The third-largest historic mosque in Egyptian history, Al-Zahir Baybars Mosque opens its doors, retelling a distinguished story of an ancient and unique civilization and culture.
This landmark is one of the oldest Mamluk mosques, which Sultan Baybars al-Bunduqdari (658–676 AH / 1260–1277 AD) commissioned its construction on approximately 12,600 meters square in 665 AH / 1266 AD on what is today al-Zahir Square and prayers were held there for centuries. The unique Mamluk architecture was evident in its elegant decorations, bright colors, and the flexibility of the marble formation that covered its walls brilliantly, pleasing the viewers.
For revitalizing this historical landmark, The Egyptian government delegated a contracting company to ramp it up, under the supervision and support of the Ministries of Tourism and Antiquities and Endowments, as its yard was affected by the groundwater.
The Supreme Council of Antiquities also cooperated with Kazakhstan to restore the mosque. The project run from 2007 to 2010 and then resumed in 2018. It was completed in 2022. Architectural and artistic elements were restored, as were wooden ceilings, and the foundations were reinforced.
The groundwater water level was stabilized. New stone and marble flooring was installed in the mosque’s courtyard and arcades, during which an underground cistern was discovered beneath the courtyard.
The value of the mosque restoration project amounted to about EGP 237m, to which the brotherly Kazakh side contributed about $4.5m in 2007, equivalent to about EGP 27m at the time, and the Ministry of Endowments contributed about EGP 60.5m from its resources, and about EGP 150m was provided by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Ministries of Finance and Planning also supported the project.
Reopened on 4 June, Ahmed Essa, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, expressed his happiness at the inauguration of the Al-Zaher Baybars Al-Bunduqdari Mosque after the completion of its restoration, describing the mosque as an icon of Mamluk architecture in Egypt, stressing the great interest that the Egyptian government attaches to the antiquities file, especially the Islamic antiquities.
The Minister of Tourism and Antiquities was also keen to thank everyone who contributed to the restoration of this mosque, sending a message to the Kazakh people in which he welcomed their presence in Egypt.
