Ever wondered about Cairo’s grand mosques? Get ready to be amazed by the Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan. This architectural wonder has stood in Egypt’s capital for over 650 years. It was built by the Mamluk Sultan an-Nasir Hasan and is a top medieval Islamic art and architecture spot.
So, what’s so special about the Mosque of Sultan Hassan? Its huge size, unique design, and detailed decorations make it stand out. It’s a true showcase of Mamluk era skill and creativity. Dive into history and learn about this famous Cairo landmark.
Key Takeaways
- The Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan is a monumental mosque and madrasa located in the historic district of Cairo, Egypt.
- It was built between 1356 and 1363 during the Bahri Mamluk period, commissioned by Sultan an-Nasir Hasan.
- The mosque is remarkable for its massive size, covering an area of 7,906 square meters, and its innovative architectural components.
- The mosque is considered one of the most impressive historic monuments in Cairo and a testament to Mamluk’s architectural genius.
- Visitors can explore the mosque’s central courtyard, impressive iwans, and the mausoleum of Sultan Hassan, all while marveling at the building’s stunning decorative elements.
Introduction
The Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hasan is in Cairo’s historic heart. It shows the beauty of Mamluk architecture. Sultan an-Nasir Hasan started it in 1356. It took seven years to finish, costing a lot.
Architectural Overview
The Mosque of Sultan Hassan is a big engineering achievement. It covers 8,000 square meters. It’s 65 meters wide and 150 meters long, with a height of 36 meters on the north side.
It was built to hold over 500 students. It also had space for 200 school boys and 340 staff. This made it one of the biggest of its time.
Historical Significance and Architectural Marvels
The Mosque of Sultan Hassan is famous for its history and design. It was built during the Bahri Mamluk period. Its design and decorations are stunning.
It has eight grand windows and four-story walls. The muqarnas on top is 1.5 meters high. These features make the mosque impressive.
Over time, the mosque faced challenges. Its northern minaret collapsed in 1659. It was rebuilt in 1671-1672. Despite these problems, it remains a beloved landmark. It shows the beauty of Mamluk architecture and Islamic art.
“The Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hasan is a monumental mosque and madrasa complex in Cairo, Egypt, built between 1356 and 1363 during the Bahri Mamluk period.”
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Architectural Features |
Dimensions |
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Total Area |
8,000 square meters |
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Length |
150 meters |
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Width |
68 meters |
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Height |
36 meters |
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Number of Windows (per facade) |
8 each |
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Exterior Facade Height |
4 stories |
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Muqarnas Height |
1.5 meters |
Location and Surroundings
The Mosque of Sultan Hassan is in the heart of Cairo’s historic area. It’s in Salah al-Din Square. It’s close to the Citadel of Cairo, a medieval castle.
Also, it’s near Rumayla Square. This square was key for military events and ceremonies in the Mamluk era.
The Mosque of Sultan Hassan’s location in Historic Cairo makes it special. Visitors can see its beauty while learning about the city’s history. It’s a unique and exciting experience.
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Location Details |
Dimensions |
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Coordinates: 30°01’55″N 31°15’24″E |
Width: 86 meters |
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Situated in Salah al-Din Square, Historic Cairo |
Length: 150 meters |
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Proximity to Citadel of Cairo and Rumayla Square |
Height: 37.7 meters |
“The strategic location of the Mosque of Sultan Hassan within this vibrant and historically significant area of Historic Cairo adds to its cultural and architectural significance.”
Architectural Grandeur
The Mosque of Sultan Hassan in Cairo is a stunning sight. It’s huge and has a unique design. It covers about 8,000 square meters. It’s 150 meters long, 68 meters wide, and 36 meters tall.
The outside of the Mosque of Sultan Hassan shows off Mamluk architecture. It has vertical windows, a thick muqarnas cornice, and detailed stone carvings. These features make the exterior a beautiful display of Mamluk Architecture and Islamic Architecture.
It also has spiral columns, geometric patterns, and arabesque motifs. These elements highlight the Architectural Marvels of the exterior Decoration and Façade Design.
“The Mosque of Sultan Hassan is a true architectural gem, showcasing the extraordinary craftsmanship and innovation of the Mamluk era.”
Massive Size and Innovative Design
The Mosque of Sultan Hassan is one of Egypt’s biggest mosques. It’s also the tallest architectural structure. It took seven years to build, from 1356 to 1363 CE.
Building it was very expensive. Daily costs reached up to 30,000 dirhams. It was the most expensive mosque in medieval Cairo.
