Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum > Records

First World War Black and White Photograph of the Chandelier Inside of Muhammad Ali Mosque, Cairo

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1915 - 1919

Overview

A small black and white photograph showing the large chandelier located inside of the mosque in Cairo. The image is dark but the ornate chandelier can be seen clearly hanging from the roof of the dome.
The reverse of the image has the proforma printing of part of a postcard and an inscription. The photograph has a small border and is in good condition.

Historical information

The prayer hall of the Mohammad Ali Mosque is lavishly decorated with golden calligraphy, red carpets, and stained-glass windows. A massive chandelier—originally a gift from France—hangs from the central dome. A three year restoration project of the chandelier was completed in 2022.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-12-2022.1.72

Item type

Photographs

Themes

War and Conflict > World War 1

Material

Photo Paper

Width

88 mm

Height or length

66 mm

Inscriptions and markings

On the reverse in machine printing “CARD / ADDRESS ONLY” with “Chandoliers inside / Mohommed Ally Mosk / Cairo” written in black ink.

Contextual information

On evacuation from Gallipoli, troops returned to Heliopolis where they undertook training. During this time days off were allowed to visit Cairo. As mentioned in the war diary of C.S.M Clark of the 14th Company of the Australian Service Corps, 17 November 1915-19 May 1916. “3 January 16 - I obtained the Day off & in the morning hired a Gahrie & drove out to the Citadel. ….. The first one visited is called the Citadel & is built on the side of a huge hill overlooking Old Cairo, …………. The height of the various domes are 300ft high & there are balconies running right throughout the whole Ceiling. The Ceiling is lead picked out with Gold paint & it looks glorious. Hanging from the ceiling there are myriads of Chandeliers each one being lighted up 3 times a Year.”

Keywords

First World War

Australian Light Horse Regiment

Place made

Egypt

Year

1915 - 1919

Primary significance criteria

Historic significance

Social or spiritual significance

Comparative significance criteria

Interpretive capacity