Activities in Islamic Egypt

Al Hakim mosque Cairo Egypt tours, booking, prices, reviews

Al Hakim mosque Cairo also known as Al-Jam`e Al-Anwar. In fact, Al Hakim mosque is the second largest Fatimid mosque in Cairo. The name of Al Hakim bi-Amr Allah means “Ruler by God’s Command”. He known to many by his eccentric dictatorial and eccentric decrees. At one point he declared himself a divine entity. Al Hakim went off on a mysterious one way ride to al-Muqattam hills and never returned. In fact, the building of the mosque started in 990 by the Caliph Al Aziz Billah. He is son of the famous Khalifa Al Moez Lideen Allah Al Fatimy. Wood cutters, their camels, mules, carts and wood logs banned from treading the street. This is To secure serenity and solemnity during the Fatimid Era. Moreover, streets lit all night by lanterns. Lanterns hung on the facades of buildings and shops.

In fact, the building served as a prison for captive Crusaders. It served also as Napoleon’s warehouse and Salah al-Din’s stable. Moreover, Al Hakim mosque served also as a lamp factory and a boys’ elementary school under Nasser. It was when a basketball court marked off in the courtyard. Napoleon’s soldiers left the mosque in a bad state and it fell into disrepair. In fact, it was at the end of the 18th century. It later revived during the reign of Khedive Tawfik. The foundation for the first Islamic Museum before that museum relocated to Bab Al Khalq in 1903. The first time to use the mosque as a mosque was in 1452. In fact, the mosque stood outside the enclosure walls of Fatimid Cairo. It was until Badr Al Gamali rebuilt the Northern Wall.

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This is to include the the mosque within the boundaries of the enclosed city. This is a good example of a congregational mosque. It was typical to early Islamic architecture. Al Hakim mosque constructed of brick with stone facades and minarets. It covers about the same area as the Ibn Tulun Mosque. Al Hakim has an irregular rectangular plan with a rectangular central. It has also open courtyard surrounded by arcades. They are supported by compound piers with a prayer hall. The arcades also carried on compound piers. The front facade on the north given a central projecting monumental portal. In fact, the mosque has three domes and a central nave in the qibla prayer hall. It is higher and wider than the lateral aisles with a basilica disposition. The termination of this aisle at the mihrab marked by a dome and carried on squinches.

The domes mark the outer corners of the prayer hall as well. Al Hakim mosque’s two corner minarets are different in shape and decoration. They encased in projecting trapezoidal stone structures. That project into the street, during the reign of Al Hakim in 1002-3 AC. These minarets are the oldest surviving minarets in Cairo as they stand at the outer walls of the mosque. In fact, the bases are original. Furthermore, they seen inside the buttresses. The tops replaced in 1303 by Baybars II Al Gashankir. It was during the Mumluk period after an earthquake destroyed the upper stories. Baybars was also responsible for the mabkhara finials. He was also responsible for poly-chrome marble which faces mihrab. In fact, it is in the qibla wall to the right of the main mihrab.

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An interior staircase leads to the city’s ramparts and a rampart walk that date from the 12th century. Al Hakim built his mosque in the tradition of the Great mosque of Qairawan in Tunisia. The original decorations remains after a restoration by an Ismaili Shii sect. Al Hakim mosque has encased in marble and only the wooden tie-beams. Stucco carvings in the clerestory and Quranic inscriptions remain of the original decorations. Every Friday, the mosque hosts hordes of worshipers. They head for it weekly. They perform their midday prayers, and to give the mosque its fame. In fact, it is the most crowded mosque of Old Cairo.

Al Azhar mosque Cairo Egypt tours, booking, prices, reviews

Al Azhar mosque Cairo is the first Islamic university which built in Cairo around 1000 years ago. Moreover, Al Azhar mosque in Cairo was the official mosque which has the Friday prayers. In fact, it built by the great Fatimid army leader and the builder of Cairo, Gawhar El Seqelly. It was due to the orders of the Fatimid Caliph, Al Mui’z le Din Allah. The building of Azhar mosque started in the year 970 AD. In fact, it finished three years afterwards in 972 AD. The objects behind building was to make it the official mosque of Cairo. It is the same as Amr Ib Al Aas Mosque and the Ahmed Ibn Tulun mosque. Al Azhar mosque in Cairo established to be an educational institution. That is to teach Shiite teachings and spread it all over the country.

Architectural description of Al Azhar mosque in Cairo:

The old area of Azhar mosque was only half the area it has now. New buildings, and restorations done during all the following eras made it as it shape now. The early mosque of Al Azhar consisted of three iwnas, prayers halls, and a Sahn. Sahn is an open air courtyard. The gate of the mosque located in the mosque’s Western walls. This section contained a simple Fatimid minaret. It decorated with Kofy Islamic writings and plant ornaments. They are the only remaining feature of the ancient mosque that is still available now.

The old Mihrab of the mosque decorated with ornaments and Kofi writings of Quran. There is also a Mamluk style dome. In fact, the dome goes back to the 15th century which took the place of the Fatimid dome. The mosque of Al Azhar had three gates in its Northern, southern, and western walls. The original Minnbar built by Gawher El Seqqely. In fact, it was then transferred to Al Hakim mosque.

