Al Rifai Mosque
Al Rifai Mosque
4.5
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- LolaGo1Washington DC, District of Columbia6,633 contributionsTwo Mosques Next To Each OtherThis is one of the huge Mosques that I noted when I first arrived in Cairo. Entrance fee is 120 EGP or about US $4, cheaper than the other attractions that cost 300 EGP. The entrance fee is for both this mosque and the one next to it. There is a huge Prayer Area with chandelier, steps/ladder, beautiful walls and ceiling. There are several rooms with tombs, some with intricate carvings. Without signage and without a guide, I am not sure whose tombs belong to. Tomb of the last Shah of Iran: I asked the 3 people standing in front of this simple tomb and asked about it. Learned that it belong to King Reza Pavlavi, the last Shah of Iran. President Nasser of Egypt allowed this in the 1980s.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 21 October 2023
- betteskidBoston, Massachusetts1,326 contributionsInteresting mosqueWe visited this mosque and learned quite a bit about its history during our recent stay in Cairo. We had only visited one mosque before (in Amman) and this structure was older - from the beginning of the 20th century - and many of the Egyptian royal family are buried there. If you are in this area, it is worth a stop and easily combined with the Mosque of Sultan Hassan that is right next door and from the 14th century.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 February 2024
- Diana BIasi, Romania1,818 contributionsImpressive mosqueVery beautiful and impressive mosque near Hassan Mosque in Islamic Cairo. It is a monumental construction. Though it was built 500 years later than Hassan Mosque, they made it similar in appearance.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 29 May 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
178 reviews
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59
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9
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3
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0
LolaGo1
Washington DC, DC6,633 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
This is one of the huge Mosques that I noted when I first arrived in Cairo. Entrance fee is 120 EGP or about US $4, cheaper than the other attractions that cost 300 EGP. The entrance fee is for both this mosque and the one next to it.
There is a huge Prayer Area with chandelier, steps/ladder, beautiful walls and ceiling. There are several rooms with tombs, some with intricate carvings. Without signage and without a guide, I am not sure whose tombs belong to.
Tomb of the last Shah of Iran: I asked the 3 people standing in front of this simple tomb and asked about it. Learned that it belong to King Reza Pavlavi, the last Shah of Iran. President Nasser of Egypt allowed this in the 1980s.
There is a huge Prayer Area with chandelier, steps/ladder, beautiful walls and ceiling. There are several rooms with tombs, some with intricate carvings. Without signage and without a guide, I am not sure whose tombs belong to.
Tomb of the last Shah of Iran: I asked the 3 people standing in front of this simple tomb and asked about it. Learned that it belong to King Reza Pavlavi, the last Shah of Iran. President Nasser of Egypt allowed this in the 1980s.
Written 22 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
laczkozsu
Debrecen, Hungary2,270 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
This monumental building is stands opposite the Citadel next to Sultan Hassan Mosque. It was completed in 1912. It’s a grandiose tomb: Ismail, Farouk, the last King of Egypt and Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran are buried here. It’s worth a visit.
Written 24 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
betteskid
Boston, MA1,326 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We visited this mosque and learned quite a bit about its history during our recent stay in Cairo. We had only visited one mosque before (in Amman) and this structure was older - from the beginning of the 20th century - and many of the Egyptian royal family are buried there. If you are in this area, it is worth a stop and easily combined with the Mosque of Sultan Hassan that is right next door and from the 14th century.
Written 25 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diana B
Iasi, Romania1,818 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Very beautiful and impressive mosque near Hassan Mosque in Islamic Cairo. It is a monumental construction. Though it was built 500 years later than Hassan Mosque, they made it similar in appearance.
Written 29 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mohammed S
Cedarburg, Wisconsin, United States189 contributions
Nov 2015
Having visited many mosques during my travels, I was particularly interested in visiting the resting place of the last Shah of Iran. Although neither I am an Iranian nor a Royalist, I had remembered a documentary on TV as to how the Iranian Royalist still visit this site and take inspiration about returning the Royalist rule on the Islamic Republic.
The irony of my visit to this place was that historically when Reza Shah Pahlavi (1878-1944), father of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi (1919-1980)---{Both father and son share the same name Reza Shah} was exiled and died in 1944, his remains were interred here because the British would not allow his burial in Iran. Later when Iran became independent his son returned his father’s remains to Tehran in 1950 and built a mausoleum on his father's grave only to be destroyed by the Islamic republic in 1979.
