The Ahmad al-Badawi Mosque, (Arabic: مسجد أحمد البدوي) is a mosque and shrine complex in Tanta, Egypt. The name of this mosque is derived from the Sufi mystic Ahmad al-Badawi, the founder of the Badawiyya Sufi order, who is buried in the shrine of the building. The mosque is also the largest and most-visited mosque in Tanta.
History
After the death of Ahmad al-Badawi in the 13th century, his trusted student Abd al-Mu'tal succeeded him and built a khanqah next to his grave.[1] This khanqah was eventually demolished and the site was incorporated into a mosque by the Mamluk Sultan Al-Nasir Muhammad.[2] It was further expanded by Sultan Qaytbay.[2] Years later, on the orders of Ali Bey al-Kabir, the Mamluk governor of the Ottoman Empire, a metal zarih was built around the grave of Ahmad al-Badawi.[3] In the 1960s, the mosque received a new pair of minarets and an iwan. In 1975, during the presidency of Anwar Sadat, the mosque was further expanded.[4]
Architecture
The mosque is built in the style of Mamluk architecture. Muqarnas were used in both exterior and interior designs. The mihrab of the mosque incorporates pieces of rare mosaic material.[4]
The mosque also includes a collection of his possessions, including his rosary, which is ten meters long and contains a thousand beads. His turban, garb, and wooden staff are also preserved in the private collection there.[4]
Mawlid of Ahmad al-Badawi
The birthday celebration of Ahmad al-Badawi, known as the Mawlid (Milad) is celebrated every year.[4] During this time and on Ramadan, special candies are sold at the entrance of the mosque which are sweet and named after the saint himself.[1]
See also
References
