The new architecture included expanding the prayer square, strengthening the dome, and changing the ceilings, after the mosque was exposed to a fire in June 2007, and during that restoration.

During construction, columns and lintels appeared bearing ancient Egyptian writings from the time of Pharaoh Ramesses II.

The site therefore has seen 3400 years of continuous religious use, making the Luxor Temple the oldest building in the world at least partially still in use, for purposes other than archeological or tourist use.

Inside the mosque, the descendants of el-Haggag hold a council known as Al-Dayem, raise religious chanting, sing prophetic praises and read the Qur’an.

Ahmed Abu Haggag, an organiser of the event, has stated: “The mawlid celebrations feature ancient rituals and customs that are greatly intertwined with the pharaonic festivals”.