Later Mohammad Reza Shah (the son)also died in exile following the Khomeini revolution, The son after having exiled could not find a country where he was permanently welcomed. After leaving Iran he temporarily sought refuge in Egypt, Morocco and then Panama. He was reluctantly allowed in the US for medical treatment as Iranian government relentlessly sought his extradition. It is speculated that the Iranian hostage crisis may have been precipitated by the fact that US allowed Shah to enter the US for medical treatment. Eventually, Anwar Sadat welcomed the Shah in Cairo in March of 1980 where he died a few months later. He is buried in Al-Rifai mosque where, ironically the last monarch of Egypt King Farouk is also buried. Farouk' also was exiled by the Egyptian after the Egyptian revolution of 1952.. Farouk was also Shah's brother-in-law as Shah was married o Farouk's sister Princess Fauzia, who he later divorced. Ironic, that in death both brother-in-laws have a common burial place
I can’t think the following Urdu couplet befitting the irony of this story. The last Mughal Emperor Bahadar Shah Zafar who was also poet was exiled to Rangoon in Burma where he is buried, after the British Colonial rule started in India in 1857.
He writes
کتنا ہے بد نصیب ظفر دفن کےلیئے
دو کز زمین بھی نہ میلی کوئے یار میں
Translation: ( Please note…“Zafar” if his pen-name the so called nom de guerre )
How destitute is Zafar even for being the sake of having buried
That, a place harldy two yards in size was not available (to him) in his native land.
The irony of my visit to this place was that historically when Reza Shah Pahlavi (1878-1944), father of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi (1919-1980)---{Both father and son share the same name Reza Shah} was exiled and died in 1944, his remains were interred here because the British would not allow his burial in Iran. Later when Iran became independent his son returned his father’s remains to Tehran in 1950 and built a mausoleum on his father's grave only to be destroyed by the Islamic republic in 1979.
Later Mohammad Reza Shah (the son)also died in exile following the Khomeini revolution, The son after having exiled could not find a country where he was permanently welcomed. After leaving Iran he temporarily sought refuge in Egypt, Morocco and then Panama. He was reluctantly allowed in the US for medical treatment as Iranian government relentlessly sought his extradition. It is speculated that the Iranian hostage crisis may have been precipitated by the fact that US allowed Shah to enter the US for medical treatment. Eventually, Anwar Sadat welcomed the Shah in Cairo in March of 1980 where he died a few months later. He is buried in Al-Rifai mosque where, ironically the last monarch of Egypt King Farouk is also buried. Farouk' also was exiled by the Egyptian after the Egyptian revolution of 1952.. Farouk was also Shah's brother-in-law as Shah was married o Farouk's sister Princess Fauzia, who he later divorced. Ironic, that in death both brother-in-laws have a common burial place
I can’t think the following Urdu couplet befitting the irony of this story. The last Mughal Emperor Bahadar Shah Zafar who was also poet was exiled to Rangoon in Burma where he is buried, after the British Colonial rule started in India in 1857.
He writes
کتنا ہے بد نصیب ظفر دفن کےلیئے
دو کز زمین بھی نہ میلی کوئے یار میں
Translation: ( Please note…“Zafar” if his pen-name the so called nom de guerre )
How destitute is Zafar even for being the sake of having buried
That, a place harldy two yards in size was not available (to him) in his native land.
Written 16 December 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
melansary
Cairo, Egypt77 contributions
July 2014 • Friends
and named in English the Royal Mosque), is located in Cairo, Egypt, in Midan al-Qal'a, adjacent to the Cairo Citadel. The building is located opposite the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan,This was part of a vast campaign by the 19th century rulers of Egypt to both associate themselves with the perceived glory of earlier periods in Egypt's Islamic history and modernize the city. The mosque was constructed next to two large public squares and off of several European style boulevards constructed around the same time.
Written 27 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David B
Huntsville, AL127 contributions
Sept 2019
While on an extended tour of Egypt with Memphis Tours, (The best in Egypt) , I specifically added this mosque to our itinerary. The mosque is stunningly beautiful with extremely high ceilings and spectacular inlay everywhere. I think it's one of the most beautiful in Cairo. My husbands' mother is from Iran many years ago so I wanted him to see the tomb of the Shah. There are other royal tombs here also including the tomb of Egypt's' last King, King Farouk.
