Modi in Egypt: India PM visits historic 11th-century Al-Hakim mosque in Cairo

Modi expressed admiration for the intricately carved inscriptions on the walls and doorways of the mosque, which dates back to its construction in 1012.

• Shubham
• 25 June, 2023

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By: Shubham Ghosh

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (25) made a visit to Egypt’s historic Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo, which has recently been restored with the assistance of India’s Dawoodi Bohra community. He explored the mosque, which had undergone its latest restoration three months prior.

Modi is on a two-day state visit to the North African nation.

The mosque primarily serves as a venue for Friday prayers and all five obligatory prayers. The Indian leader expressed admiration for the intricately carved inscriptions on the walls and doorways of the mosque, which dates back to its construction in 1012.

Al-Hakim Mosque ranks as the fourth-oldest mosque in Cairo and the second Fatimid mosque built in the city. It spans an impressive area of 13,560 square metres, with the iconic central courtyard covering 5,000 square metres.

The Dawoodi Bohra community, originating from the Fatimids and settled in India, reportedly took up the task of renovating the mosque in 1970 and has been responsible for its maintenance ever since.

India’s Ambassador to Egypt Ajit Gupte said, “The prime minister has a very close attachment to the Bohra community, who have also been in Gujarat for many years, and it will be an occasion for him to again visit a very important religious site for the Bohra community.”

The mosque, named after Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah, the 16th Fatimid caliph, holds great significance for the Dawoodi Bohra community in terms of religious and cultural heritage.

The Dawoodi Bohra Muslims, followers of Islam, adhere to the Fatimi Ismaili Tayyibi school of thought. Originating from Egypt and later settling in Yemen, they eventually established a presence in India during the 11th century.

Modi has maintained a close and warm relationship with the Dawoodi Bohras even before assuming the prime minister’s office in 2014.

(With agency inputs)