As-Salih Talai Mosque

As-Salih Talai Mosque is a 12th century creation by the Emir As-Salih Talai. It was completed in the year 1160. Emir was a high official under the last Fatimid caliph. This Egypt Mosque structure is awesome and needs detailed study for understanding the mastermind behind the work. The mosque, introduced into Egypt by the Arab Muslims, added a new dimension to the architectural variety. There are five Persian arches in the freestone frontage and they are hidden from the street view by panels of mashrabiya.

• The interior courtyard columns are supported by certain arches of the porticos and surmounted by ancient capitals.
• The stained glass windows and the succo-work are the chief attractions of the mosque complex. These are found in the upper qibla wall.
• The minbar is another attractive feature of the mosque. The decor of the minbar comprises stars that are engraved in it.
• The shops of the building are presently below the ground, but when the mosque was constructed, they were at the level of the ground. Over the eight hundred years, the ground level has altered significantly to reorder the positioning of the shops.

The As-Salih Talai Mosque is one of the highly regarded mosques in Egypt, which is visited by many a devotees throughout the year. The religious tour packages are sure to include this site, but it is also worth visiting even if you are a non-Muslim.