Sultan Al-Ghuri Complex, Islamic complex in Cairo, Egypt
The Sultan Al-Ghuri Complex is an Islamic structure in Cairo consisting of two striped buildings facing each other across a narrow market street in Islamic Cairo's old quarter. The western side houses a mosque and school for Islamic studies, while the eastern portion contains a mausoleum and ceremonial monastery with a performance hall.
Built between 1503 and 1505 by Mamluk Sultan Qansuh al-Ghuri, the complex marks the final major construction of the Mamluk dynasty in Egypt. This timing placed it at the end of an era before the region experienced significant political changes.
The eastern section hosts a performance space where visitors can watch traditional Sufi ceremonies twice weekly. These gatherings reflect spiritual practices that remain part of daily life for local communities.
The site is easy to explore on foot, with both sections accessible from the market street below. The best time to visit is early morning or early evening when the surrounding market street is less crowded.
The mausoleum on the eastern side features an unusual flat wooden roof after multiple failed attempts to build a traditional dome over the burial chamber. This pragmatic solution reveals the construction challenges of that period.
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