Sultan hassan mosque

Sultan hassan mosque

The Sultan Hassan Mosque

His is one of the extraordinarily wonderful Islamic monuments in the Islamic world. If ancient Egypt is proud of the pyramids of Giza, Egypt Muslim should be proud of the Sultan Hassan Madrasa.

View from the Citadel

 The founder of this gigantic monument is the Sultan Hassan, son of the great Mamluk Sultan Al-Nasser Mohamed Ibn Qalawoun. Sultan Hassan ruled twice, the first time in 1347, when he was 13 years before being dethroned by other Mamluk princes and generals. The second time was in 1356A.D, and before he had time to put an end to the power of princes and officials, they rebelled against him, and the chief of the army with other general attacked. He said he escaped and hid the Citadel in Cairo, but he was found and imprisoned, never to be seen! Most likely he was assassinated 16 years after his accession to the throne. Anyway, he left 10 children and 6 girls.

The mosque is located near the Cairo Citadel, especially in Salah El Din Square, sometimes called the Place Qala . This is a once neglected areas of the Hippodrome , and also neglected area below the citadel which was used for festivals and sporting events such as polo during the Mamluk period the 14th and 15th centuries. Being very near the Cairo Citadel and therefore the center of activity is the Mamluk mosque anything more important.

This mosque is also considered one of the greatest, not only in Cairo but throughout the Islamic world. It is a massive structure measuring 150 meters long and 36 meters high. It is the tallest minaret is 68 meters high. It was intended to house some four hundred students. Work began on the mosque in 1356 , financed by bleak resources , money from the estates of deceased in the plague that struck Cairo in 1348 people. It was not very popular among the people of the time policy , and is one of the reasons why Sultan Hassan acquired the reputation of being greedy. Under the supervision of Price Hohammad Ibn Al Baylik Muhssani, its construction cost an average of 20,000 dirhams every day for about five years , an amount that would be considered a lot today. It is reported that Sultan Hassan said he would have abandoned the project , but it would bring shame if people said an Egyptian Sultan was not able to complete a mosque he had begun.

The great gate, showing unfinished panels along its sides

About five years after its construction , one of the minaret collapsed killing more than three hundred people . This was considered a bad omen and to make matters worse , in 1361 , Sultan Hassan was murdered two years before the mosque was actually completed in 1363 . Again, he was attacked by the other Mamluk elite. He escaped from the Citadel and hidden somewhere in Cairo. It was later discovered and imprisoned , never to be seen again. The mosque was almost complete at this time , and was later completed by a staff appointed Bashir Al Gamdar .

The facade of the mausoleum complex

Knowing all this intrigue and see its huge façade made ​​me even more excited and eager to explore this huge monument. The guides say that you should buy tickets to visit the mosque, but was told it was no longer needed by the tourist police who are all displayed on the monument. I started my tour by walking through the corridor between it and the Refa'e mosque. This is a purely medieval adventure with these two ancient mosques on each side and the Cairo Citadel looming at the end of the corridor. No wonder this is one of the most popular attractions of Islamic Cairo .The mosque is autonomous and has three facades. The fourth , west side has a large commercial complex and other outbuildings belonging to the waqf (foundation) of Sultan Hassan , which funded the foundation. Originally , the dome , which is not the original, has been described as bulbous, built of wood and covered with lead as the dome of Imam Shafi'i . The current dome is more recent and is considered a misinterpretation of the original design.

A view of one of the minarets of the mosque

The original plan called for the complex four minarets. It was built on the portal, but it collapsed before the second was built , and the proposed construction of minarets on the portal was abandoned. One of the two original minarets survived, and is the highest of medieval Cairo to 84 meters. A second minaret is of more recent origin . The original octagonal minaret is everywhere, like minarets other contemporaries. Its tree is also decorated with geometric patterns inlaid stone , and the top consists of a bulb on eight columns. Its silhouette is massive compared to others of the same period.As seen from the Cairo Citadel, Sultan Hassan mosque today is quite irregular . The square domed mausoleum projection on three sides and is particularly high, more than thirty meters. At the top is a projecting cornice of stalactites carved in stone along the front, which has no equivalent in any other mosque in Cairo .

