Ahmad Ibn Tulun commissioned the mosque in 876 on Jabal Yashkur as the congregational mosque of his new capital, al-Qata'i, and it was completed in 879. Its architecture reflects influences from Abbasid Samarra, especially in the broad courtyard, stucco decoration and the character of its externally accessed minaret.
The strongest impression is space and calm. After the dense streets outside, the courtyard opens dramatically and the details reveal themselves gradually along the arcades, mihrabs and decorated surfaces. The experience is driven by the architecture itself rather than by displays or collections.
