Cairo
The foundation of the takiya began as a mosque established by Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qalawun in 720 AH/1320 AD. It was then renovated by Sultan al-Zahir Gaqmaq in 847 AH / 1443 AD, who converted it into a khanqah (a place designed specifically for Sufis gatherings) for non-Egyptian students. Later, it became known as takiya of Taqi al-Din al-Bistami, named after Shaykh Muhammad al-Bistami, one of its former leaders.
The main facade of the takiya is the southwestern facade, which overlooks al-Labbana alley and includes the main entrance. The northwestern facade overlooks Darb al-Labbana, while the northeastern facade overlooks the bimaristan of Sultan al-Mu’ayyad Shaykh.
The entrance of the takiya leads to a corridor that ends in an open courtyard surrounded by several rooms on two floors. It also includes a mosque, which is a rectangular space divided into three arcades, with a mihrab niche located on the southeastern wall. Above the entrance, there is a marble panel bearing the name of Sultan al-Nasser Muhammad Ibn Qalawun.
