Ahmad ibn Tulun was a prominent 9th-century Muslim ruler and the founder of the Tulunid dynasty in Egypt. Born in 835 CE, he was of Turkish descent and served as a governor under the Abbasid Caliphate. He established his own independent rule in Egypt, which lasted from 868 to 884 CE, and is known for his administrative reforms and military prowess. Ibn Tulun is also recognized for his contributions to architecture, most notably the construction of the Ahmad ibn Tulun Mosque in Cairo. This mosque is one of the oldest in Egypt and showcases unique architectural features, reflecting the cultural and artistic influences of the time.