Al Azhar Mosque Cairo in the Fatimid period:

In fact, Al Azhar mosque went through a lot of changes in the Fatimid period. Al Hakim be’amr Allah added 27 amazing lamps to the mosque. The lamps made of silver. What remains of the works of Al Hakim is a small wooden door. The decorated with Kufi writings which was the dominant decoration feature of this era. In 1125, the Fatimid ruler Al Amer be’ahkam Allah established a Mihrab for Al Azhar mosque in Cairo. It made out of the Aro Turkish wood which decorated with a lot of plant and geometric shapes. Fatimid Caliph, Al Hafez Le Dine Allah wanted to expand the area of the mosque. In fcat, it was In 1149 AC. He added some space to the Sahn of the mosque. He also added some decorations to the walls of the mosque and it built out of plaster.

Al Azhar Mosque Cairo in the Mamluk period:

In 1266 AD, Al Zaher Baybars ordered to build a Minbar. Nothing remains of it except its historical building note which now kept in the museum in Algeria. The Tabrisy Madrasa which is Islamic teaching institution built by Baybars Khazendar. He was the army commander in the reign of Al Nasser Mohamed Ibn Qalaun. It is to right hand when you enter the Al Azhar mosque. This added a bigger space to the mosque. It hosted Islamic teachings classes and also had a large Islamic books library. The Afghaweya Madrasa built in 1340 AD. It located on the left hand side of the entrance. Moreover, it hosts the library of Al Azhar in the present time. Al Gawhareya Madrasa built in the Eastern Southern section of the mosque, is a small Madrasa. It consists of four Iwans and a small Sahn.

Al Azhar mosque Cairo in the Ottoman era:

In fact, the mosque had a lot of building works in the Ottoman era. The biggest and most important building work done by the Amir Abdel Rahman Katkhuda in 1753 AD. He expanded the area of the mosque by adding a Riwaq behind the Mihrab. It built on a higher level than the whole mosque. He also added a new Minbar and Mihrab. Katkhuda added two great gates as well. The first one is in the Southern wall. It called the Sa’ayda gate. The Shroba gate is in the Eastern section of the mosque. Furthermore,  a minaret added beside it.

Katkhuda was also responsible for building the beautiful Western gate. It is now the main entrance of the mosque. The mosque also restored by the supreme council of antiquities in the modern time. Al Azhar as a mosque and as an educational institution has played a major role in the whole Egyptian history. It is especially in fighting the French and British occupation.

Al Azhar University:

It is the largest and most important Islamic teaching institution in the whole world. It is the second modern university to built in history. Islamic teaching in Al Azhar University transformed from Shiite teaching to Sunni teaching. In fact, it started in the Fatimid era. It is still one of the most important education institutions in Egypt and in the whole world.

Al Ghouri complex Cairo Egypt tours, booking, prices, reviews

Al Ghouri complex Cairo built as a funerary complex established by Sultan Qansuh Al Ghouri. In fact, Al Ghouri complex built between 1503 and 1504. It was in the Fahhamin quarter on Al Mu’izz street in Islamic Cairo. There was a clear decline in the quality of craftsmanship. Moreover, it was particularly in stone carving and marble inlay during his reign. The complex indeed is an interesting architectural composition. It built on both sides of a street. In this regard, they form one of the most impressive hyphen, or double ensembles in Cairo. The western side in the complex includes a Friday madrasa and mosque. They built on the Qa’a plan. The eastern side of Al Ghouri complex Cairo includes a Khanqah and mausoleum as well as a Sabil kuttab.

In fact, Qansuh Al Ghouri was the next to last Mamluk sultan. Moreover, he was the last to enjoy a reign of any duration between 1500 and 1516 AD. Al Ghouri seems to have an energetic fellow who was still playing polo in his 70s. Furthermore, he was also a somewhat arbitrary depot who could be cruel and superstitious. Al Ghouri appears to have taken his responsibilities and was a great builder. He also loved flowers and music. Moreover, he wrote poetry and attracted to Sufi and other pious men. He died (some say of a heart attack) fighting the Ottoman Turks outside Aleppo. He followed the defection of Amir Khayrbak in the midst of the battle. His body never found. His tomb was thus occupied by his successor the unfortunate Tumanbay. Tumanbay buried in the courtyard of Al Ghoury complex behind the mausoleum.

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The madrasa at the complex inaugurated on the eve of the Feast of the Sacrifice. Feast of the Sacrifice called Eid Al Adha in Arabic language. It was in May 1503 with a great banquet which attended by the Abbasid Caliph Mustamsek. Mustamsek was the chief judges of the four orthodox rites. The madrasa and mosque at Al Ghouri complex Cairo built in the late Mamluk cruciform style. They inspired by Qaitbay’s Mausoleum and Madrasa. But they are larger in scale and their details are less elegant. The western facade of the complex has a trilobed stalactite portal. It also has a tiraz band and a minaret projecting at its south edge. The minaret of the complex is atypical of this period. Mamluk minarets consist of square, octagonal and round layers.