Exterior Façade and Decorative Elements
The façade of the Mosque of Sultan Hassan is amazing. It shows the artistic skill of the Mamluk period. The vertical windows, muqarnas carvings, and spiral columns are all part of its beauty.
These elements show the craftsmanship and detail of Mamluk architecture. They make the mosque’s exterior truly special.
Construction and Patron
The Mosque of Sultan Hassan is a stunning sight in Cairo. It was started in 1356 CE (757 AH) and finished in just three years. No days were wasted during its construction.
Commissioned by Sultan an-Nasir Hasan
Sultan an-Nasir Hasan ruled the Mamluk Sultanate twice in the 14th century. He was the driving force behind the mosque’s creation. The project showed his ambition to leave a mark.
The construction was overseen by Muhammad ibn Baylik al-Muhsini. His name was written alongside Sultan Hasan’s. This highlights the project’s grand scale and importance.
Building Materials and Construction Challenges
Building the Mosque of Sultan Hassan was a huge task. It cost 30,000 dirham every day, making it the most expensive mosque in medieval Cairo. The mosque was meant to have schools for four Sunni schools.
Only three minarets were built, due to a tragic accident. This accident killed 300 people. The construction faced many challenges, including the Black Plague.
Despite these hurdles, the mosque was built with top-quality materials. Limestone from the Pyramids of Giza was used. The Sultan was worried about the cost, showing it was a big expense.
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Construction Timeline |
Cost and Design |
Challenges |
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Mosque of Sultan Hassan
The Mosque of Sultan Hassan has a beautiful central courtyard. It is surrounded by four big iwan halls. The qibla iwan is the biggest and most fancy, facing Mecca.
This amazing part has marble, Kufic script, and a special mihrab niche. It shows off the mosque’s great art and care in details.
Central Courtyard and Iwans
The Mosque of Sultan Hassan has a huge central courtyard. It is about 65 x 150 meters. Around it are four big iwan halls, each looking in a different direction.
These Iwan Halls are key parts of the mosque’s design. They make the place feel big and balanced.
Qibla Iwan and Mihrab
The qibla iwan is the biggest and most fancy hall. It faces Mecca. It has marble, Kufic script, and a special mihrab niche.
The mihrab is a special wall niche. It points to Mecca. It’s the main focus of the mosque, guiding worshipers’ eyes to the holy city.
The Mosque of Sultan Hassan is famous in the Islamic world. It’s as important as the Giza Pyramids. Its courtyard, iwans, and qibla iwan and mihrab show the skill and big dreams of Sultan an-Nasir Hasan.
Madrasa and Mausoleum
The Mosque of Sultan Hassan is a masterpiece that combines a mosque, madrasa (school), and mausoleum. It has four schools of Sunni Islamic law in the corners. Each school has its own iwan and rooms for students.
Behind the qibla iwan is the domed mausoleum. It was meant for Sultan Hasan’s final rest. The mausoleum is filled with beautiful decorative elements like marble and mosaic. It also has a stunning mihrab.
Architectural Integration
The Mosque of Sultan Hassan shows great architectural integration. It combines a mosque, madrasa, and mausoleum. This design uses space well and connects education, worship, and the sultan’s legacy.
Decorative Splendor
The mausoleum is famous for its decorative elements. Inside, you’ll find beautiful marble and mosaic. The mihrab is especially impressive, showing the skill of the time.
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Construction Details |
Figures |
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Construction commenced |
1361 AD |
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Construction completed |
1365 AD |
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Construction cost per day |
30,000 dirham |
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Total construction cost |
Over 1 million dinars |
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Construction duration |
Approximately 7 years |
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Total area |
Almost 8,000 square meters |
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Dimensions |
150 meters long, 68 meters wide, 36 meters high |
Historical Events
The Mosque of Sultan Hassan is key in Mamluk History of Cairo. It’s near the Citadel of Cairo and built strong. Many times, it was used to attack the Citadel. This led rulers to try to destroy it.
Fortified Position and Attacks on the Citadel
The Mosque of Sultan Hassan is close to the Citadel. Its strong walls made it a great place for attacks. It was used in battles when there were power struggles in Cairo.
Demolition Attempts and Repairs
Many rulers tried to knock down the mosque because of its strong position. But, they failed. The mosque has been hit by cannonballs, showing its tough past. Still, it has been fixed and restored many times to keep its beauty and importance.
Minarets and Architectural Influences
The Mosque of Sultan Hassan in Cairo is famous for its tall minarets. These minarets are a key part of the Mamluk style. The taller minaret reaches an amazing 81.6 meters high, standing out in the city’s view.
