Sabil-Kuttab Abd El Rahman Katkhuda

The Sabil-Kuttab Abd El Rahman Katkhuda is a combined water fountain and school building on Al-Muizz Street with a distinctive three-sided structure. The building holds a fountain room decorated with marble reliefs and a classroom area supported by five marble columns beneath ornately carved ceilings.

The building was constructed in 1744 by Abd al-Rahman Katkhuda during Ottoman rule. It blends architectural features from both Mamluk and Ottoman periods, showing how design traditions mixed during this era.

The name honors its founder and shows how wealthy citizens supported their communities through architecture. Combining a water source with a school was a common way to improve daily life by providing two essential services in one place.

The building sits on a busy street and can be viewed from outside, with details like carved doors and ceramic works clearly visible. The best way to understand the structure is to distinguish between its different functional areas and observe the finely executed elements.

Copper mesh screens cover the drinking openings, a distinctive feature that protected the water from contamination while displaying the craftsmanship of the period. This practical solution blends function with aesthetic refinement in a subtle way.

Location: Cairo Governorate

Inception: 1744

Elevation above the sea: 31 m

GPS coordinates: 30.05070,31.26160

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:42