This four story minaret is rectangular from top to bottom with arched panels on each side. The top of Al Ghouri complex had four bulbs instead of just one. They made of brick covered with green tiles. In 1505, the minaret was leaning. It reconstructed and the upper part made with bricks covered with blue faience tiles. The present top with five bulbs is a modern addition and a misrepresentation of the original one. There were already minarets with double bulbs such as those at Qanibay Al Rammah mosque. When Muhammad Bey Abu Al Dahab built his Mosque, he crowned its minaret with five bulbs. The red and white checkerboard squares that adorn the minaret actually painted on. There is distinctive poly-chrome marble dado. It flagging laid in geometric patterns and gilt.

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It painted wood paneling. There is a central sunken and open courtyard which surrounded by four Iwans. The two largest of the Iwans have Moorish arches. The smaller two have raised arches. The interior paved and paneled with black and white marble. Stone carving covers the walls but it is of poor quality, shallow and repetitive. The stalactites that frame the upper walls of the covered courtyard, underneath the skylight. The Khanqah and mausoleum of Al Ghouri complex function as a cultural center today. The Khanqah is a religious hostel for Sufi monks. The facade of the khanqah and mausoleum also has a trilobed stalactite portal and a tiraz band. On its northern edge a sabil-kuttab projects into the street with three facades.

The interior of the sabil-kuttab is decorative, with marble floors. The ceiling supported by rounded, painted and gilt beams. From the vestibule of Al Ghouri complex Cairo, the funeral chamber is on the right. To the left is a prayer hall with three Iwans which distributed around the raised. They covered part of a lantern. The mausoleum of the complex was on the south side of the interior. Now it has only its rectangular base and transition zone of the dome. The dome made of brick and covered over with green tiles. It collapsed at the beginning of the 1900s. Actually, the dome had been unstable from the beginning. It rebuilt three times during Al Ghouri’s lifetime. The builder never got it right. The mausoleum dome of Imam Shafi’i also covered at one time with green tiles. It was perhaps after Al Ghouri’s restoration.

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The transition zone of Al Ghouri complex made of stone pendentives. Perhaps the most interesting feature here the carved surface of the wall. The marble slabs that once decorated the madrasa, having confiscated by Al Ghouri. It was from someone else in the first place. They were in turn confiscated and taken to Istanbul by Selim I in 1517. On the left or north side of the entrance vestibule is a qa’a, which here called a khanqah. No living units attached to it. Earlier Khanqahs did provide housing for Sufi. This one was increasing rare during the late Mamluk period. The Waqf deed states that Sufi should have their meetings there. It does not refer to any living accommodations provided for them. There are a few living units attached to the madrasa across the street. It was student housing those the foundation deed does not mention teaching activities.

These structures are an example of a royal religious foundation. They are with facades which not adjusted to the street alignment. In fact, they instead make an angle, leaving the space between the two facades widening into a sort of square. The square of Al Ghouri complex is semi-enclosed at the north ends. Moreover, it is by the projection of the Sabil-Kuttab of the mausoleum. At the south end is by the projection of the minaret of the madrasa. The square rented for market stalls. It was the income which contributed to Al Ghouri’s endowment of the foundation. At one time, the square roofed over. And when David Roberts drew the square in 1839, it was a silk market.

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In fact, this support continues even today. Moreover, there are still shops here on both sides of the street. The rend now collected by the Ministry of Waqfs. Furthermore, it used in maintaining the religious buildings and their personnel. In fact, Al Ghouri himself never buried in his mausoleum. Several others buried before the sultan’s death. The first was his daughter in 1505. It followed by his son, Nasser Al Din Muhammad and by one of his concubines. The latter two were victims of the plague. In 1510, Al Ghouri also had the three year old daughter of his secretary of State, Tumanbay, buried here.

Al Aqmar mosque Cairo, Egypt information, tours, booking

Al Aqmar mosque Cairo located in the heart of Cairo city. In fact, Al Aqmar mosque located north of the site which once occupied by the great Fatimid. Moreover, Al Aqmar means the Moonlit and sometimes also known as the Gray Mosque. The mosque Cairo founded by Ma’mun al-Bata’ihi, during the caliphate of al-Mustanser. Moreover, it built during a time of great political and spiritual crises for the Fatimid regime. It located on the main artery of the city. In plan, it is a regular, rectangular hypo-style mosque with a square courtyard. It is the plan of a small congregational mosque. This structure is of major importance for Cairo’s architecture for several reasons. Al Aqmar mosque Cairo indeed is one of the seminal monuments in Cairo’s architectural history.

Al Aqmar mosque is the first mosque with an entrance which is not on an axis with the qibla wall. Here, the facade follows the alignment of the street, while the qibla wall oriented to Mecca. The mosque is the first with a ground plan adjusted to an existing urban street plan. A phenomenon which over the ensuing centuries was to become common and complex. Here, the plan is rather simple. The interior of the mosque has a regular layout with the exception. The exception is that the facade wall is thicker on one end than the other. Into the thicker part of the wall, a vestibule, a staircase and two rooms opening into the interior. Al Aqmar mosque Cairo is also the first mosque in Cairo to have a decorated stone facade.