Each facade of the mausoleum is adorned with a medallion in the center with a bull's-eye in the center and framed by bands intertwined in two colors. Two rows of windows running along the walls. The upper are inserted into cavities crowned with stalactites which are in turn topped by a shallow conch in a manner similar to the portals. As medallions , bands intertwined also adorn the conch . Once decorated with mosaic tiling , with traces still visible, the lower windows are inserted in cavities that have a tiered pyramidal profile . Traces of mosaics are eloquent , indicating that the imported Tabriz during the reign of Sultan Hassan craftsman father had to stay for several decades. The south facade has eight horizontal rows of windows, each of them corresponding to a history of the cells of the students. This gives the appearance of almost a modern facade skyscraper , a treatment that is not seen in any other medieval building in Cairo. The north side , with the main gate of the mosque also contains a number of windows.

The horizontal mass of the facade is given additional emphasis by its division into thin vertical span ending in cornice honeycomb fat along the top of its walls. The black basalt stone embedded in the facade appears in other buildings of this period and is perhaps symbolic of the black stone in the Kaaba in Mecca. The angles of the walls are reinforced by finely carved columns with carved twisted stalactites The pattern on the column axis are reminiscent of the Byzantine tradition.The entrance to the mosque can not be missed because it is the largest portal of all pre-modern Cairo mosque - madrasa complex in Egypt . It is located on the street Al- Qala . Next to the entrance is a floor plan with some historical information on writing in Arabic and English structure. This is a nice place to pause and observe several points concerning the Mamluk architecture in general and this particular building . The view looking back to the length of the front as it extends to the Cairo Citadel , is an excellent example of how the Bahri Mamluk architecture was destined to dominate the urban landscape.

The portal itself is displaced from the center of the front and at an angle relative to the rest of the wall of about thirty degrees. It is dominated by a cascade of drops stalactites topped half a fluted dome . The enormous height of the gate is emphasized by pilasters spiral cutting , as well as the vertical panels on each side of the porch. The portal architecture has sometimes been compared to the Gok madrasa in Anatolia built during the rule of Saljaq due medallions framing stalactite vault carved framing strips and panels filled with geometric patterns. It would have been more similar in its initial plan to have two minarets built on the portal. No doubt that it is the craftsman who designed the installation were Anatolian origin , or at least had visited mosques in Anatolia . According to Maqrizi , artisans from around the world have worked on the mosque of Sultan Hassan .

Ornamental top of the portal

The carved bands adorning the gate are not maintained above and work steps can be seen. The sculptures below are completed and the reasons above them are incised , but not carved , showing that work has started on the bottom and moved up game. The upper part of the portal is devoid of decoration and seems to be devoid of its orientation.Interestingly, the design of these panels is patterned Chinese flowers such as chrysanthemums and Chinese lotus flowers . Although these models are common on minor objects Mamluk - 14th Century Art is the only known example in architecture . Note that this does not mean that Chinese craftsmen worked on the mosque, but only that the artisans were familiar with patterns of Chinese art . The 14th century was a period of considerable trade between the Islamic world and the Far East , promoted by the opening of land routes between the Mediterranean and China. Chinese porcelain and silk , popular in Egypt, surely inspired artists in Cairo to expand their repertoire with these exotic decorative designs.

The great portal of the Mosque of Sultan Hassan

There is a very curious carved panel close with architectural drawings as a Gothic portal and a dome-shaped structure with gabled roof of the West, probably of Byzantine origin, the right of the entrance . It may even be a type of signature artisan .The huge gate of the main door is not the original , which was taken by Al Mu'ayyad to use in his own mosque near Bab Zuwelia . It must , like all mosques , leave their shoes behind . Inside the grounds of the mosque were very clean because it was the first mosque in Egypt that I 've ever seen, where the men were cleaning with a vacuum cleaner. However, before you pass through this shrine , you have to look up and then write down the stalactites above the entrance , which makes one feel like one has entered a magical cave , through a supernatural experience .

Corridor leading ot the Sahn

Just before the vestibule, there is a beautiful inlaid marble inscription , and two niches marble inlaid with geometric patterns. There conch are decorated with stalactites like Anataolian prayer niches . The lobby contains a large stone bench that may have been used by QUARAN readers above are medallions with inlaid geometric patterns and niches carved in stone . The interior of the mosque entrance hall is quite remarkable with its dark brown and red Mamluk decorations . The dome is also amazing and very high and rich ornaments. There are influences of the labor of artists who come to Cairo Anatolia and western Persia ( Tabrz ) in the first half of the 14th century. The lantern hanging from the entrance is truly amazing. The entire mosque is lit by many small lamps make a wonderful scene .

The ablutions fountain and a view of two of iwans

From the hallway, I turned left and began walking in the dimly lit hallway with his double curved passage, which flows into the beautiful Sahn , the open courtyard , facilities . This passage goes under the living quarters of the students.

