IV.     Bahri Mamluk Period (1251-1381 AD)

 

#1        Mosque of al-Zahir Baybars al-Bunduqdari [Baybars I] (1269 AD) H-1

 

Restoration: in the 1990's by the Egyptian Antiquities Organization/Supreme Council of Antiquities. It was apparently in too ruinous a condition to warrant prior restoration.

 

            The only original decorative stone remaining are a few columns, mostly fallen and broken.

 

            Just inside the northeast entrance, immediately on the left/east: several column fragments, one of Aswan granite and the others of Proconnesian marble.

 

            Qibli liwan: on the ground to the left/north of the prayer niche there are a whole column and a column fragment of Aswan granite, and a whole column of granito violetto. There are 3 upright columns at the corners of two pillars in front of the mihrab — one is probably bigio antico with a Corinthian capital, and the other two are light gray marble with Byzantine ? capitals. To the right/south of the mihrab are 14 new ? light gray marble columns standing with identical fancy Islamic capitals.

 

            Visited by: JAH in '96.

 

            References: C59, 155-173; B-A89, 94-95; MW92, 39-40; S-WS88, 408; W02, 223-225.

 

#279    Mausoleum of Mustafa Pasha (1269-73 AD) G-10

 

According to Creswell (1959: 178-180) there is no decorative stone inside, but it has an entrance sill of Aswan granite (uninscribed?).

 

            Not visited.

 

            Other references: S-WS88, 383.

 

#274    Mausoleum of Fatima Khatun [a.k.a. Umm al-Salih] (1283-4 AD) F-9/F-10

 

According to Creswell (1959: 180-185) there is no decorative stone inside, but the many empty niches indicates that it originally had at least 12 marble columns.

 

            Not visited.

 

            Other references: S-WS88, 338; W02, 111-112.

 

#146    Khanqah/Mausoleum of al-Bunduqdariya (1284-5 AD) F-7/F-8

 

According to Creswell (1959: 185-180) there is no decorative stone inside but empty recesses indicate that the mihrabs in each of the two mausoleums were originally flanked by marble columns.

 

            Not visited.

 

            Other references: S-WS88, 334; W02, 104.

 

#43      Mosque/Madrasa/Mausoleum/Maristan of Sultan al-Mansur Qalawan (1284-5 AD) H-4

 

            Restoration: in 1903-1912 by the Comité.

 

The maristan (hospital) is now in ruins and largely gone. No decorative stone survives except possibly for a fountain with a colorful stone mosaic (not seen).

 

            ENTRANCE

 

            Sill: uninscribed Aswan granite.

 

            Flanking columns: 2 on each side in matching/opposing pairs - Aswan granite (inner pair) and Aswan granodiorite (outer pair) with a variety of Corinthian capitals.

 

            Facade: basalt (or black limestone?) and "white" marble ablaq with light gray marble colonettes.

 

            EAST SIDE FACADE

 

Numerous light gray marble columns (mostly if not entirely Proconnesian) with a variety of Corinthian capitals.

 

            MAUSOLEUM COURTYARD

 

            A massive sill of either Aswan granite or granodiorite is crossed at the entrance to the courtyard (coming from the corridor). Inside there are 6 massive columns of Aswan granite (4) and Aswan granodiorite (2, flanking the mausoleum entrance) with a variety of Corinthian capitals. In places these are covered with red paint.

 

            MAUSOLEUM INTERIOR

 

            Columns: (1) flanking the west entrance — 2 Proconnesian marble columns with spirals (upper half) and fluting (lower half), and Corinthian capitals; (2) in wall niches — 34 Proconnesian marble columns with Islamic capitals; (3) around the 4 columns supporting the dome — 16 Proconnesian marble columns with Corinthian capitals; (4) in the center supporting the dome — 4 huge (7 m high) Aswan granite columns with ornate guilded Corinthian capitals; and (5) flanking the mihrab are 3 columns on each side in matching/opposing pairs with white marble Islamic capitals — octagonal Proconnesian marble (front), round MP imperial porphyry (middle), and round Aswan granodiorite (back).

