Overview:

: The Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan is a large complex of Islamic architecture located in Cairo, Egypt. It was built in 1356-1363 as a madrasa by the Mamluk sultan of Cairo, Sultan Hassan, who wanted a permanent religious establishment that combined a mosque and madrasa (Islamic religious school). Its complex design is considered to be one of the most impressive and renowned examples of Mamluk architecture. The complex has two distinct parts: the mosque on one side and the madrasa on the other. It has four courtyard centers that are arranged symmetrically along an east-west axis, with four minarets which serve to separate and provide visual balance to the complex. The mosque is the largest in the city and is able to accommodate about 5000 worshippers at once. The madrasa has a highly decorated façade and is covered with fine geometric patterns, inscriptions, and ornate windows. It contains a library, classrooms, lecture halls, and a mausoleum. The complex has been well-maintained over its long history, throughout the Mamluk and Ottoman eras and up to the modern day, and it remains a major attraction for visitors to Cairo. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt
Prominent Features:

1. Grand Entrance: The entrance to the Madrassa-Mosque of Sultan Hassan is grand and architecturally intricate, featuring an elaborate portal with wood door panels containing intricate muqarnas, or honeycomb, carvings, and columns flanking the portal. 2. Courtyard: The Madrassa-Mosque contains an open courtyard surrounded by a two-story arcade of pointed arches. The courtyard is known for containing a large, circular marble basin, as well as numerous sycamore trees. 3. Minaret Towers: The mosque is also known for its two minaret towers, which were once used to call Muslims to prayer. The towers are octagonal in shape and feature intricately cut stone. 4. Pillared Prayer Hall: The prayer hall is the most prominent feature of the mosque complex. It features an impressive domed ceiling, pointed arches, and numerous ornately decorated pillars. 5. Other Features: Other features of the Madrassa-Mosque include a mausoleum, an elaborate façade with muqarnas carvings, a looming entrance leading to the prayer hall, and an impressive dome resting atop the mosque’s façade. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Egypt.

History:

The Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan, also known as the Beniziriya Complex, is located in Cairo, Egypt, and was constructed between the years 1356 and 1363. The building itself is amongst the earliest and most complete examples of experimental and ornamental Mamluk architecture. It was built by Sultan an-Nasir Hassan (third ruler of the Bahri dynasty) in an effort to strengthen the local religious life and produce a legacy. The mosque was dedicated to the four major Islamic Caliphs, Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali, and was built to house a madrassa (Islamic school of higher education). The building is composed of the current Great Mosque, the madrassa and an azakhana (memorial to the dead and a place of religious gatherings). It stands as a strong example of the Mamluk school of architecture, characterized by its tall courtyard accessed by iwans (pointed arches). The project was designed by an-Nasir Yusuf, a famous architect of the Bahri period. The exterior of the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan is known for its large, pointed conical arches, soaring minarets, and many delicate, traditional stalactite bud shaped muqarnas (corbelled vaulting). Inside, an exceptionally beautiful mihrab (prayer niche) is found on the qibla (wall facing Mecca). It is highlighted with a lavish marble inlay, intricately carved wooden screens, stained glass windows and colorful marble cladding. The mosque is also known for its immense size of about 6,060 m2, also thought to be the largest mosque of the Mamluk period in Cairo. The Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan stands today as a reminder of Egypt’s long and rich history, combining stunning examples of Islamic architecture with the imposing beauty of the Mamluk period. It remains a popular example of religious and educational centers in the Islamic world and a reminder of the power and influence of Cairo under the Mamluk dynasty. Visit one of the famous monuments of Egypt with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Madrassa and Mosque of Sultan Hassan were built between 1356 and 1363 during the reign of Sultan Al-Nasser Mohamed Ibn Qalawun. 2. The mosque and Madrassa are considered among the largest and grandest builds in Cairo, with a size of 38000 square meters and a height of 60 meters. 3. The mosques are regarded as a masterpiece in Islamic, Ayyubid and Mamluk architecture. 4. The dome of the mosque is said to be the third largest in the world- 58 meters in diameter and 68 meters in height. 5. The complex also includes four madrasas which are used as educational centers and a mausoleum containing the tomb of Sultan Hassan and two other sultans who reigned after him, as well as the tomb of Ibn Khalawun. 6. The mosque and madrasa are decorated with intricate stone carvings, detailed mosaics, and incredible paintings as well as a number of fountains to provide fresh water for ablutions. 7. The complex still serves as an important religious and educational center in modern day Egypt and is a popular tourist destination. One of the historical monuments of Egypt, it tells the story of a bygone era