Masajid Misr – The Mosques of Egypt from 21 (641) to 1365 (1942) – 1948 Arabic Edition

A monumental study of Islamic architecture in Egypt, covering some 62 mosques dating from the arrival of Islam in the 7th century up to the time of publication in the mid-1940s.

This is the rarer Arabic edition of the book, published a year earlier than the English version.

In two volumes, containing some 243 phototype plates, of which 27 are in colour, along with two folding maps of Cairo showing Islamic buildings. With other smaller illustrations throughout the text, plus a 44-page index.

It outlines the development and history of Islamic architecture through eight key periods, spanning not only mosques but smaller buildings and features including minarets, lamps, ornaments, woodwork, windows and more.

The book was researched in-depth from 1943, under the overall supervision of Sir Keppel Archibald Cameron Creswell (1879–1974), an English architect and historian. It not only aimed to survey the extent of Islamic architecture in the country, but also to help preserve a record of the buildings, some of which were subsequently destroyed or damaged in a 1955 earthquake. The work was commissioned by the Egyptian religious endowments ministry (Awqaf).

Illustrations include photographs, paintings and sketches, showing the interiors and exteriors of mosques, as well as individual items and artefacts. Described by Creswell as the “finest piece of book production achieved in Egypt”.

Bound in dark green cloth with gilt lettering to front boards and spines. Decorative title pages. Text in Arabic printed in red and black. In very good condition. Some minor external wear only. Clean inside with no writing.

Large folio size (43cm x 32.5cm), two volumes (76 and 148 pages).  A very heavy set that would require additional shipping charges for overseas delivery.