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The facade is brick which faced with stone. A wing to the right of the entrance salient covered up by a later house. In the 1980s, a restoration unveiled the hidden part. It returned the facade to its original balanced proportions. This restoration done by the Bohara Indian sect. The middle of the tripartite composition dominated by a protruding portal. It decorated with a large keel arch niche. They carved with fluting radiating from a central medallion. It is like a sunrise or shell motif. The medallion has the name of Muhammad repeated in a circular interlacing pattern. It forms a circle, with the name ‘Ali at the center, all in Kufic and pierced right through the stone.

This is all surrounded by a circle of arabesque. And also of pierced Kufic, with a final circular band decorated with interlacing scrolls. The work of engraving and piercing shows both skill and perfection. The ribbed shell hood of the entrance salient is with its pierced medallion. It appears here for the first time. Moreover, it was the prototype of all the later ribbed. Moreover, it is blind and keel arch decoration which remains somewhat vogue on Cairo’s buildings. The niches on either side of the entrance each crowned with four tiers of stalactites. Set back within these are two smaller ones. Each has a small fluted semi-dome. Above these two niches are two small ones. Each has a fluted hood and supported by two engaged columns.

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To the left of the portal another shallow niche. It repeats the sunrise or shell motif with a medallion in the center. Above it, a circular clean cut in the stone reveals the brick wall. It indicates that a medallion once existed there. Two lozenges, one with geometric carving and the other with a vase and plant motif. They surmounted on both sides of the missing medallion by two strange, carved panels. The one to the right represents a closed door. It is like the door of Al Hakim. It is now in the Islamic Museum. The one to the left shows a niche with a geometric grill resembling a window. From its apex hangs a lamp. Al Aqmar mosque Cairo has a symbolic meaning within a Shi’a context.

The two plants standing in the vase has interpreted to be symbolic of Hasan and Husayn. They are the sons of the Caliph ‘Ali by his wife Fatima. This pattern is also repeated in Christian Coptic art. There are many examples existing in the Coptic Museum in Old Cairo. The niches with the hanging lamp and closed door placed. On each side of the missing medallion there is more decoration. There are three inscription bands that run along the facade of Al Aqmar mosque Cairo. The first is at the summit. It contains the name of Al Amir Bi-Ahkam-Allah. And next to it is the name of his Wazir (Minister) Ma’mun al-Bata’ihi. They are together with his titles, and the date of foundation. The second runs at the springing of the entrance arch.

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In fact, it also contains the names of al- Ma’mun and his titles and the date of foundation. The third band runs at the level of the door lintel and only contains verses from the Quran. Another special feature of the facade is a corner which carved with the names of Muhammad and ‘Ali. The original minaret of Al Aqmar mosque Cairo has not survived. We can see on the left door jamb of the portal the circular base of the minaret. It built in the late fourteenth century by Amir Yalbugha Al Salami. In fact, it is a brick construct which covered with stucco chevron. Moreover, it carves and a molding with open work bosses and a stalactite cornice. Above the balcony, the structure is of even later date. The interior of the mosque has not retained much of its original form.

The small sanctuary has three aisles and faces the courtyard with only a triple arcade. The closet door of Al Aqmar mosque Cairo features a fine example of Fatimid wood. It is with panels of arabesque ornament. On the northwest side of the sanctuary. The three other arcades have only one aisle each. Bands of Quranic verse in Kufic script on an arabesque background still survive. They are around the keel arches of the courtyard, which supported on marble columns. The keel arches did not appear in Egypt until the latter part of the Fatimids period. They first seen in the dome of Sheikh Ynis, attributed to Badar al-Gamali. The spandrels decorated with shallow saucers. They composed of eight ribs radiating from a central medallion.

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There is special feature of the interior architecture. It is that each bay’s ceiling covered by a shallow brick dome instead of being flat. In fact, it is except for the aisle parallel to the qibla wall, which is wider than the rest. Moreover, it covered with a flat wooden ceiling. Al Aqmar mosque Cairo was in ruins when the Mamluk Amir Yalbugha al-Salami restored it in 1396/97. (799H). Some scholars assume that he also restored the ceiling. The ceiling hase been flat. This type of ceiling not known from the Fatimids period. It used in the early fifteenth century at the mosque of Faraj Ibn Barquq. Yalbugha al-Salami also restored the minbar of the mosque. It retains its Fatimid ornament. It can observed on the entrance arch and at the back of the speaker’s seat.

Nothing of the original interior decoration remains. It is except some wood carving on the beams and doors. Moreover, it is also except a stucco inscription band along some of the arches. The mosque once again restored in the nineteenth century. It was during the reign of Muhammad Ali by Amir Sulayman Agha Al Silahdar. Al Silahdar also built the mosque across the street from this one. Al Aqmar mosque Cairo was not at street level as it is today. In fact, it was much higher than the street and stands above a row of shops. The rising ground level has now buried the these shops. At the time, they had an important function. The income of their rents were waqf.

