Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrasa, In the heart of Islamic Cairo, where history whispers through the narrow streets and ancient structures stand as guardians of the past, the Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrasa emerge as timeless witnesses to Egypt’s rich cultural tapestry. Join Top Ten Egypt Tours on a virtual journey as we walk through the history, architecture, and spiritual significance of this remarkable landmark.
A mosque that combines the strength of the building with the grandeur and elegance of its decorations. It is the jewel and pride of ancient Islamic architecture. It is the Sultan Hassan Mosque, which is located in the citadel area in ancient Egypt, and which monitors the stage of maturity of Mamluk architecture. It was established by Sultan Al-Nasir Hassan bin Al-Nasir Muhammad bin Qalawun during the period from 757 AH / 1356 AD. To 764 AH/1363 AD during the era of Bahri Mamluk rule in Egypt.
History of the establishment of Sultan Hassan Mosque:
The beginning of the construction of the mosque was on a plot of land known as “Al-Khail Market” and in Rumaila Square, which is the area currently located in Salah al-Din Square and Sayyida Aisha Square, and Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad bin Qalawun had built a huge palace on it for one of his close princes, the Mamluk prince Yalbugha, to live in. Al-Yahyawi, who was the deputy of the Sultanate of the Levant, but the palace was demolished when Sultan Hassan decided to build the mosque in 1356 AD.
The construction of the mosque cost a lot of money, as Sultan Hassan allocated a huge budget for it.
Architectural Marvels:
Description of the mosque:
The mosque was established according to the system of schools with a perpendicular plan. Each school is considered a small mosque, and each of them is dedicated to teaching one of the four Islamic schools of thought: “Shafi’i, Maliki, Hanbali, and Hanafi.” The largest of these Hanafi schools is 898 square meters.
The length of a minaret in Egypt
When you pass in front of the Sultan Hassan Mosque, you find yourself drawn towards the largest minaret, which rises about 81 meters above the mosque, making it the tallest minaret in Egypt. Work on building the mosque continued until the Sultan was killed at the hands of some Mamluk princes when he was on a fishing trip and they threw his body into the Nile. His grave was not known.
Historical Significance:
Sultan Hassan’s Legacy: Sultan Hassan, the visionary behind this architectural marvel, intended the mosque and madrasa to serve both religious and educational purposes. The madrasa, an Islamic educational institution, once housed scholars and students who engaged in the pursuit of knowledge in various disciplines.
Spiritual Haven: Beyond its architectural significance, the Sultan Hassan Mosque remains a spiritual haven for worshippers, preserving a serene atmosphere that transports visitors to a bygone era.
As you traverse the ancient stones of the Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrasa, you embark on a journey through time, unraveling the layers of history that have shaped Islamic Cairo. This architectural gem not only stands as a testament to the artistic brilliance of its creators but also serves as a bridge between the past and the present. Experience the allure of Islamic Cairo and immerse yourself in the profound spirituality and cultural richness that define the Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrasa.
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