Ahmad al-Badawi Mosque
The Ahmad al-Badawi Mosque is a Sufi mosque and shrine complex in Tanta, in the Gharbia Governorate of Egypt. The mosque's name is derived from the Sufi mystic Ahmad al-Badawi, the founder of the Badawiyya Sufi order, who is buried in the shrine of the building. The mosque is also the largest and most-visited mosque in Tanta.
History
After the death of Ahmad al-Badawi in the 13th century CE, his trusted student Abd al-Mu'tal succeeded him and built a khanqah next to his grave. This khanqah was eventually demolished and the site was incorporated into a mosque by the Mamluk Sultan Al-Nasir Muhammad. It was further expanded by Sultan Qaytbay. Years later, on the orders of Ali Bey al-Kabir, the Mamluk governor of the Ottoman Empire, a metal zarih was built around the grave of Ahmad al-Badawi. In the 1960s, the mosque received a new pair of minarets and an iwan. In 1975, during the presidency of Anwar Sadat, the mosque was further expanded.
Architecture
Built in the Mamluk style, muqarnas were used in both exterior and interior design of the mosque. The mihrab incorporates pieces of rare mosaic material. The mosque also includes a collection of his possessions, including his rosary, which is long and contains a thousand beads. His turban, garb, and wooden staff are also preserved in the mosque's private collection.
Mawlid of Ahmad al-Badawi
The birthday celebration of Ahmad al-Badawi, known as the Mawlid is celebrated every year. During this time and on Ramadan, special sweet candies, named after the saint, are sold at the entrance of the mosque.