Abu Al Dahab mosque Cairo information, tours, prices, booking

Abu Al Dahab mosque Cairo located in the Azhar Street, just beside the main entrance of Azhar Mosque. In fact, Abu Al Dahab mosque built in 1774 AD after a year of construction. Moreover, the mosque built as a Madrasa. It was to host the increasing number of students who were coming to study in Al Azhar University. They are from all over the world. In the year 1771, Mohamed Abu Al Dahab appointed by Amir Ali Beh Al Kabir. It was to be the leader of the Egyptian army that went to conquer Syria. He was successful in his campaign as he took control of many towns in Syria and around it. Moreover, he was not loyal to his master, Amir Ali Beh Al Kabir. He murdered him in 1774, and became the only ruler of Egypt before his death in Aka in 1775.

In fact, his body buried in the mausoleum of his mosque. The mosque is the fourth mosque which built in Cairo according to the Ottoman style of architecture. The first one was the mosque of Suleiman Pasha in the Citadel which built in the year 1528. The second one was the mosque of Sinan Pasha in Boulaq. The third one was the Mosque of the Queen Safeya in Al Dawedeya. In fact, the mosque has many common architectural factors with the mosque Of Sinan Pasha. Moreover, Abu Al Dahab mosque constructed as a rectangle. The length of 33 meters from the South to the North and 24 meters from the East to the West. The praying area of the mosque surrounded with Rewaqs. The Arabic expression for the area between a set of two opposite pillars.

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These Rewaqs covered with small domes with plant decorations all around them. Above the praying area, there is the main dome of Abu Al Dahab mosque that is a semi square. In fact, the length of each side of this square is 15 meters. Moreover, each has two brass windows that covered with alabaster. Furthermore, the mosque is a hanging mosque as it built above the street level. Under the mosque, there are many different stores that sell books. They are from the Eastern and Northern sides.

In fact, there was a set of colored alabaster stairs in its Northern side. It led to the gate of the mosque, and another set circular stairs that led to the Mosques Eastern gate. These two sets of stairs changed, although the doors of the mosque remained the same. The minaret of the mosque indeed is huge. It looks much like the minaret of the mosque of Qonswa Al Ghuri. They both share the Egyptian style of architecture. They are other than the Ottoman mosques that were famous for their thin pen shaped minarets. The minaret of the mosque of the mosque is tall and consists of three stores with five stone heads at the top.

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The Mihrab of the mosque located under the main dome of the mosque. It is a carved wall that has beautiful alabaster and mother of pearl decorations. The Mihrab of this mosque is unique, built in the Ottoman period, as it designed in the Mamluks style. Next to the Mihrab, there is the Minbar. It made out of fine wood that ornamented with pieces of mother of pearl and ivory. Beside the Minbar there is a brass room. It contains the tombs of the mosque builder, Mohamed Beh Abu Al Dahab, and his daughter, Zelikha Hanem

Al Ashraf Barsbay complex Cairo, ُEgypt tours, Booking

Al Ashraf Barsbay complex built in 1432 on Al Mu’izz street in Cairo. In fact, the complex belongs to Sultan Al Ashraf Barsbay who ruled Egypt from 1422 to 1438. Madrasa means school and Khanqah means hospital. They built at Al Ashraf Barsbay complex in Northern Cemetery of Cairo. In fact, it was a few years after he built his complex. Moreover, the  complex located south of Sultan Qalawun complex. The Khanqah contains three mausoleums. Madrasa built to accommodate only about seventeen Sufis. Four years old were students and ten years old were housed. It provided training to Sufi students studying the Hanafi rite. Moreover, the complex takes up both sides of the street south of Khanqah. Furthermore, it covered a large area but many of its subsidiary structures lost now.

Moreover, the mausoleum at Al Ashraf Barsbay complex had four domes. The larger one carved with an undulating star pattern. It was like that one on the domes of Sultan Faraj. Furthermore, the domes cover the mausoleum and attached to Al Ashraf mosque. The interlaced star pattern is the earliest example. It carved on the exterior of stone domes. A shift from the dominant zigzag moldings of other stone domes from this period. It is including this Sultans monument on Al Muizz street within the city. Two other domes cover a smaller mausoleum on the building’s northern side. There is another mausoleum opens on three sides on it’s eastern side. The eastern dome has a stepped and exterior transition while.

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The one on the northern side has a pyramidal structure at each corner. It leads from the rectangular to the octagonal section. The fourth dome now gone. The two smaller mausoleums built for various relatives of the Sultan. The present facade of Al Ashraf Barsbay complex includes an unattractive minaret. The portal not built using the stalactite-vaulted style. That style was popular during the era. But it rather with a trilobed vault, including groins instead of stalactites. This type of pattern used in the late Mamluk and the Ottoman periods.

Within the structure there is a cross-vaulted vestibule. It communicates through a bend with the prayer hall. The hall is also of a different style than other such buildings of this period. This is an oblong hall some twenty by fifteen meters. The roof supported by two pairs of columns. It is with classical capitals carrying three arches. Each running parallel to the Qibla wall. That is why there are three aisles. The central aisle is somewhat lower than the two side aisles. There are windows on both the east and west that illuminate the hall. Al Ashraf Barsbay complex features unusual decoration. The windows are with stucco and colored glass. The floor adorned with inlaid poly-chrome marbles of high quality.

