Architectural Complex of Ahmed Pasha al-Menshawy in Tanta 1322 – 1328 H / 1904 - 1909 A.D Dr. Bousy M. Zidan Faculty of Tourism and Hotels - Suez Canal University - Egypt Abstract This research focuses on ″the architectural complex of Ahmed pasha al-Menshawy in Tanta″ as one of religious tourism landmarks. It dates back to 14 th century H / 20 th century A.D and consists of a mosque and an annexed sepulcher. This complex overlooks al-Bahr Street. Construction work was done during the reign of Egypt’s khedive Abas Helmy II. This research also deals with the founder’s biography - Ahmed Pasha al- Menshawy- who was one of great owners of arable lands with the largest share of its income given away for charitable causes. This is followed by architectural and decorative description of the complex. The mosque has four identical facades; the north-west is the main one; it encloses the main entrance, the minaret occupies its right side corner. However; the annexed sepulcher occupies the southern corner of the south west façade. Finally,This research aims to: 1. Illuminate on the architectural and decorative description of the complex. 2. Modify the religious tourism map in Tanta by incorporating this complex as a new landmark which is106 years and is still in a good condition and worth to visit. Introduction This research deals with the complex (the mosque and the annexed sepulcher) of Ahmed Pasha al- Menshawy; its location, date of construction, biography of the founder, architectural and decorative description of the complex, followed by its touristic importance. Location This complex stands in al-Bahr Street in Tanta city. Founder This mosque and its sepulcher were erected by Ahmed Pasha 1 al-Menshawy who was famous for spending much money – nearly million pounds- in charitable ways. He owned many waqfs most of which were destined for expending on thirty kuttāb-s in cities and villages where his waqfs are in addition to the expenses for teachers and muhafezeen of the Holy Quran. Moreover, he designated 5 piasters as a reward for the one who memorized the whole Quran. Ahmed Pasha al-Menshawy was one of the great owners of arable lands with the largest share of its income spent on Azhari institutes 2 . Moreover, before his death he donated on 10 th of June 1903 A.D 400 pounds for the erection of a madrassa to an Islamic charitable organization in Tanta. 3 Erection supervisor According to a foundation text over the prayer niche; this mosque was known as the waqf of Ahmed Pasha al-Menshawy; supervised by his waqfs’ inspector Basuony bek al-Khateeb and his wife Fatma. The text also contains the name of Ahmed Bek Ezzy; the engineer who made up the mosque’s design and supervised construction works. 4 Date of construction This mosque was constructed by the order of Ahmed Pasha al-Menshawy who – as recorded over the sepulcher annexed to the mosque - died in 1322 H / 1904 A.D. Construction works were commenced in 1326 H / 1908 A.D and accomplished during the reign of khedive Abas Helmy II. I- The mosque’s architectural description 1- Facades The mosque had four façades mostly identical in monumental divisions and in simple inclinations in