Mahmoud Mukhtar was born on May 10, 1891 in a village called Tonbara, in the Gharbiya Governorate, central Delta. His father, Sheikh Ibrahim al- Issawi, was the mayor of his home village.

Then his family moved to another village near Mansoura. There he lived as a peasant boy, nurturing dreams of childhood, playing on Nile and making mud statues.

In 1902, he moved to Cairo, where he lived in Darb Al Gamameez district, where traders, artisans lived side by side. Living in this area, Mukhtar learned more than he did from school education. This atmosphere was vividly reflected in his works.

In 1908, the private University and School of Fine Arts were established, thanks to the encouragement of prince Youssof Kamal. Mukhtar joined this school, where his talent was cultivated.

Upon the recommendation of his French professor La Plani, Mukhtar was sent to Paris to further his study. There, his attention was drawn to the rich heritage of the ancient Pharaonic civilization.