 

            Wall panels: mostly Proconnesian marble, and light and dark gray varieties of Carrara marbles with occasional panels of other stones: red-and-white breccia [broccatelli d'Egitto?] (at the NW, NE, SW and SE corners), bianco e nero antico (4 large panels flanking the west side entrance), pavonazzetto (1 panel in the window niche on the south side of the mihrab), and bigio lumachellato. Elaborate wall mosaics are made from "black" and "white" marbles, and pink, red and orange limestones plus, in the upper parts of walls above the panels, mother-of-pearl and, in the 4 corners, cipollino rosso brecciato. The paneling covers the lower 4.2 m of the walls.

 

            Mihrab: has no stone paneling, only an intricate polychrome stone mosaic like that found on parts of the walls.

 

            Cenotaph: Proconnesian marble, but around the base there are 22 small panels of WUS diorite, and "black" and "white" marbles.

 

            Pavement: a decorative pavement exists only around the cenotaph, and between the cenotaph and mihrab, and cenotaph and west-side entrance. How much of it is original is unclear. It consists of intricate designs with small pieces of "black" and "white" marbles, and fossiliferous red limestones set around large slabs of Proconnesian marble. There is a single rota of MP imperial porphyry at the west entrance.

 

            MADRASA

 

            Qibli liwan: at the entrance are 2 Proconnesian marble columns with Corinthian capitals, and inside are 6 huge columns of Aswan granite with a variety of Corinthian capitals. The columns have what appear to be a Pharaonic symbol inscribed (in raised relief) near their tops (it resembles three concentric U's). This same symbol can be seen on 4 columns of Aswan granite now in gallery 42 of Cairo's Egpytian Museum but originally from the pyramid temple at Abusir of the 5th dynasty king Sahure. The interior is undecorated except for the prayer niche.

 

            Mihrab: 2 flanking columns of bigio antico with Corinthian capitals. There are 6 tiers of panels. From bottom (1) to top (6) these consist of the following stones: (1) africano, verde antico, cipollino rosso venato, and "black" and "white" marbles; (2) bigio lumachellato and light gray marble; (3) light gray marble; (4) all panels are missing; (5) verde antico and light gray marble; and (6) verde antico, cipollino rosso brecciato, and bianco e nero antico. The light gray, "white" and "black" marbles may all be new. The lighter ones are Proconnesian and marmo bianco di Carrara, and the darker ones are bardiglio di Carrara.

 

            South liwan: only 2 light gray (Proconnesian?) marble columns with Corithian capitals. The west liwan has been destroyed and there is no north liwan.

 

            Visited by: JAH in '96 & '99; MB & LL in '99.

 

            References: C59, 190-212; B-A89, 95-100; MW92, 41-42; S-WS88, 244; W02, 165-168.

 

#296    Mausoleum of al-Sawabi (1286 AD) G-10

 

According to Creswell (1959: 213-214) there is no decorative stone inside.

 

            Not visited.

 

            Other references: S-WS88, 378; W02, 116.

 

#275    Mausoleum of Sultan al-Ashraf Khalil (1288 AD) F-10

 

According to Creswell (1959: 214-218) this building was originally richly adorned with decorative stones, including marble wall paneling up to 3 m high and marble columns flanking the mihrab and doorways. Only 3 pieces of marble paneling (1 red and 2 white) remained in the mihrab.

 

            Not visited.

 

            Other references: S-WS88, 339; W02, 112.

 

#186    Mausoleum of Husam al-Din Turuntay al-Mansuri (1290 AD) G-5

 

According to Creswell (1959: 218-219) there is no decorative stone inside. Empty recesses indicate that the mihrab was originally flanked by 2 marble columns.

 

            Not visited.

 

            Other references: none.

