Egypt’s Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr. Ahmad El-Tayab, the Chairperson of the Kazakh Senate, Dr. Maulen Ashimbayev, along with Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Ahmad Eissa, and Cairo Governor Khaled Abdel Aal, attended Sunday the inauguration ceremony of Egypt’s third largest mosque, Al-Zaher Baybars.
Also in attendance were Egypt Grand Mufti Dr. Shawky Allam, Kazakhstan Grand Mufti Sheikh Nauryzbay Kazhy Taganuly, Deputy Cairo Governor Ibrahim Abdel Hadi, and Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Dr. Mustafa Waziry, and Kazakhstan Ambassador to Egypt Khairat Lama.
During the inauguration, Cairo Governor Khaled Abdel Aal said that Al-Zaher Baybars Mosque is one of the most historic and unique symbols, reminding us of a significant era of Egypt’s history and reflecting Egypt and Kazakhstan’s deeply-rooted relations and friendship binding the two countries throughout history.
Moreover, Abdel Aal added the two leaders of the two countries have long and deep friendship and fraternity ties, noting that Cairo is a popular tourist and scientific destination for Kazakhstani Students and tourists and Al-Zaher Baybars Mosque is one of the most historic Islamic landmarks.
Abdel Aal also thanked the Kazakhstan state for its keenness to complete the mosque’s restoration and the Ministry of Awqaf for renovating and constructing mosques across Egypt. He also thanked the Ministry of Antiquities for its constant efforts to revive historical landmarks of Egypt under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to be a beacon and destination for Islamic heritage lovers.
The Mamluk Sultan Zaher Baybars built the mosque in 1268 AD/ 667AH in the neighborhood that carried his name in the heart of Cairo. Baybars is the founder of the Bahri Mamluks. Al-Zaher Baybars Mosque’s design is similar to the Al-Masjid Al-Nabwi in Saudi Arabia, which is the same design as Ahmad ibn Tulun Mosque including a courtyard surrounded by four iwans and a mihrab topped by a dome.
Source: Media Department, Cairo Governorate
