Magical Architecture of the Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha

by Mark Tisdale

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Magical Architecture of the Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha

Artist

Mark Tisdale

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Photograph - Photo

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The 19th century Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha was one of my last stops in Cairo, but it was definitely last but far from least. As we walked through The Citadel to see it, I can remember not being incredibly enthusiastic. We'd seen so much so fast during my Egyptian adventure that I suppose I was on a bit of a mental overload. Yet, I'll never forget walking inside the Alabaster Mosque and positively marveling at its over the top beauty.

I truly think that the Alabaster Mosque has to be among the pinnacle of Ottoman Architecture. It just felt like the epitome of exotic and baroque. The soaring spaces, the marvelous ornamentation. My mind still boggles at how much work must have gone into it and must go into it to preserve it today.

What I especially fell in love with was the elaborate lighting that felt like stars hanging in a dark sky against the far away domed ceiling. Amazing isn't it?

Sometimes the inspiration for a particular angle is entirely accidental. We were sitting on the floor listening to the history of the mosque, etc. from a guide when I happened to lean backwards and looked over my shoulder at this view. A second later I had quietly pulled my camera out with its ultra wide fisheye lens. I had to take in the entirey of this view from the floor complete with the hum of life of all the people visiting the mosque. I look at this and almost feel as if I'm sitting in the Mosque of Muhammad Ali once more.

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February 19th, 2013

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