Madrasa of Sultan al-Ghuri

The founder of this complex, Sultan Qansuh al-Ghuri, was one of the most famous circassian 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 in 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 complex includes a mosque, a madrasa for sciences of Islamic jurisprudence and prophetic hadiths, across the street, a mausoleum, a khanqah (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.

This madrasa is considered a suspended one as there is a row of shops lies underneath. It has a court surrounded with four iwans (vaulted space that is open on one side). It has also a remarkable square minaret which is decorated with a geometric decoration of squares forming chessboard. 

The madrasa exhibits the finest elements of Mamluk art and architecture, which is most apparent in its minaret, the first in Cairo’s Islamic architecture to be crowned with four pinnacles. Just as iconic is the marble paneling of the madrasa’s iwans, the vegetal motifs sculpted into the stone and the marble, and the wooden ceilings decorated with gilded and painted inscriptions and vegetal and geometric motifs. The wooden minbar (pulpit) and seat for the Quran reciter are inlaid with ivory and ebony.