 

#245    Mausoleum of Ahmad Ibn Sulayman al-Rifai (1291 AD) G-7

 

According to Creswell (1959: 219-222) there is no decorative stone inside.

 

            Not visited.

 

            Other references: none.

 

#44      Madrasa/Mausoleum of Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad (1296-1304 AD) H-4

 

Restoration: around the turn of the century by the Comité, and in 1985-86 by the German Archaeological Institute.

           

            ENTRANCE

 

            There is a gothic/Christian portal of "white" marble brought in 1291 AD from Acre (or Akka) in Palestine, and an uninscribed Aswan granite sill.

 

            MAUSOLEUM

 

            The only decorative stones are 4 columns: 2 flanking the prayer niche and 2 flanking the west side entrance. All are verde antico with Corinthian and Byzantine? capitals.

 

            MADRASA (now in a ruinous state)

 

            Flanking the mihrab are 2 columns of Wadi Hammamat conglomerate (both 3.5 m high with a 1.3 m circumference near the base). In the courtyard are 2 columns on the ground: both are brown siliceous sandstone. These may not come from this building as it is now being used for storage by the Supreme Council of Antiquities. There are no other decorative stones.

 

            Visited by: JAH in '96 & '99; MB & LL in '99.

 

            References: C59, 234-240; B-A89, 100-101 & 112-113; MW92, 43; S-WS88, 243; W02, 169-170.

 

#172    Mosque/Zawiya/Mausoleum of Zayn al-Din Yusuf (1298 AD) G-10

 

            Renovation: around the turn of the century by the Comité.

 

            MOSQUE

 

            The only decorative stones are 2 columns of Proconnesian marble with Islamic capitals.

 

            MAUSOLEUM

 

            Creswell (1959: 232-233) reports seeing extensive marble paneling from the early 1300's, but these appear to be gone now. Today there are new wall panels and mosaics using light and dark gray marbles, and red and rare green limestones.

 

            Visited by: JAH in '96.

 

            References: C59, 229-233; B-A89, 111-112; S-WS88, 384; W02, 121-122.

 

#292    Mausoleum of Ali Badr al-Din al-Qarafi (1300 AD) G-10

 

According to Creswell (1959: 265-266) there is no decorative stone inside but originally it had marble wall paneling.

 

            Not visited.

 

            Other references: S-WS88, 378; W02, 116.

 

#31      Madrasa/Mausoleum of Amir Qarasunqur (1300 AD) H-4

 

            Restoration: the mausoleum only in the 1890's by the Comité.

 

The madrasa was long ago converted to a boys school and nothing remains of the original decorative stone. Only the mausoleum has some (all in the mihrab) and it is badly deteriorated. The mihrab is flanked by 2 round columns of bigio antico with Islamic capitals and bases. Inside there is a single, lower tier of panels with alternating red and black limestones with "white" and "black" marble trim. Above is a geometric design using "white" and "black" marbles, red limestone, and mother-of-pearl.

 

Visited by: JAH & MB in '99.

 

References: C59, 240-242; S-WS88, 222; W02, 189.

 

#221    Madrasa/Khanqah/Mausoleum of Solar and Sangar al-Gawli (1303-4 AD)       E-8

 

Restoration: in 1894 by the Comité, and in the late 1990's by the Supreme Council of Antiquities.

 

            ENTRANCE

 

            There is a sill of uninscribed brown siliceous pebbly sandstone.

 

            MADRASA/KHANQH

 

            There is no decorative stone inside.

 

            MAUSOLEUM

 

The only decorative stone is in the Solar mausoleum where it occurs in a narrow band along the top of the east wall, and in and just above the mihrab. The same stones are used throughout: light and dark gray marbles, red and orange limestones with rare pieces of cipollino rosso brecciato and rosso di Francia. The latter stone is certainly new. There are no columns flanking the mihrab. The burial has no marble cenotaph, just a low wall of light and dark gray marbles. Sangar al-Gawli's mausoleum is bare except for the cenotaph of light gray marble.

