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This mosque is known locally as the Mosque of Abu Hurayra or Hariba as it contains the tomb of the 19C Sheikh Abu Hurayra who was buried here in 1852.
Patron: Sayf al-Din Qijmas al-Ishaqi al-Dhahiri, viceroy of Damascus under Qāytbāy (Abu al-Nasr Sayf al-Din al-Ashraf Qāytbāy (the restored)) c.1416/1418-1496, Burji (Circassian) Mamluk Sultan of Egypt (r.1468–1496).
Islamic Monument #114
Moschea di al-Husayn
È considerato uno dei principali santuari islamici del Cairo
It's considered one of the main Islamic shrines in Cairo
30°02′52″N 31°15′47″E
From AI:
Ward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, located at 420 17th St, Cairo, IL 62914, is a historic cornerstone of Cairo’s African American community, recognized for its significant role in the Underground Railroad, the Civil Rights Movement, and community development. Below is a detailed overview based on available information:
Historical Background
Founding and Dedication: Organized in 1863, Ward Chapel was the first Black church in Cairo. It was dedicated on August 19, 1875, by Bishop Wayman of Baltimore, Maryland, with notable clergy like Rev. B.F. Tanner in attendance. The dedication drew a large crowd, with an estimated 600–700 attendees, including 200 white visitors, reflecting its community significance.
Reconstruction After Fire: A fire destroyed the original building in 1916, but the congregation rebuilt, completing the current structure in 1918. A pipe organ, purchased in 1929, remains inside, symbolizing the church’s resilience.
Underground Railroad: Cairo’s strategic location at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers made it a key gateway during the Civil War. Ward Chapel is believed to have served as a station on the Underground Railroad, helping enslaved people escape to freedom in Chicago or further north. While documentation is scarce, oral histories, like that of Richard Hayes from Bethel A.M.E. in Carbondale, affirm its role.
Civil Rights Significance
Ward Chapel was a hub for Civil Rights activities in Cairo, a city marked by racial tensions and systemic racism:
1945: Black Cairo School District teachers and the NAACP strategized at the church for pay equality.
1962: The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) conducted nonviolent protest trainings and organized sit-ins at businesses and public facilities, with Ward Chapel as a base.
1969–1971: The church supported a three-year economic boycott of white-owned businesses in Cairo to combat discriminatory practices.
1970: The “Flying Black Medics,” a group of doctors and nurses from Chicago, operated a medical clinic in the church’s basement to provide healthcare to Black Cairoites.
Notable Visitors: In the 1960s, civil rights leaders like John Lewis held training sessions in the basement, and Rev. Jesse Jackson spoke to the congregation, underscoring the church’s role as a center for activism.
Current Condition and Preservation Efforts
Structural Challenges: The church is in poor condition, with extensive damage rendering it unusable for regular services. It requires significant renovation, with restoration costs estimated at a minimum of $2.5 million, likely higher due to the goal of preserving original elements like the masonry entry, bell tower, stained glass windows, and light fixtures.
Preservation Initiatives: The Cairo Historical Preservation Project (TCHPP), founded in 2021, is leading efforts to restore Ward Chapel.
Future Vision: Plans involve transforming Ward Chapel into a social justice museum and community meeting space while preserving its historic features. An ADA-compliant entrance on the east side and additional parking are proposed, with an addition at the back for museum and meeting facilities. The church will no longer serve solely as a place of worship but as a community resource.
Additional Details
Architecture: The 1918 building features a masonry entry and bell tower, with historic stained glass windows and light fixtures targeted for restoration. The proposed exterior design, unveiled at the 2023 Cairo Magnolia Celebration, balances preservation with modern accessibility.
Location Context: Cairo, in Alexander County, is often called a “ghost town” due to population decline, but Ward Chapel’s preservation is part of broader efforts to revitalize the city’s historic identity. Its proximity to sites like the Custom House, Magnolia Manor, and the Cairo Public Library underscores its place in the city’s heritage.
Vicksburg NMP, MS
