Mosque of Gawhar al-Lala, Medieval mosque in Cairo, Egypt
The Mosque of Gawhar al-Lala stands in Cairo and combines an open courtyard with marble surfaces and a covered prayer hall with wooden ceiling work. The building also contains a mausoleum and newer washing facilities for visitors.
The building was founded in 1430 by Gawhar al-Lala, an important official under Sultan Barsbay. The founder died later under unfortunate circumstances but left behind an enduring legacy.
The mosque remains a place for prayer and learning where the community gathers. You can see people coming here to pray and spend time together in the rooms.
A resident caretaker can guide you through the prayer hall, mausoleum, and newer facilities. It helps to take time and explore the different rooms one by one.
The minaret has a distinctive shape with a knob and single balcony offering views onto the street below. The carved lattice screen at the kuttab balcony shows the craft care put into the fixtures.
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