Summary

• The Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque in Alexandria stands as a tribute to the 13th-century Sufi saint Abu Abbas Al Mursi and was initially constructed in 1775 A.D. over his tomb.
• It became a significant pilgrimage destination for Muslims, attracting pilgrims from Egypt and Morocco on their way to Mecca, drawn to the saintly aura associated with Abu Abbas Al Mursi.
• Over time, the mosque underwent several renovations and expansions, including a significant rebuilding in the 1940s by King Farouq the First, adopting a 13th-century Arabian architectural style.
• Known for its distinctive 13th-century Arabic architecture, the mosque boasts an octagonal design, intricate mosaics, woodwork, marble floors, and ornate decorations, reflecting Moroccan and Andalusian influences.
• The mausoleum within the mosque, built over Abu Abbas Al Mursi’s tomb, remains a revered sanctuary attracting both locals and tourists seeking spiritual solace and reflection.
• Abu El Abbas El Mursi’s legacy is deeply rooted in Sufi tradition, making the mosque an essential site for Muslims paying respects and seeking blessings, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Alexandria.

Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque is one of the most mesmerizing destinations in Alexandria. The mosque of Morsi Abu El Abbas is very well-known to be one of the oldest constructions, as it was first built in 1775 A.D. It is dedicated to the 13th-century Sufi saint Abu Abbas Al Mursi (1219-1286).

The mosque currently stands on a mosque square overlooking the eastern harbor, where It was rebuilt many times over the years. Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque was built over the tomb of Al Musi Abu Al-Abbas who was an Islamic scholar and a teacher.

Who Is Morsi Abu EL Abbas?

Morsi Abu EL Abbas was born in the Andalusia region of Spain in 1219 to a wealthy Muslim family that left for Tunisia because of the rise of Christian control of Spain; he and his family left for Alexandria, which was a popular destination for many Muslim scholars during that era.

He lived in Alexandria for 43 years until his death in 1286 and was buried in a small construction near the eastern heron, which was later turned into a huge mausoleum and a mosque. Every year, a festival takes place to celebrate him.

The History of Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque

The Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque gained a massive amount of fame as it became a place of pilgrimage for many Muslims from Egypt and Morocco who passed through Alexandria on their way to and from Mecca.

Many people viewed him as a saint and built their tombs next to him or enlarged his building so they could get some of his grace, such as Algerian Sheikh Abu el Hassan El Maghrebi, who built a much larger mosque on the same site that was renovated in 1863.

The mosque was once again enlarged and renovated in a 13th-century Arabian style architecture in 1943 by King Farouq the First, who built the Mosque Square, which covers 43,200 square meters and includes five other mosques centered around the main mosque that can be seen clearly from the sea.

Location of Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque

The Mosque of Abu El Abbas El Mursi was erected in 1775 by Algerians and holds special significance as it was built atop the tomb of the revered 13th-century Andalusian saint Ahmed Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi. Known for his devout Sufi practice and leadership within the Shadhali brotherhood, this mosque stands proudly on Mosque Square in the Anfoushi neighborhood of Alexandria, with a direct view over the eastern harbor in Alexandria.

Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque Architecture

The mosque is famous for its unique 13th-century Arabic style of architecture with a height of 23 m and an octagonal design with internal walls dressed in artificial stone, a soaring central tower that reaches 73m, and a hypnotic interior with mesmerizing mosaics, tiling, and woodwork.

The mosque contains a magical high ceiling decorated with arabesque and a beautiful octagonal skylight which is surrounded by four domes placed over the four mausoleums within the complex.

The floors are paved in white marble, the windows are made carved from walnut, teak, and citron, and the minbar is capped by a dome that holds verses from the Quran written at the top with French gold. The mihrab is decorated with two columns of Egyptian granite, written on them in Kufic Arabic calligraphy, with the name of Muhammad.

Mausoleum of Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque

El Sheikh Zein El Din Ibn El Qattan was a wealthy trader from Alexandria who paid homage to the esteemed Muslim scholar Abu El Abbas El Mursi by commissioning the construction of a mausoleum and dome over his tomb in 1307 AD. He also funded the creation of a mosque featuring a small square minaret and appointed an Imam for it. The mausoleum was respectfully positioned beneath the dome to the right of the entrance.

Over time, this mosque and tomb became a sacred pilgrimage site for Muslims traveling to and from Mecca, particularly those from Morocco and Egypt, seeking spiritual solace during their Hej voyage. The mausoleum within the Mosque of Abu El Abbas El Mursi remains a revered sanctuary. Its ornate decorations and spiritual ambiance attract both locals and tourists, serving as a cherished place for contemplation, honoring the teachings, and commemorating the legacy of Abu El Abbas El Mursi.

Interesting Facts about Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque

• The mosque is named after a revered Sufi saint, “Abu El Abbas El Mursi” who hailed from Andalusia and settled in Alexandria in the 13th century. It was rebuilt & renovated many times across history until it reached its current form in 1945.
• The mosque reflects stunning Islamic architectural elements. Its design combines both Moroccan and Andalusian styles, showcasing intricate decorations, ornate domes, and minarets adorned with Islamic geometric patterns.
• Abu El Abbas El Mursi is highly regarded in the Sufi tradition, and his tomb is housed within the mosque. It’s an important site for many Muslims, who visit to pay their respects and seek blessings.