Mahmud al-Kurdi Mosque, Mamluk mosque in Islamic Cairo, Egypt
Mahmud al-Kurdi Mosque is a Mamluk-era mosque in Islamic Cairo featuring a stone dome with horizontal chevron patterns and eight windows set on a cylindrical drum. The building has a distinctive minaret that stands out in the neighborhood's architectural landscape.
The mosque was built in 1395 during the Mamluk era by Mahmud al-Kurdi, who served as majordomo to Sultan Barquq. This construction reflected the period's flourishing patronage of religious buildings by state officials.
The metal doors showcase geometric star patterns and arabesque carvings that reflect the detailed craftsmanship of medieval Islamic metalworking. Visitors can see how artisans of that era applied the same decorative techniques to both religious buildings and private residences.
The building underwent extensive renovations from 1979 to 2004 and received a fresh coat of white plaster on its minaret. The mosque sits within a walkable historic district where visitors can easily access it on foot along with other nearby monuments.
The interior layout resembles a qa'a reception hall rather than a traditional mosque design, suggesting the building may have started as a private residence. This detail reveals how some religious structures were adapted from existing domestic spaces.
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