Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum > Records

First World War Postcard of The Interior of The Mosque of Amrou, Cairo

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1900 - 1919

Overview

A black and white postcard depicting columns and arches that make up the interior of a mosque. There are at least 20 columns lining either side of a walkway each being the base of arches that make up the roof of the area. There are also struts that might be wood or metal. that join the top of the columns across the walkway. There are two men standing in the walkway. The postcard is in good condition with just some general dirt on the back. The side edge has perforations that suggest it was separated from another card. The front is printed with a description of the image, and the reverse has proforma printing.

Historical information

The Mosque of Amrou (more commonly known as the Mosque Amr ibn al-As) is one of the most important historical landmarks in Egypt and the first mosque ever built in both Egypt and Africa. Founded in 641 AD in the ancient city of Fustat it has evolved significantly over 1400 years. It began as a small little mosque and grew over time to become known as the “Crown of Mosques.” The mosque has been expanded and restored several times during history and at the time this image was likely taken had fallen into some disrepair.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-12-2022.1.183

Themes

War and Conflict > World War 1

Material

Card

Width

136 mm

Height or length

87 mm

Inscriptions and markings

In machine printing on the front “CAIRO. – The interior of the mosque of Amrou. On the reverse “POST CARD / EGYPT / L.C. - 153 / LE CAIRE. – L’interieur de la mosquee d’Amrou.”

Keywords

First World War

Egypt

Place made

Egypt

Year

1900 - 1919

Primary significance criteria

Historic significance

Comparative significance criteria

Interpretive capacity

Well provenanced