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The prayer niche (Mihrab) of Al Ashraf Barsbay complex is also of plain stone. The ceiling of painted wood was a restoration of the Ottoman period. Even though the pulpit (Minbar) has a star geometric pattern of ivory inlaid in wood. It is also unusual in having curved segments. This masterpiece presented as a gift to the foundation in 1453. It is perhaps the most beautiful Mamluk Minbar in Cairo. On the northern side of the mosque, the central aisle leads to the door of the primary mausoleum. The plan of the mosque allows a perfect position for the sultan’s mausoleum. It is open on three sides, while at the same time attached to the prayer hall. On the interior, the dome’s transitional zone made up of stalactite pendentives.

Neither the exterior nor the rest of the interior prepares one for the height of the dome. Sultan Barsbay used materials from earlier buildings within this mausoleum. The marble inlays of the prayer niche is from good quality. The rows of niches running across the conch. They are reminiscent of the thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries. Sultan Al Ashraf Barsbay buried in this mausoleum. rather than his other mausoleum built in the city proper. Next to the mosque and mausoleum to the south are the remains of the student residences (rab). The foundation provides that there were ten of these. Unlike earlier accommodations, these were not single rooms. They were apartments in two storied duplexes, each with a latrine.

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In each of the upper rooms there is a window that looks out upon the main road. On the upper floor, there was also a hall. In fact, the hall for Sufi gatherings, of which all that remains is a prayer niche. These units appear comfortable. The families of the Sufism, who provided with a whole unit, allowed to live here as well. In earlier foundation deeds, Sufi often required to unmarried. There was no such in this one. At one time, Al Ashraf Barsbay complex extended along both sides of the road. Opposite the structure of the complex there was a zawiya for the Rifai order. It restored in 1478. A Zawiya is a small structure. It is where the ideology of one Shaykh and his order (Tariqa) practiced from which it spread.

Zawiyas superseded Khanqahs as centers of Sufi learning. it became popular among the religious community. The Khanqah here appears to have been independent of any particular order of Sufi. Domes most often surmounted funerary structures. This dome is quite different form those on contemporary mausoleums. Of course, this building not used for funerary purposes. The dome made of brick with a plain exterior surface. The height of the dome not increased. It supported by squinches that start within, not above, the rectangular space.

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Later, these squinches rebuilt. Today they have a trilobed shape. They also have reminiscent of the portal treatment of the Khanqah of Barsbay. At one time, there was another zawiya on the same side of the street. It did not have a dome structure. Having two zawiyas unprecedented in previous complexes. There were also two Sabils (fountains) and other structures in the complex. It also includes large apartments and various dependencies. Al Ashraf Barsbay complex points to a trend in Sufism away from the monastic life and to one less regulated.

Al Qasr Dakhla Oasis Egypt tours, prices, booking, reviews

Al Qasr  Dakhla Oasis is an Islamic town which situated to the north-west of Mut. In fact, Al Qasr is one of the fortified Medieval Islamic towns which seen in the oases. Moreover, the site is the oldest inhabited and the best preserved settlement of its type in Dakhla. Furthermore, the site rests on the Sioh Ridge. In fact, Sioh Ridge nestled beneath the pink limestone escarpment. The escarpment marks the northern limit of the oasis. In fact, Al Qasr means in English “The Fortress”. This Islamic town founded around the end of the 12th century AC. In fact, it was by the Ayyubids over the remains of an earlier Roman Period settlement.

During this time, the fortified town was the capital of the oasis. Moreover, it constructed in a defensive position. In fact, it was against marauding invaders from the south and west. Furthermore, the Islamic town streets divided into quarters. The quarters closed off at night by barred gates. In fact, it was like the Medieval town of Mut. The narrow covered streets changed little since Medieval times. Moreover, a three-story mud brick minaret rises 21 m above the mosque of Nasr El Din. In fact, the minaret also erected during the Ayyubid Period and is one of the landmarks of the town. Moreover, the minaret is the only part which remains of the original mosque. In fact, the rest of the building destroyed and rebuilt in the 19th century. The present mosque contains the mausoleum of Sheikh Nasr El Din.

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Wooden lintels over the entrances bear inscriptions from the Quran. Moreover, there is a Madrasa (School) which attached to the mosque. In this school , they teach the scriptures to the young boys. In fact, it now renovated and still used as a school and a public meeting place. The School and the restored house of Abu Nafir are open to visitors. In fact, Abu Nafir house is tall typical of the Medieval Islamic period. Moreover, the house features heavy carved wooden door. Furthermore, the house built over remains of a Ptolemaic Period temple. In fact, the house and its door jambs depict hieroglyphs, presumably from re-used blocks. Al Qasr town features cool dark twisting alleyways as a respite from the scorching heat of the sun. In fact, these alleyways offer views of many carved beams and lintels.

