Al-Ghuri’s wikala

The founder of this complex, Sultan Qansuh al-Ghuri, was one of the most famous Burgi Mamluk sultans. He ascended the throne in 906 AH / 1501 AD, and ruled until his death in 922 AH / 1516 AD in the battle of Marg Dabiq in northern Syria against the Ottomans.

The complex was constructed between 909–910 AH / 1503–1504 AD. Its unique architectural plan combines all social needs in one holistic structure. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Cairo.

The wikala (commercial part) consists of a rectangular open courtyard surrounded by a group of halls distributed on a ground floor and four upper floors. The ground floor and first floor include alveoli, which were used as warehouses for the goods resident merchants. While the upper floors contains modular rooms that were used as lodges for merchants.

This wikala reflects the masterworks of wood and stone arts of the late Mamluk era, which appear in the roofing of residential spaces and mashrabiyas and also the Sultan al-Ghuri rank (emblem) located on the stone facades of the first floor. The wikala's external facade is also characterized by the use of the famous stone style of exchanging stones colors.

The complex includes a mosque, a madrasa for the four Islamic schools of jurisprudence and, across the street, a mausoleum, a khanqa (hostel for Sufis), a sabil (public drinking fountain), a kuttab (Quranic school), and a dormitory. A wooden roof spanning the street connects the two halves of the complex and shelters a textiles and clothes market.