Fodor's Expert Review Mosque of Sultan al-Mu'ayyad
Sultan al-Mu'ayyad was once imprisoned at this location under Sultan Faraj, and he suffered terribly during his imprisonment from fleas and lice. He swore that, if he was ever freed, he would build a mosque there—a sanctuary for the education of scholars. He ultimately assisted in overthrowing the sultan, and became the new sultan within six months. He made good on his promise in 1420 and tore down the infamous jails that once occupied the site.
The mosque's facade is remarkable in that the ablaq (the striped wall) is black and white, less common than the usual red and white. The famous entrance of the Sultan Hassan Mosque below the Citadel inspired the high portal. The beautiful bronze-plated door was lifted from the mosque of Mu’ayyad’s better-known predecessor. The two elegant identical minarets rest against the towers of Bab Zuweila, which makes them appear to be a part of the gate and not the mosque.
The interior space is well insulated from the bustle... READ MORE
Sultan al-Mu'ayyad was once imprisoned at this location under Sultan Faraj, and he suffered terribly during his imprisonment from fleas and lice. He swore that, if he was ever freed, he would build a mosque there—a sanctuary for the education of scholars. He ultimately assisted in overthrowing the sultan, and became the new sultan within six months. He made good on his promise in 1420 and tore down the infamous jails that once occupied the site.
The mosque's facade is remarkable in that the ablaq (the striped wall) is black and white, less common than the usual red and white. The famous entrance of the Sultan Hassan Mosque below the Citadel inspired the high portal. The beautiful bronze-plated door was lifted from the mosque of Mu’ayyad’s better-known predecessor. The two elegant identical minarets rest against the towers of Bab Zuweila, which makes them appear to be a part of the gate and not the mosque.
The interior space is well insulated from the bustle of the surrounding district by high walls blanketed in marble panels. The wood and ivory minbar is flanked by a fine columned mihrab with marble marquetry of exceptional quality. The gilt and blue ceilings are also noteworthy.
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