Egypt is the religious and cultural centre of North Africa. It has a profound influence in the Arab world. The oldest and the largest mosque was erected in Cairo during the Arab invasion in North Africa.

The Mosque of Amr ibn al-As was the first mosque ever built in Egypt and Africa. It was built on the site of the tent of general Amr ibn al-As, the commander of the Muslim army. The simple-structured mosque was constructed from palm tree trunks, mud bricks and stones, and covered by a roof of wood and palm leaves. After centuries of massive reconstruction, there is nothing left from the original building remains. Yet, the mosque is still a significant landmark in Cairo.

The mosque is open for visitors when prayers are not taking place. When you sit in the carpeted open prayer hall with a dome-shaped roof watching the pious Muslims praying as well as the solemn interior structure, you may have a deeper understanding of the Islamic culture in Egypt.