Al-Hakim Mosque, Cairo

Cairo's northern quarters harbor one of the medieval Islamic world's most intriguing architectural marvels—Al-Hakim Mosque, a colossal structure whose construction unfolded across two remarkable decades between 990 CE and 1013 CE. This extraordinary religious monument began its journey under Caliph al-'Aziz, whose architectural vision would ultimately find completion through his successor, the enigmatic al-Ḥākim.

The sheer magnitude of this sacred edifice commands immediate attention. Stretching across approximately 120.78 meters by 113.01 meters, the mosque dwarfs its contemporary, the renowned al-Azhar Mosque. Such monumental proportions demanded vast resources—al-Hakim invested 40,000 dinars for construction and 5,000 more for furnishings. The resulting masterpiece presents a rectangular courtyard embraced by graceful arcades, supported by sturdy piers, built predominantly from brick yet adorned with elegant stone facades.

Centuries have tested this fortress-like sanctuary, yet Al-Hakim Mosque endures with remarkable tenacity, surviving earthquakes and political upheavals. The structure's most captivating features are its distinctive minarets, rising from the north and west corners, each anchored by square bases. These elements reveal connections to earlier Egyptian mosque traditions, particularly those observed in Fustat and Qatai’, echoing the design principles of the Congregational Mosque of Ibn Tulun.

The Founding and Early History of Al-Hakim Mosque

The year 990 CE marked the start of an ambitious architectural endeavor spanning decades and witnessing the rise of two rulers. Fifth Fatimid Caliph al-Aziz Billah conceived the project, motivated by the overcrowded Al-Azhar Mosque. Fate prevented al-Aziz from seeing his vision complete, as he died in 996 CE.

Construction under Caliph al-Aziz and al-Hakim

Power passed to eleven-year-old al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah, who rekindled the mosque project around 1002-1003 CE under the supervision of Abu Muhammad al-Hafiz 'Abd al-Ghani ibn Sa'id al-Misri. Initially named Al-Anwar—“the shining one”—the mosque eventually took its current designation in honor of al-Hakim. Construction demanded substantial financial and material resources. By 1010 CE, al-Hakim had implemented critical design modifications, including angled minarets and extended interior columns for structural support.

Inauguration and early use in 1013 CE

Partial prayer services began as early as 991 CE, but the official inauguration occurred in Ramadan 1013 CE after a 22-year construction period. Al-Hakim established the mosque as a “Jami’” or congregational mosque, integrating it with Al-Azhar to serve both worshippers and students.

Integration into Cairo's city walls

The mosque’s northern sections, including minarets, became part of Cairo's defensive walls between Bab al-Futuh and Bab al-Nasr under Fatimid vizier Badr al-Jamali (1087–1092 CE), creating a unique hybrid structure where sacred architecture also served strategic military purposes.

Architectural Features of Al-Hakim Mosque

The mosque features an irregular rectangular configuration, Cairo's second-largest after Ibn Tulun Mosque, blending Fatimid design with longstanding Egyptian mosque traditions.

Layout and courtyard design

At the heart lies a 78 by 66-meter central courtyard (sahn) surrounded by four covered arcades (riwaqs), arranged asymmetrically. The eastern qibla side extends through five bays, the western flank two, and the northern and southern sides three each. Thirteen entrances provide access, including two through the qibla wall.

The unique projecting entrance portal

The northwestern facade presents a 15.5-meter-wide portal projecting 6 meters from the mosque, soaring 11 meters high. Twin towers guard the entrance, featuring recessed panels and intricate Kufic calligraphy inspired by the Great Mosque of Mahdiya in Tunisia.

Prayer hall and mihrab structure

The prayer hall’s five parallel arcades are intersected by a transverse aisle, emphasizing orientation toward Mecca. Originally crowned with three domes, only the central dome above the mihrab remains. The mihrab sits beneath a semi-circular dome resting on carefully crafted squinches.

Use of stone, brick, and marble

The mosque combines stone for exterior walls and minarets with brick for interior arches and domes. Interior elements include stucco friezes with Kufic script, decorative wooden tie-beams, and marble accents added in later restorations.
 

The Minarets: Design, Alteration, and Symbolism

The twin minarets at the north and west corners are among the mosque’s most notable features, reflecting both architectural innovation and political symbolism.

Original multi-tiered minarets

Completed in 1003 CE, the northern minaret transitions from square to cylindrical, the southern from square to octagonal, both crafted from ashlar stone.

Encasement in square bastions

In 1010 CE, al-Hakim enclosed both minarets in square brick bastions connected by arches. The northern minaret was later integrated into Cairo’s city fortifications by Badr al-Jamali.

Inscriptions and decorative elements

The minarets originally featured ornamental bands and inscriptions in foliated Kufic script, emphasizing Fatimid sovereignty and aesthetic mastery.

Theories behind the concealment

Scholars debate al-Hakim’s motives—some suggest political reasons tied to Fatimid claims over Mecca and Medina; others cite theological shifts away from orthodox Isma’ili positions.

Mamluk-era reconstruction after earthquake

The 1303 CE earthquake destroyed upper minaret sections, reconstructed under Sultan Baybars II with Mamluk-style octagonal bodies, muqarnas decoration, and ribbed domes, diverging from original Fatimid aesthetics.
 

Restoration and Modern Relevance

Neglect reduced the mosque to ruins until modern restoration efforts revived it.

20th century Dawoodi Bohra restoration

In 1937, Syedna Taher Saifuddin discovered the mosque in decay, inspiring a 27-month reconstruction (1980) led by Mohammed Burhanuddin. Original stucco carvings, timber tie-beams, and Quranic inscriptions were meticulously preserved, with new marble and gold enhancements.

Criticism and debate over authenticity

Scholars questioned whether such extensive material replacements maintained authenticity. Proponents argue the restoration saved the mosque and created a functional worship space.

21st century restoration efforts

In 2017, a joint project by the Dawoodi Bohra community and the Egyptian government addressed environmental challenges including air pollution, rising water levels, humidity, and structural cracks. Completed in 2023 at a cost of 85 million EGP, the project secured the mosque’s stability.

Recent visits and renewed attention

The 2023 reopening drew international recognition, including a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside Egypt’s Prime Minister. The mosque now functions as both an active place of worship and a cultural monument.
 

Al-Hakim Mosque embodies Fatimid architectural mastery and religious devotion. Its minarets, defensive integration, and centuries-spanning construction chronicle Cairo’s urban, political, and religious evolution. Despite neglect, restoration efforts have preserved its historical and spiritual significance. Today, the mosque bridges modern visitors with medieval Islamic achievements, reflecting the enduring legacy of Cairo’s architectural and cultural heritage.