 

Visited by: JAH in '97 & '99; MB in '99.

 

References: C59, 242-245; B-A89, 101-104; MW92, 44-47; S-WS88, 348; W02, 42-44.

 

#32      Khanqah/Mausoleum of Sultan Baybars al-Gashankir (1306-10 AD) H-3

 

Restoration: in the 1890's by the Comité and again, to a minor extent, in the late 1990's by the Supreme Council of Antiquities.

 

            ENTRANCE

 

Has a brown siliceous sandstone sill with hieroglyphics. There are also a lot of "black" and "white" marbles (much of it Proconnesian) on the walls adjacent to the portal.

 

            MAUSOLEUM

 

            Pavement: "black" and "white" marbles (some Proconnesian). These same two stones predominate in the wall panels as well. The relatively few occurrences of other stones are given below.

 

            The stone paneling covers the lower 3.6 m of the walls.

 

            West wall: panels of WH conglomerate flank the entrance as do also two octagonal columns of light gray marble with Islamic capitals.

 

            South wall panels: occhio di pavone rosso, brownish pink astracane dorato (d'Egitto?), bigio lumachellato, and bigio antico. Inside the opposing walls of the window niche are 2 long strips of WH conglomerate.

 

            North wall panels: bigio lumachellato, occhio di pavone rosso (possibly the subvariety lumachellato di Sibila), an unknown contorted light brown (discolored?)/dark gray fossiliferous limestone, plus some assorted new (replacement) marbles.

 

            East wall panels: MP imperial porphyry (2 large panels on each side flanking the mihrab). There are also extensive, intricate mosaics made with small pieces of "black" and "white" marbles, fossiliferous red limestone, cipollino rosso brecciato, and astracane dorato (d'Egitto?). This stone mosaic is very similar to the one inside the mihrab.

 

            Mihrab: there are 7 panels in the lower tier but identification is difficult because of the dirt coating. Three of the panels are breccias — pavonazzetto (1), and verde antico (2). The other panels appear to be astracane dorato (d'Egitto?, 3), and black marble (1). The upper tier of panels include: verde antico, astracane dorato (d'Egitto?), and red and black limestones. The 2 flanking columns are identical to those flanking the mausoleum entrance on the west wall.

 

            Trim: all walls have "black" and "white" marble trim.

 

            PASSAGEWAY BETWEEN MAUSOLEUM AND KHANQAH

 

            Mostly Proconnesian and "black" marbles with a few pieces of polychrome marble.

 

            KHANQAH

 

            The only decorative stones are the two octagonal columns of Proconnesian marble flanking the mihrab. Both have Islamic capitals.

 

            Visited by: JAH in '96, '97 & '99; MB in '99.

 

            References: C59, 249-253; B-A89, 104-107; MW92, 48-49; S-WS88, 223; W02, 187-189.

 

#521    Mosque of Ahmad Bey Kohya (1310 AD) F-8

 

This building is an empty and partially collapsed shell. An old man long in the neighborhood said that when the mosque was in use it had no decorative stone inside.

 

            Visited by: JAH in '00.

 

            References: S-WS88, 335.

 

#549    Palace of al-Nasir Muhammad [a.k.a. Qasr Al-Ablaq ] (1314 AD) G-8/H-8

 

Portions of only two rooms can now be seen, and only from above at about a 15 m distance. These rooms are now unroofed and in ruins. It is evident that the interior walls were once covered with decorative stone to a considerable height judging from the panel impressions seen in the remaining plaster. Several of the original decorative panels remain on the step/rise between the two rooms. With the aid of binoculars, these panels appear to be verde antico (3 attached plus 1 loose on the ground), WUS diorite (1), red-and-white breccia (2 attached plus 1 loose on the ground), and "white" and "black" marbles. Slabs of Proconnesian marble are used for the pavement above the step/riser. Lying on the ground above the ruins, on their south side and at modern-day ground level, are 4 large columns of Aswan granite.

