in the 14th century, giving it much of its current Mamluk-era appearance.
- Ottoman and Modern Eras: Further modifications and restorations took place during the Ottoman period and in the 19th and 20th centuries, including under Muhammad Ali Pasha and later Egyptian governments.
Today, the mosque is largely a Mamluk-era reconstruction, with significant additions and renovations from later periods. Its layout features an open central courtyard (sahn) surrounded by arcades. The current mosque is much larger than the original structure and reflects a blend of architectural styles from various Islamic eras.
Significance: The Amru Al-As Mosque holds immense historical and religious significance. It is a symbol of the arrival of Islam in Egypt and the establishment of Muslim rule in the region. For centuries, it served as a major educational institution, predating Al-Azhar Mosque, and was a focal point for the religious and intellectual life of Cairo. Despite its many transformations, it remains an active place of worship and a revered landmark, attracting visitors and scholars interested in Islamic history and architecture.