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Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque

Discover the rich heritage of Alexandria at the Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque. A historic tribute to a revered Sufi saint, adorned with stunning Arabic architecture and spiritual significance.

Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque - Marvelous Egypt Tour
Overview
Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque
Location Alexandria, Egypt
Built 1307 A.D
Completed 1943 or 1945
Style Arabic Style
Height 23m
Significance Sacred Site

Summary

  • The Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque in Alexandria stands as a tribute to the 13th-century Sufi saint Abu Abbas Al Mursi and was initially constructed in 1775 A.D. over his tomb.
  • It became a significant pilgrimage destination for Muslims, attracting pilgrims from Egypt and Morocco on their way to Mecca, drawn to the saintly aura associated with Abu Abbas Al Mursi.
  • Over time, the mosque underwent several renovations and expansions, including a significant rebuilding in the 1940s by King Farouq the First, adopting a 13th-century Arabian architectural style.
  • Known for its distinctive 13th-century Arabic architecture, the mosque boasts an octagonal design, intricate mosaics, woodwork, marble floors, and ornate decorations, reflecting Moroccan and Andalusian influences.
  • The mausoleum within the mosque, built over Abu Abbas Al Mursi's tomb, remains a revered sanctuary attracting both locals and tourists seeking spiritual solace and reflection.
  • Abu El Abbas El Mursi's legacy is deeply rooted in Sufi tradition, making the mosque an essential site for Muslims paying respects and seeking blessings, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Alexandria.

Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque is one of the most mesmerizing destinations in Alexandria. The mosque of Morsi Abu El Abbas is very well-known to be one of the oldest constructions, as it was first built in 1775 A.D. It is dedicated to the 13th-century Sufi saint Abu Abbas Al Mursi (1219-1286).

The mosque currently stands on a mosque square overlooking the eastern harbor, where It was rebuilt many times over the years. Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque was built over the tomb of Al Musi Abu Al-Abbas who was an Islamic scholar and a teacher.

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Who Is Morsi Abu EL Abbas?

Who Is Morsi Abu EL Abbas - Marvelous Egypt Tour
Who Is Morsi Abu EL Abbas - Marvelous Egypt Tour

Morsi Abu EL Abbas was born in the Andalusia region of Spain in 1219 to a wealthy Muslim family that left for Tunisia because of the rise of Christian control of Spain; he and his family left for Alexandria, which was a popular destination for many Muslim scholars during that era.

He lived in Alexandria for 43 years until his death in 1286 and was buried in a small construction near the eastern heron, which was later turned into a huge mausoleum and a mosque. Every year, a festival takes place to celebrate him.

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The History of Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque

Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque History - Marvelous Egypt Tour
Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque History - Marvelous Egypt Tour

The Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque gained a massive amount of fame as it became a place of pilgrimage for many Muslims from Egypt and Morocco who passed through Alexandria on their way to and from Mecca.

Many people viewed him as a saint and built their tombs next to him or enlarged his building so they could get some of his grace, such as Algerian Sheikh Abu el Hassan El Maghrebi, who built a much larger mosque on the same site that was renovated in 1863.

The mosque was once again enlarged and renovated in a 13th-century Arabian style architecture in 1943 by King Farouq the First, who built the Mosque Square, which covers 43,200 square meters and includes five other mosques centered around the main mosque that can be seen clearly from the sea.

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Location of Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque

Location of Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque - Marvelous Egypt Tour
Location of Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque - Marvelous Egypt Tour

The Mosque of Abu El Abbas El Mursi was erected in 1775 by Algerians and holds special significance as it was built atop the tomb of the revered 13th-century Andalusian saint Ahmed Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi. Known for his devout Sufi practice and leadership within the Shadhali brotherhood, this mosque stands proudly on Mosque Square in the Anfoushi neighborhood of Alexandria, with a direct view over the eastern harbor in Alexandria.

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Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque Architecture

Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque Architecture - Marvelous Egypt Tour
Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque Architecture - Marvelous Egypt Tour

The mosque is famous for its unique 13th-century Arabic style of architecture with a height of 23 m and an octagonal design with internal walls dressed in artificial stone, a soaring central tower that reaches 73m, and a hypnotic interior with mesmerizing mosaics, tiling, and woodwork.

The mosque contains a magical high ceiling decorated with arabesque and a beautiful octagonal skylight which is surrounded by four domes placed over the four mausoleums within the complex.

The floors are paved in white marble, the windows are made carved from walnut, teak, and citron, and the minbar is capped by a dome that holds verses from the Quran written at the top with French gold. The mihrab is decorated with two columns of Egyptian granite, written on them in Kufic Arabic calligraphy, with the name of Muhammad.

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Mausoleum of Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque

Mausoleum of Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque - Marvelous Egypt Tour
Mausoleum of Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque - Marvelous Egypt Tour

El Sheikh Zein El Din Ibn El Qattan was a wealthy trader from Alexandria who paid homage to the esteemed Muslim scholar Abu El Abbas El Mursi by commissioning the construction of a mausoleum and dome over his tomb in 1307 AD. He also funded the creation of a mosque featuring a small square minaret and appointed an Imam for it. The mausoleum was respectfully positioned beneath the dome to the right of the entrance.

