Al-Rifai Mosque stands across the square from the Sultan Hassan Mosque, and the two together make one of the most impressive views in Islamic Cairo. Although it looks medieval, Al-Rifai is modern: it was completed in 1912.
History
Khoshiar Hanim, the mother of Khedive Ismail, began the mosque in 1869 on the site of a small shrine to a Sufi saint, Ahmed al-Rifai. It was designed in the Mamluk style to match its famous neighbor, and it took more than 40 years to finish.
Royal tombs
Al-Rifai is the burial place of Egypt’s royal family. Khedive Ismail, King Fuad I and King Farouk, the last king of Egypt, are buried here, along with Khoshiar Hanim herself. In a side room lies Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran, who died in exile in Cairo in 1980.
Visiting
Allow about 30 minutes. Dress modestly, take off your shoes inside, and women should bring a scarf to cover their hair. Visit with Sultan Hassan on our Cairo day tours.
