Mahmud al-Kurdi Mosque
Mosque Mamluk-era Cairo mosque with decorated stonework
Cairo’s Mahmud al-Kurdi Mosque dates to the Mamluk period and is noted for its minaret and carved stone details. It’s commonly visited on walking tours of Islamic Cairo.
The Mahmud al-Kurdi Mosque is a small historic mosque in Historic Cairo dating to the Mamluk period. It was founded by or named for the patron Mahmud al-Kurdi.
The building contains a prayer hall and a minaret characteristic of late medieval Cairene mosque architecture, with stone and stucco decorative elements. Its scale is modest compared with major urban complexes, making it representative of neighborhood religious buildings from the period.
The mosque was constructed during the Mamluk era and has survived subsequent repairs and conservation efforts typical for Cairo’s historic monuments. Over time it has remained a functioning local mosque while also attracting interest from scholars of medieval Egyptian architecture.
It is located in the historic core of Cairo within the Cairo Governorate, among other Mamluk-era monuments and narrow urban streets that compose the medieval city fabric.
- Mamluk-era architecture: A late medieval mosque built in the Mamluk architectural tradition, notable for its compact prayer space and historic minaret.
How to Get to Mahmud al-Kurdi Mosque #
The mosque is located in Medieval Cairo’s historic district. From central Cairo, take a taxi to al-Muizz Street or the Al-Azhar area and walk into the lanes of the old city to find the mosque. Guided tours of the area often include such monuments and provide context and easier navigation.
Tips for Visiting Mahmud al-Kurdi Mosque #
- Visit during weekday mornings to avoid crowds - the area around the mosque can be busy with locals during Friday prayers.
- Look for carved stone details and Mamluk-era inscriptions in the surrounding Islamic quarter of Cairo.
- Respect prayer times and interior restrictions; ask permission before photographing worshippers.
Best Time to Visit Mahmud al-Kurdi Mosque #
October-March is most comfortable for walking and exploring Cairo's dense historic streets.
Weather & Climate near Mahmud al-Kurdi Mosque #
Mahmud al-Kurdi Mosque's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 8°C to 35°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Almost no rain.
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February
February is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain.
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March
March is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Almost no rain.
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April
April is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain.
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May
May is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.