Al-Radwaniya Mosque a masterpiece that must be restored

CAIRO – 12 June 2017: Al-Radwaniya Mosque is one of the archaeological mosques in the city of Damietta. It is an architectural masterpiece, but suffers from high humidity and many cracks in its walls.

Reda Ramadan, director of the Department of Islamic Antiquities in Damietta, said the mosque was last renovated in 1992 at a cost of LE one million ($55,000). The renovations included the installation of insulation in the walls and floors to protect them from underground water, especially as the mosque is located directly on the Nile.

“The mosque is safe from the architectural side but suffers from a slight lean,” Ramadan said. “The report from the engineering department of the Ministry of Antiquities said the mosque is safe because the degree of the lean is very small.”

The mosque, and the school beside it, were built in the era of Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qalawun. It is one of the most famous archaeological Islamic mosques in Damietta. It was renewed by Radwan Gurbagi in 1039 AH (1629 AD).

The mosque consists of opposite Iiwans similar to the traditional Islamic school system, in which mosques provide tuition. The eastern and western sections have a decorative wooden ceiling, and the dome is built on four columns about 20 meters high, as was the style of the Mamluk dynasty; despite being built during the Ottoman rule of Egypt.

Damietta is famous for a number of archaeological mosques with unique heritage such as Amr Ibn Al-a’as, Al-Maainy and Al-Hadidi Mosques which unfortunately suffer from neglect.


Al-Radwaniya Mosque - File photo


Al-Radwaniya Mosque - File photo


Al-Radwaniya Mosque - File photo