Inside the dome of the fountain in the courtyard

A view of the courtyard showing iwans seveeral

Inside the Sahn we find ourselves emerged in the Mamluk era. Here, the walls are huge and there is no modern part of Cairo visible. Although the exterior of the building is stone , the interior is brick covered with stucco except stone finishing details . Here, the beautiful handling of empty and full overlook the courtyard of his thrust skyward acidification . Area measuring 34 meters long and 32 meters wide , fully paved with marble , which is modern . In the center is a large ablution fountain was completed in 1362. It was not always a fountain for ablutions . Originally, it was just decorative, but it has been modified and repaired , and now goes back to the Ottoman period. It is covered by a wooden dome supported by marble columns . Around the base of the dome is a band of inscriptions from the Koran. The dome of the fountain, which is supported by eight marble columns, is bulbous in shape, and may in fact be a replica of the original cupola mausoleum missing .On each side of the courtyard with arched recesses are called iwans media , which open onto the courtyard . They are unequal in size , and so great in size as they leave no space for the cells facing the courtyard . Each of the four iwans is a school (or legal rite ) of Sunni Islam , consisting of Shafite ( Shafi'i ) , Maliki ( Maliki ) Henefite ( Hanafi ) and Hambelite ( Hanbali ) . The floor of each Iwan is covered by carpets of different colors to differentiate them. The walls of the courtyard and Iwans are wonderfully decorated with hanging from lines looming over lamps. One of the main reasons for Sultan Hassan built the complex should accommodate the teaching of all the sects of Sunni Islam. However, the Madrasa was not so popular at the time, for two reasons. Firstly, after Sultan Hassan was killed in 1361 , the complex was not completed exactly the way he planned . In fact, it was closed for another fifty years . And maybe because of that , only a few well-known researchers actually taught in the madrasa . Many others have preferred to give lectures and hold teaching positions at other colleges in Cairo. Nevertheless, it was there in the iwans where the sheikh or a teacher would sit on a stool or platform while students were sitting cross- leged around him.

A window on the Minbar

Ceilings iwans these are very high, and behind the four iwan , the building is divided into four parts for the four sects of Sunni Islam. Inside these buildings use students to live and study . Each of these madrasa is entered by a door between individual iwans , and inside each has its own courtyard with their own ablution fountain , quibla oriented Iwan , and four or five stories of rooms. Some of these cells are larger than others, and a number of latrines are included in residential neighborhoods. Interestingly, this is the only Cairo madrasa which locates most of the cells on the side of the street because of the huge iwans that leave no space for the courtyard windows.

A view of the Mihrab , Minbar and Dikka

Henefite the madrasa , which is the largest on the right as you face the qiblah is really worth seeing . Note the door of this section , with over Ablaq black and white marble mosaic decoration colored joggled the segments of arches and lintels and dripping stalactites on the ledge , all of which are standard components of the ornamentation of the door during this period. The next big madrasa was that the Shafi'i rite on the left side of the sanctuary. At the time, the Shafi'i rite was the Egyptians followed during the period.

An overview of the Qibla Iwan

Back in the main courtyard, I was drawn by the principal in eastern Iwan , known as Qibla Iwan by taxpayers facing the direction of Mecca. Not only is it the largest iwans is the largest vaulted hall of the medieval Islamic world. The use of polychrome marble panels is one of the most characteristic features of Mamluk decoration and by the mixture of soft colors in flat rectangles both a stark dusty plaster walls and sculptures deep embossed contrast enrollment. The style of the columns that frame decorations indicates that they may have been trophies buildings of the Crusaders in Palestine.

The mihrab is decorated so beautifully that one could spend hours happily enjoy the work. Here, there are two windows in cavities and oculus above the Mihrab . Muslims believe that the Mihrab is their door to Mecca, and it has gold decorations and is an excellent example of fine art during the Mamluk period . There is also a large Mastaba , known as a dikka ( dikkat al- muballigh ) still shine with its gilding, where readers or changers of the Koran would sit. It is decorated with remarkable columns composed of different colored stones.

