the mosque, and rise to 82 meters. The use of this style, combined with the presence of two minarets and multiple half-domes surrounding the central dome — features reserved for mosques built on the authority of the Sultan — were a defiant declaration of de facto Egyptian independence. The main material is limestone likely sourced from the Great Pyramids of Giza but the lower storey and forecourt is tiled with alabaster up to 11,3 meters. The external facades are severe and angular and rise about four storeys until the level of the lead-covered domes. The mihrab on the southeastern wall is three storeys high and covered with a semicircular dome. There are two arcades on the second storey, rising on columns and covered with domes. Although there are three entrances on each side of the forecourt, the usual entry is through the northeastern gate. The forecourt measures 50x50 meters. It is enclosed by arched riwaks rising on pillars and covered by domes. There is a monumental tower clock in the middle of the northwestern riwak, which was presented to Muhammad Ali by King Louis Philippe of France around 1836–1840. The clock was reciprocated with the obelisk of Luxor now standing in Place de la Concorde in Paris. It is a very simple tower clock with three trains, and no remontoire. The interior has a measure of 41x41 meters and gives a great feeling of space. The use of two levels of domes gives a much greater sense of space than there actually is. The central dome rises on four arches standing on colossal piers. There are four semicircular domes around the central dome. There are four smaller domes on the corners as well. The domes are painted and embellished with motifs in relief. The walls and pillars are covered with alabaster up to 11 meters high. Gallery See also Lists of mosques List of mosques in Africa List of mosques in Egypt List of mosques in Cairo Islamic art Islamic architecture Ottoman architecture List of mausolea References External links Mosques in Cairo Ottoman mosques in Egypt Alabaster Mosque buildings with domes Religious buildings and structures completed in 1848 1848 establishments in Egypt