The Courtyard

Typical of a Turkish mosque, there is a large courtyard in the Muhammad Ali Mosque measuring 50 by 50 metres with a freestanding building in the centre. This building contains ablution fountains and facilities for washing before entering the mosque. The courtyard is enclosed by covered galleries. We were reminded by our tour guide of a brass clock which was presented by King Louis Philippe of France in 1845. The clock was reciprocated with the obelisk of Luxor now standing in Place de la Concorde in Paris.

The mosque itself was constructed in a square plan. The main floor material used is alabaster or marble – hence it is often referred as The Alabaster Mosque. Muhammad Ali tomb is located inside the mosque.