The minbar of the mosque

Located next to the mihrab is the minbar marble pulpit where the Imam is . Here there is a small bronze door leading to the staircase. These richly decorated doors open from the center and a few golden verses of the Koran inscribed on its upper edge. Here, the Imam climbing stairs and sometimes sitting or standing, while providing important conferences during the prayer time in the dome bulb carved Minbar . Both the Minbar and the Mihrab are among the most richly decorated examples of their kind . Here, there are also three lamps hanging from the high ceiling . Looking through the arches in the courtyard of the Qibla Iwan and see through these lamps is an amazing scene.On the walls of the Qibla Iwan are monumental Kufic letters executed in stucco are set against a Chinese lotus flower background with fine , subtle patterns . There is a similar band in the iwan of the madrasa Hanafi, but there is nothing similar in the architecture of Cairo. The verse is quoted here is from Sura 48, which begins:

"In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate . Of course, we have given you a clear victory, may God forgive you your past and your past sins , and complete His blessing upon you, and guide you on the right path , that God may help thee with powerful help "There are several bronze doors close , leading to various rooms , which are masterpieces of medieval goldsmith . Each side of the mihrab doors lead into the mausoleum. The right door is particularly interesting , bronze inlaid with silver and gold. It is original and exceptional manufacturing . The door design combines central ahapes stars with small polygonal satellites, a design that is also popular in the woodwork. Enrollment in the money base is thuluth , which was favorable during the Mamluk period. Thuluth third plea, and in this script letters are three times higher than wide.

stalactite pendants

The mausoleum, with its cupola of 21 square meters, is located behind the Qibla Iwan , which is unusual in Cairo. Only two other mosques are configured similarly. Usually, if the mausoleum is fixed to the wall quibla , it is set aside so that the faithful do not pray to bomb the founder. This is the largest mausoleum in Cairo. It was expected that the tomb of Sultan Hassan , but it contains the bodies of two of his son , named Al Shabab Ahamd and Ishmael. Sultan Hassan was not buried here because his body was never found.In many ways , the decor inside the mausoleum is similar to that of the Qibla Iwan .. The inscriptions from the Koran on the walls above the marble paneling are thuluth , is all in white. The verse from the throne of the Qur'an:" God , there is no god but He, the Living, the Eternal .Slumber seizes not , neither sleep ;To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth.That is what should intercede with Him save by His leave ?He knows what is before them and what is after them,And they understand nothing of His knowledge save such as He wills.His throne comprises the heavens and the earth ;preserving of them oppresses not ;He is the Almighty , the All-Glorious . "

Inside the dome in the mausoleum

The great dome of the mausoleum is built , such as the entrance hall of the mosque , with bricks. This is the most beautiful dome I saw during my travels around Islamic Cairo , and one of the highest. In stalactite pendants wooden niches richly gilded and painted decorations corners support the cupola, which is actually lower than the original .The lighting is nice ascetic , consisting of a circle of lights hanging down from the dome and around the tomb in the center . There are many small windows in the walls to let in light and allow costs are moving on the mausoleum. The tomb itself, but to accommodate the body of Sultan Hassan , is itself surrounded by a small fence wooden carved . It is facing the qibla wall . Behind the falls is another Mihrab which is similar to that of the Qibla Iwan , both decorated with gold inscriptions. I think this Mihrab was placed here so that people pray for the sultan or son who are actually buried here. There behind the mausoleum , right and left, are large windows at ground level from which the Cairo Citadel can be seen. I felt a little sad that the manufacturer of this great monument has not found its final resting place here .

The tomb of Sultan Hassan , because it has never been found

In addition, the Islamic Museum in Cairo houses a large collection of enamelled glass lamps that once hung in the mosque .The complex also had a Mustashfa a small hospital on the west side at the same time.Sultan Hassan wanted to be able to see the mosque its offices in the Caio Citadel, but at the same time, other leaders Mumluk were known to hide and launch attacks on the Caio Citadel. It was twice used as a fortress. During the reign of Sultan Barquq ( 1391 ) emirs dissidents used the terrace to launch projectiles at the Caio Citadel. Subsequently, the Sultan ordered measures and platform and destroyed the entrance and the entrance boarded.

Later, another sultan was sending soldiers to occupy the mosque to prevent the rebels to hide in it. Again, Sultan Jaqmaq blocked the stairs. Sultan Janbalat took the surprising decision in 1500 to destroy the mosque to prevent it being used for military uprisings and a team of workers put on the demolition until criticism forced him to stop. In 1517 , the madrasa was bombarded by cannonballs when he served as a refuge for fugitive Tumanbay the last Mamluk sultan. Finally, during the Ottoman period, the mosque was again involved in the war . bullet holes through the dome , thus weakening it was demolished to prevent its accidental collapse . The collapse of one of the two minarets in 1659 , taking part of the support with its stalactites, was also a result of the battles. Both the current minaret and dome date for restoration from 1671 to 1672. Only during the 18th century mosque was reopened after being closed for half a century for security reasons.