The carved beams and lintels decorate the entrances to houses. The Islamic town features an old inscription which dates back to 1518 AC. In fact, this inscription located on the Beit Ibrahim. Recently discovered kilns from a pottery factory. A corn-mill shows that the Islamic town had a thriving community since antiquity. The town still has around 700 inhabitants. Many of them follow the traditions of craftsmen from a time gone by. Today the town renowned for its traditional earthenware pots and palm-leaf basketry. Yet, villagers who move out of the old town no longer allowed to return. In fact, no new building allowed there. The Ministry of Antiquities hopes to turn their deserted houses into a tourism feature.

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Archaeological study and restoration took place in Al Qasr Dakhla Oasis for the past few years. In fact, it was under the auspices of Dakhla Oasis Project. The Islamic site Project directed by Professor Fred Leemhuis who was from Groningen University. In February 2006 Professor Leemhuis found proof of his theory. In fact, the theory is that a Roman fortress existed beneath the present medieval town. It was when a chance trick of the light showed up courses of Roman-sized mud bricks unseen. Archaeologists have documentation from Kellis of an unknown place named as Takastra in Greek. They can now surmise that Takastra may in fact be the Roman camp over which Al Qasr built.

Aga Khan Mausoleum Aswan Egypt tours, booking, prices

Aga Khan mausoleum Aswan built in honor of Sultan Mohammad Shah, Aga Khan III. In fact, Aga Khan Mausoleum located in Aswan, Egypt. Aga Khan was the 48th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. He also was one of the founders of the All-India Muslim League. Moreover, he even served as President of the League of Nations in 1937. Aga Khan was the spiritual leader of the Ismailis, a Shiite sect which developed in India. Though this spiritual leader died in 1957. The mausoleum still stands and seen above the white villa in Aswan where he once lived. In fact, the site seen even from as far away as the Nile. Aga Khan III was wealthy. In fact, his people say that on his birthday in the year 1945 he weighed in diamonds. He then gave to his followers in a spirit of generosity.

Aga Khan mausoleum Aswan built according to his wife Yvette Blanche Labrousse’s wishes. She also known as Begum Om Habibeh Aga Khan and then given the title Mata Salama. When Aga Khan knew that he will die, he decided to build a location for his burial place. He liked it to be somewhere along the West Bank of the Nile River. Om Habibeh oversaw the construction of the mausoleum. It was after her husband died. She finished the project in 16 months with the help of famous architects and contractors. In fact, the mausoleum structure recognizable by its elegance. It also recognizable by its special use of pink granite and calcareous sandstone. The interior of the building features light colors and red carpet.

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In fact, it still regularly maintained. The entrance to Aga Khan mausoleum Aswanrequires a hard climb on a stepped path. It followed by an esplanade from which a flight of steps comes up. Etiquette requires that all visitors keep silent out of respect. After Agha Khan’s death, his surviving widow continued to leave a red rose on his white Carrara marble tomb. Living in the villa, she managed to do this faithfully until her own death in 2000. Even to this day, as per request of Matta Salama, a red rose still finds its way to the sarcophagus. Always check for available times and Tours in Aswan to see whether the Mausoleum opened to the public or not.. This is one of the grandest and most romantic sites in all Lower Egypt. So make plans to buy a land tour that includes the mausoleum.

Al Mursi Abu Al Abbas Mosque Alexandria, tours, Booking

Al Mursi Abu Al Abbas Mosque is the most historic and most beautiful mosque in Alexandria, Egypt. In fact, Al Mursi Abu Al Abbas Mosque built primarily in 1775. Moreover, it built over the tomb of a Spanish scholar and saint. Furthermore, it stands on Mosque Square overlooking the eastern harbor. In fact, Abu Al Abbas (whose full name is much longer) born to a wealthy family. It was in the Andalusia region of Spain in 1219. Furthermore, in the wake of increasing Christian control of Spain, he and his family left for Tunisia in 1242. Moreover, he later went on to Alexandria, a popular destination of many Muslim scholars at the time.

In fact, Al Mursi Abu Al Abbas lived in Alexandria for 43 years. He lived as a scholar and teacher until his death in 1286. Moreover, he buried in a small building near the eastern harbor in Alexandria. In 1307, El Sheikh Zein El Din, one of the richest traders of Alexandria, visited the tomb. He funded a mausoleum and dome for the tomb, along with a small mosque. The tomb of Abu Al Abbas indeed became a place of pilgrimage for many Muslims from Egypt and Morocco. They are who passed through Alexandria on their way to and from Mecca.

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In fact, Abu Al Abbas Mosque periodically restored over the centuries. It was by rulers who built themselves tombs next to the saint. Moreover, most of the present structure dates back to 1775. It was when the Algerian Sheikh Abu el Hassan El Maghreby built a much larger mosque on the site. Moreover, Abu Al Abbas Mosque renovated in 1863. Furthermore, an annual festival established to celebrate the birth of Al Mursi Abu Al Abbas. The mosque again beautified in 1943. In fact, it was under King Farouq I (1937-1952). The king built the Midan el Masged, or “Mosque Square”.