Over time, this mosque and tomb became a sacred pilgrimage site for Muslims traveling to and from Mecca, particularly those from Morocco and Egypt, seeking spiritual solace during their Hej voyage. The mausoleum within the Mosque of Abu El Abbas El Mursi remains a revered sanctuary. Its ornate decorations and spiritual ambiance attract both locals and tourists, serving as a cherished place for contemplation, honoring the teachings, and commemorating the legacy of Abu El Abbas El Mursi.

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Interesting Facts about Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque

Interesting Facts about Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque - Marvelous Egypt Tour
Interesting Facts about Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque - Marvelous Egypt Tour
  • The mosque is named after a revered Sufi saint, "Abu El Abbas El Mursi" who hailed from Andalusia and settled in Alexandria in the 13th century. It was rebuilt & renovated many times across history until it reached its current form in 1945.
  • The mosque reflects stunning Islamic architectural elements. Its design combines both Moroccan and Andalusian styles, showcasing intricate decorations, ornate domes, and minarets adorned with Islamic geometric patterns.
  • Abu El Abbas El Mursi is highly regarded in the Sufi tradition, and his tomb is housed within the mosque. It's an important site for many Muslims, who visit to pay their respects and seek blessings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Finest Destinations to Visit in Egypt?

The entire country of Egypt deserve to be explored with its every heavenly detail but there are places that must be seen before any other such as the breathtaking Hurghada's red sea, The wonders of Cairo the pyramids of Giza, the great sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the wonders of Luxor like Valley of the Kings, Karnak & Hatshepsut temple and the wonders of Aswan such as Abu Simbel temples, Philea temple, Unfinished obelisk and The Wonders of Alexandria like Qaitbat Citadel, Pompey's Pillar and Alexandria Library. Read more about the best places to visit in Egypt.

What Are Egypt's Visa Requirements?

If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries, have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD in cash, as for the E-Visa for 30 day you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could also be one of the lucky ones who can obtain a free visa for 90 days. Read more about Egypt travel visa.

What Is the Top Traditional Egyptian Food?

Egypt has a variety of delicious cuisines but we recommend “Ful & Ta’meya (Fava Beans and Falafel)”, Mulukhiya, “Koshary”, a traditional Egyptian pasta dish, and Kebab & Kofta, the Egyptian traditional meat dish.

What is the Best Time to Visit Egypt?

The best time to travel to Egypt is during the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a little tropical accompanied by a magical atmosphere of warm weather with a winter breeze. You will be notified in the week of your trip if the Climate is unsafe and if any changes have been made.

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You should pack everything you could ever need in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.

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Is it Safe to Travel to Egypt?

You will feel safe in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is quite peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt. Read more about is it safe to travel to Egypt.

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Wear whatever feels right and comfortable. It is advised to wear something light and comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the terrain of Egypt. Put on sun block during your time in Egypt in the summer to protect yourself from the sun.

What are the Best Activities to Do in Egypt?

The best activity is by far boarding a Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan or Vise Versa. Witness the beauty of Egypt from a hot balloon or a plane and try all the delicious Egyptian cuisines and drinks plus shopping in old Cairo. Explore the allure and wonders of the red sea in the magical city resorts of Egypt like Hurghada and many more by diving and snorkeling in the marine life or Hurghada. Behold the mesmerizing western desert by a safari trip under the heavenly Egyptian skies.

What are Egypt Festival and Public Holidays?

There are a lot of public holidays in Egypt too many to count either religious or nation, the most important festivals are the holy month of Ramadan which ends with Eid Al Fitr, Christmas and new years eve. Read more about festivals & publich holidays in Egypt.

What are Special Advice for Foreign Women in Egypt?

Egypt is considered to be one of the most liberal Islamic countries but it has become a little bit conservative in the last couple of decades so it is advised to avoid showing your chest, shoulders or legs below the knees.

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Arabic is the official language and Most Egyptians, who live in the cities, speak or understand English or at least some English words or phrases. Fewer Egyptians can speak French, Italian, Spanish, and German. Professional tour guides, who work in the tourism sector, are equipped to handle visitors who cannot speak Arabic and they will speak enough English and other languages to fulfill the needs of all our clients.

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The fastest way is a car, of course, a taxi. If you are in Cairo ride a white taxi to move faster or you could board the fastest way of transportation in Egypt metro if the roads are in rush hour.

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The temperature in Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c. Summer in Egypt is somehow hot but sometimes it becomes cold at night and winter is cool and mild. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 °C in the wintertime to 23 °C in the summertime and the average high temperatures vary from 17 °C in the wintertime to 32 °C in the summertime. The temperature is moderate all along the coasts.

What are the Reasons That Make You Visit Egypt?

It is the home of everything a traveler might be looking for from amazing historical sites dating to more than 4000 years to enchanting city resorts & beaches. You will live the vacation you deserve as Egypt has everything you could possibly imagine.

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