School and Mosque of Sultan Ghouri
Egypt, History, 12/20/2000

This complex was built by Sultan Ghouri in 909 AH (1503 AD). Ghuri was one of the Mamlukes of Sultan Qaitbey and he assumed various high jobs till he ascended the throne in 906 AH (1501 AD). He reigned Egypt till 922 AH (1516 AD) when he was killed in the battle of Marg Dabik by the troops of the Ottoman Sultan Selim II.

Ghouri was fond of architecture and so he constructed numerous buildings and restored many others. The present complex is the best example of Ghouri's architecture as he took utmost care of beautifying and ornamenting it.

The entrance wall of the mosque is full of engravings which include the name and titles of the Sultan as well as some prayers and blessings for him. Marble and copper are used extensively in the wall and gate.

The minaret is built in the southern corner of the mosque and it consists of two floors and ends with a square top dominated by five heads.

The mosque is built as a school where it includes an open yard and four iwans whose walls are decorated and ornamented with Kufic writings and floral shapes. The prayer-niche is made of colored marble and the minbar is made of wood on which intricate patterns are drawn and filled with pieces of ebony and ivory.

The floor of the mosque is made of colored marble as well and it is divided squares engraved with floral and geometrical shapes. As for the dome, it has fallen and restored many times till it disappeared completely and was replaced with a wooden ceiling.

Previous Stories:
  Al Husseineya district   (12/18/2000)
  Bab Al-Azab   (12/14/2000)
  Refaie Mosque   (12/14/2000)

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