The mosque was built during the first years of the Islamic conquest of Egypt by Amr Ibn El Aas. History reveals that the mosque was converted into a church two times: during the Crusade occupation and during the campaign of Napoleon. Since no restoration was performed to the mosque since the 19th century, it is now in ruins. The plan of the mosque consists of an open courtyard, surrounded by 4 porticos, the biggest of which contains the Mihrab (that marks the direction to Mecca). The pillars of the porticos are made of granite and marble; and the ceiling is of wood. Cheek by jowl with the mosque, are the tombs of the martyr Muslim soldiers who died during the Crusades.