Cairo - Day One

"This severe architecture comes to life in the sun, with its shadow and shades of colour. I had at last found what i came to consider to be the very essence of Islamic architecture in the middle of the mosque of Ibn Tulun" (I.M. Pei)

Ibn Tulun, the oldest mosque and the largest mosque in Cairo (in terms of its site).

The central courtyard of the mosque of Ahmad Ibn Tulun in Cairo (876-879). The distinctive high domed sabil(absolutions fountain) was added in the central courtyard in the late 13th century by the Mamluk Sultan Lajin. (thanks to Philip Jodidio for the text)