In fact, the square covers some 43,200 square meters. Moreover, it includes five other mosques centered around Al Mursi Abu Al Abbas Mosque. In fact, the mosque renovated in the Arabian style. The style was popular when the saint came to Alexandria in the 13th century. In fact, the total cost of about 140,000 LE. The cream-colored of the mosque stands 23 m high. It dressed in artificial stone, with a minaret on the southern side rising to 73 m. Situated near the shore of the eastern harbor, the mosque and its neighbors. In fact, they clearly seen from the sea. The minaret has an Ayoubids design, with four sections of different shapes. The mosque has an entrance on the north and one on the east, both of which overlook the square.

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The main part of Abu Al Abbas mosque is an octagon. with internal walls. They dressed in artificial stone except for a 5.6 m-high mosaic. The high ceiling decorated with arabesque. It contains a great octagonal skylight known as a Shokhsheikha. Each side of the skylight has three windows of colored glass in arabesque designs. They set into aluminum frames. This skylight surrounded by four domes, placed over the four mausoleums within the complex.

The floors of Al Mursi Abu Al Abbas mosque paved in white marble. The doors, minbar and windows made of joined and finely carved teak, citronia and walnut. The minbar (pulpit) capped by a dome and has verses from the Qur’an written at the top in French gold. The mihrab is niche indicating the direction of Mecca. In fact, it stands at the base of the mosque’s minaret. It flanked by the creed “There is no god except Allah and Mohammad is the prophet of Allah”. Furthermore, it written in Arabic script. Also on other side of the mihrab are two columns of Egyptian granite. They are with the name of Muhammad which written in Kufic Arabic calligraphy at each end.

Al Harrawi house Cairo Egypt tours, booking, prices, reviews

Al Harrawi House Cairo (Beit El Harrawi) built in 1731 by Ahmed Ben Youssef El Serafi. In fact, Al Harrawi House indeed is one of the fine examples of the Islamic houses representing the Ottoman era. The house named after its last owner, Abdel Rahman Al Harrawi. He was a doctor at Qasr El Ayini Medical School. Moreover, the house located in the heart of a well known quarter in Cairo. It is behind Al Azhar Mosque. Furthermore, the house situated between two narrow Haraa (Alley). They are Haret Al Madrassa and Zuqaq Al Ayini.

In fact, several other Islamic houses and monuments found in the Darb El Ahmar surroundings. Furthermore, the house has a common wall with Sitt Wasila house. It is next to the Zeinab Khatoun house and to the Ghannamiah Hall. Moreover, the house is also at a near distance is Al Ayini Mosque (15th century). Al Harrawi house’s main entrance is through Zuqaq Al Qasr alley. In fact, it no longer used. In spite of its importance, the house has a small street facade. The house’s southern facade is remarkable. This because of its height and a quite impressive large wooden Masshrabeyya. They show the presence of a Qaa on the first floor. Qaa means hall. The secondary entrance used nowadays was a later addition that dates back to the 19th century. It located right next to Sitt Wasila House. As you enter through the southern door, a long corridor leads you into the courtyard.

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In fact, the courtyard is an open air area controlling the entrance to all parts of the house. What is noticeable is the absence of a secondary space or porch which called “Maguaz”. It was one of the important Islamic design concepts which used to conceal the interior of the house. The women living in it. This tradition became less strict in the late 18th century. One of the main attractions of Al Harrawi House Cairo is the “Mandara”. It is a spacious sitting hall on the ground floor that occupies all the East wing of the house. The “Mandara” served as Male-guests reception area. It is a space that is quiet common in Islamic Houses. The “Mandara” designed in a manner consisting of three specific halls.

In fact, the entrance to this hall is always through the middle section which called the “Durqaa“. It is where you find an octagonal fountain decorated with mosaic pieces. The marble flooring and geometrical designs of the “Durqaa” are exceptional. Two “Iwan(s)” surround the fountain where one was always at a higher level. That is why the Master of the house could sit there in the middle of his guests. The ceiling ornamented with painted drawings. The walls-built-in cupboards in various colors distinguish those two “Iwans”. Iwans mean halls. Fountains were always the center of the “Qaa”. They were an essential element in Islamic building due to several reasons.

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In fact, during those times, spying was common. It believed that fountains and the noise of running water was a way to prevent curious spies. They overhear what said between others. Moreover, the fountain was also an important design concept functioning. It is a natural method for cooling air during hot summer days. On the first floor, the main Qaa occupies the southern part of the house. The predominant spread color is blue, which gives an wonderful artistic combination. The ceiling of this hall considered evolutionary in the construction methods. It is also in the decorations. The first floor of Al Harrawi House Cairo consists of the private rooms. They reached by unique stairs in the eastern side of the yard.

Just a few walls still remain on the second floor, only the rooms above the Mandara. In fact, they still stand intact. Al Harrawi house Cairo is one of a few that remained in good shape over the years. It restored several times by the French Comite de Conservation between 1920 and 1950. The Comite de Conservation known to have worked on many other Islamic monuments in Cairo. A French architect called Bernard Maurey restored the house. It was under the supervision of the French Institute of Oriental Archaeology. At the moment the house reused as a Cultural Center. It is where different cultural events, lectures musical gala and artistic expositions take place. In fact, the house Cairo also known as Beit Al Oud. Beit and Manzel mean house.