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Mosque and Mausoleum of Sayyida Zainab in Cairo

 

The mosque and mausoleum of Sayyida Zainab stands in the heart of a square in Cairo, named after Sayyida Zainab. Most historians believe that she was buried in Damascus (Syria) but according to the Fatimid rulers of Egypt, in her last days she lived and passed away in Cairo. According to her will she was buried in the same place where she had lived for about eleven months in al-Fustat (Old Cairo).

Mausoleum of Sayyida Zainab
A chandelier hangs inside the mausoleum
Pilgrims are paying their respect to this holy lady
Exterior of zarih of Sayyida Zainab
Decorative details of the tomb of Sayyida Zainab bint Ali - it is finely decorated with arabesque and inscriptions
Top of the zarih - this section of the mausoleum lies between the tomb and cupola
This wooden partition to the right separates women and men while visiting the shrine
The cenotaph is enclosed by the finely worked steel grille

 

The very first mosque on this site was built during the reign of Sultan Ahmed Ibn Tulun. This mosque has gone through many renovations in the past. The last expansion was carried out during the reign of President Hosni Mubarak. The whole area of the mosque is erected on columns made of white marble and it adds beauty and space to this structure. 

Windows and ceiling of the Zainab Mosque
A chandelier inside the Mosque
Dome is very elegant and built with typical Islamic decorative material
Ceiling of the Mosque of Zainab
Here, many of the pilgrims were sleeping inside the mosque - probably many of them had traveled from other parts of the country
This mosque alone is worth a visit due to its pure elegance and beauty
Main prayer hall of the mosque
Mehrab of the Sayyida Zainab Mosque
A closer look at the mehrab
Interior of the mosque
Looking at the cupola of the mausoleum