The minarets have a square base and two octagonal stories. This design was common in Mamluk buildings. It was also influenced by earlier Seljuk and Crusader structures. This is seen in the muqarnas (stalactite-like carving) and the Gothic-style columns near the mihrab.
The Mosque of Sultan Hassan’s design shows the rich history and diverse influences of Mamluk architecture. It blends different traditions in its minarets and decorations. This makes the mosque a stunning and important place that draws visitors from everywhere.
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Architectural Feature |
Influence |
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Minarets |
Mamluk architectural style |
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Muqarnas (stalactite-like carving) |
Seljuk and Crusader architecture |
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Gothic-style columns |
Crusader architecture |
The Mosque of Sultan Hassan’s wonders, like its tall minarets and detailed designs, show the lasting impact of Mamluk architecture. It proves how Mamluk architecture can mix different cultures and arts.
Modern Day Significance
The Mosque of Sultan Hassan is a famous landmark in Cairo. It has seen many challenges, like attempts to destroy it and damage from wars. But, thanks to historic preservation and restoration, it still stands today. Now, people from all over visit to see its beauty and learn about Cairo’s history.
Restoration and Preservation Efforts
The Mosque of Sultan Hassan is huge, covering over 7,906 square meters. Its minaret is about 68 meters tall. In the 19th century, Egyptian ruler Muhammad Ali Pasha worked to fix its damage.
- The construction of Sultan Hassan Mosque began in 1356 under Sultan Hassan bin Al-Nasir Muhammad.
- The mosque was a place for learning. Students from all over studied Islamic studies, law, and sciences here.
- Building the mosque was hard because of political troubles and unstable ground.
Today, the Mosque of Sultan Hassan shows the power of historic preservation and restoration. It keeps its cultural heritage alive for us today.
Mosque of Sultan Hassan
The Mosque of Sultan Hassan is a stunning sight in Cairo, Egypt. It was built from 1356 to 1363 AD. It was ordered by Sultan an-Nasir Hasan and is famous for its grand size and detailed design.
This mosque is huge, covering 7,906 square meters. Its walls are 36 meters high. It was so big that it almost emptied the Mamluk Treasury. Builders even used stones from the Giza Pyramids to finish it.
The mosque’s design mixes Mamluk and Islamic styles. It has a layout like a madrasa (religious school). At its center is a big open courtyard. Around it are four liwans (vaulted halls) for the four main Sunni schools.
Its two minarets are especially impressive. The taller one is the highest in Mamluk style. The northern side of the mosque is 145 meters long and 38 meters high. It’s covered in beautiful marble and stone.
Inside, Sultan Hassan built a mausoleum. It shows off the best of Islamic art and inscriptions. After Sultan Hassan died, Bashir al-Jamdar helped finish the mosque.
Now, the Mosque of Sultan Hassan shows off the Mamluk dynasty’s skill. It’s a big hit with visitors to Egypt. People love its beauty and history.
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Key Facts |
Details |
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Construction Timeline |
1356 A.D. to 1363 A.D. |
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Size and Dimensions |
Spans 150 meters in length, covers 7,906 square meters, and features walls standing 36 meters tall |
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Architectural Style |
Mamluk and Islamic, with a systematic layout reminiscent of a madrasa |
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Key Features |
Central open courtyard, four liwans, two minarets (one the tallest in Mamluk style), and an ornate northern façade |
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Patron and Completion |
Commissioned by Sultan an-Nasir Hasan, with further enhancements by Bashir al-Jamdar after the Sultan’s death |
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Historical Significance |
A testament to Mamluk architectural prowess and a major tourist attraction in Cairo |
Conclusion
The Mosque of Sultan Hassan in Cairo is a true marvel. It has amazed visitors for centuries. Built between 1356 and 1363 AD, it shows the Mamluk era’s skill and creativity.
This massive structure is a symbol of Cairo’s heart. Its size, design, and history make it unforgettable. It’s a landmark that stands tall.
The mosque’s grand scale is over 7,900 square meters. Its detailed decorations are stunning. The construction cost was high, showing the Mamluk’s commitment.
The use of Giza Pyramids materials adds to its importance. This shows the project’s significance.
The Sultan Hassan Mosque is more than just a building. It’s a key part of Cairo’s culture and learning. It was once a place for 1,000 students to study.
Today, it draws visitors worldwide. They come to see its beauty and history. As a UNESCO site, it’s a treasure of Egypt’s culture, inviting you to discover its beauty.