Many overlook this mosque and only see the Mosque of Sultan Hassan across the street. The two places of worship are very different in style, but they were also used for different purposes. If you have any interest in Egyptian history or just want to gaze in wonder at the fantastic inlay work, don't pass this mosque up. It is beautiful and also a place of serenity and peace.
Many overlook this mosque and only see the Mosque of Sultan Hassan across the street. The two places of worship are very different in style, but they were also used for different purposes. If you have any interest in Egyptian history or just want to gaze in wonder at the fantastic inlay work, don't pass this mosque up. It is beautiful and also a place of serenity and peace.
Written 10 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LeisureZootLarry
Edmonton, Canada68 contributions
Mar 2019 • Solo
Another custom tour I booked with Emotours. Tour included this mosque, the adjacent el Sultan Hassan mosque, Nile faluka ride, Gayer Anderson Museum and Khan el Khalely bazaar.
The mosque was extremely peaceful. Mawra (my guide) patiently explained the history and meaning of various elements. I felt very fortunate to have Mawra along because as we were leaving one of the tomb areas the caretaker asked her if we would like to wait while he gave a prayer. The room was filled with his prayer song and became a very magical moment.
The next mosque was another type of experience. The mosque was more fortress like and had a minuret one could climb. Both mosques were well worth visiting.
We then proceeded to the Gayer Anderson Museum - a very unique experience. Two houses (I believe from the 17th century) occupied by a British major in the 30s and 40s. He collected all sorts of antiques. Later the buildings and collections were turned over to the Egyptian government. Make sure you see the "Secret Room for Women"!
We then proceeded to the Khan El Khalely bazaar. I never tire of this bazaar (my fourth visit this trip). Once again I was glad Mawra was along to help with the haggling!
I highly recommend Emotours and was totally happy that Mawra put this tour together for me! Also big thank-you to Andrew for driving us safely thru Cairo traffic.
The mosque was extremely peaceful. Mawra (my guide) patiently explained the history and meaning of various elements. I felt very fortunate to have Mawra along because as we were leaving one of the tomb areas the caretaker asked her if we would like to wait while he gave a prayer. The room was filled with his prayer song and became a very magical moment.
The next mosque was another type of experience. The mosque was more fortress like and had a minuret one could climb. Both mosques were well worth visiting.
We then proceeded to the Gayer Anderson Museum - a very unique experience. Two houses (I believe from the 17th century) occupied by a British major in the 30s and 40s. He collected all sorts of antiques. Later the buildings and collections were turned over to the Egyptian government. Make sure you see the "Secret Room for Women"!
We then proceeded to the Khan El Khalely bazaar. I never tire of this bazaar (my fourth visit this trip). Once again I was glad Mawra was along to help with the haggling!
I highly recommend Emotours and was totally happy that Mawra put this tour together for me! Also big thank-you to Andrew for driving us safely thru Cairo traffic.
Written 6 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Salaaar
United Kingdom606 contributions
Nov 2014 • Solo
Al Rifai is a beautiful and large mosque situated just adjacent to the Sultan Hassan Mosque. It has a series of tombs inside it like of King Farouk, Shah of Iran and lots of royal family members. Don't forget to go on the other side in the room full of tombs which lead to a series of rooms of tombs. Give some tip to the guys who open the rooms for you.
Written 17 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TopKingofKings
United Kingdom607 contributions
Mar 2013 • Family
Great mosque directly opposite Sultan Hassan Mosque . Has tombs of Al-Rifaii and nobels in this mosque but I prefer Sultan Hassan mosque although this has good decor of Islamic architecture
Written 17 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, is it possible to visit the Shah of Iran grave site? Is it open to public? If not what it would take to visit the site?
Written 14 June 2018
It is open to the public, what an amazing place too!!!
Written 15 June 2018
Is the visit to resting place if Mohamad Reza shah allowed to public?
Also is it allowed around his memorial day when there is ceremony?
Written 11 February 2017
Yes it is open to the public but I do not know the opening hours. I have no information about the ceremony.
Written 11 February 2017
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