 

            Visited by: JAH in '00.

 

            References: S-WS88, 374; W02, 202.

 

#270    Mausoleum of Safi al-Din Gawhar (1315 AD) F-8

 

According to Creswell (1959: 266-267) there is no decorative stone inside.

 

            Not visited.

 

            Other references: none.

 

#263    Madrasa/Mausoleum of Amir Sunqur Sadi [a.k.a. Tomb of Shaykh Hasan Sadaqa] (1315-21 AD) F-8

 

This building is kept closed and locked due to structural problems. Apart from the mausoleum, only the northwest liwan of the madrasa survives. According to Creswell (1959: 267-269) there is no decorative stone inside and looking through a window into the mausoleum this does indeed appear to be the case. Notably, the 3 marble colonnettes flanking the window above the outside entrance are war spoils from Palestine.

 

Visited by: JAH & MB in '99.

 

Other references: B-A89, 107-108; S-WS88, 331; MW02, 103-104.

 

#176    Mosque of Qadi Sharaf al-Din (1317-37 AD) G-4

 

            There is no decorative stone inside.

 

            Visited by: JAH in '00.

 

            References: S-WS88, 283.

 

#143    Mosque of Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad (1318-35 AD) H-8

 

            Wall panels: the walls are largely devoid of stone panels except in the mihrab and the adjacent wall surfaces. The mihrab contains all new stones (dating from the early 1900's and including light and dark gray marbles, verde alpi, fossiliferous red limestone, broccato di Verona, black and orange limestones, and mother-of-pearl) except for several, somewhat deteriorated panels of verde antico that are probably original. On the north wall are fragments of the original red-and-white breccia paneling, and on the south wall there is a red-and-white breccia rota (all cipollino rosso brecciato?). Around these are smaller trim panels of white, black and red stone. A medieval chronicler describes the walls of this mosque as being completely covered with marble paneling. The remaining traces indicate that only the lower 5 meters were covered.

 

            Pavement: Mokattam limestone.

 

            Columns: there are a total of 74 columns – 24 around the edge of the central open courtyard, 28 inside the qibli liwan, 6 in both the north and south liwans, and 10 in the west liwan. Included among these columns are 24 of Aswan granite (10 of these are especially large), 2 of Aswan granodiorite, 28 of Proconnesian marble, 9 of bigio antico, 2 of bigio lumachellato, 1 of cipollino verde, 1 of granito violetto (in the NW corner of the courtyard), and 7 of an unknown light gray marble with black styolitic veins. These have mostly Corinthian and Byzantine capitals with some Islamic types as well.

 

            Visited by: JAH in '96 & '00.

 

            References: B-A89, 108-110; MW92, 52; S-WS88, 370; W02, 201-202.

 

#233    Mosque/Mausoleum of Amir Husayn (1319 AD) F-5

 

There is a single liwan, all but the qibli have been destroyed. The only decorative stones are 4 columns of Proconnesian marble, and in and around the mihrab. All of the latter appears to be new: panels of "white" and dark gray marble, and breccia rossa Appeninica; and 2 flanking columns of light gray marble with Islamic capitals.

 

            Visited by: JAH in '00.

 

            References: HW32 (v. 2), pl. 104; C59, 269-270; S-WS88, 280.

 

#24      Madrasa of Amir yl-Malak al-Gukandar (1319 AD) H-4

 

The only decorative stone is in the mihrab and much of it is new. In the center are 2 large panels of MP imperial porphyry, and flanking the mihrab are 2 octagonal columns of either breccia di Settebassi or, less likely, pavonazzetto. All the rest of the panels and trim inside the mihrab are of "white" marble, red and black limestones plus new Aswan granodiorite (also just outside the mihrab on the walls and floor).

 

            Visited by: JAH in '00.

 

            Reference: C59, 270-272; S-WS88, 218.

 

#115    Mosque/Mausoleum of Ahmad al-Mihmandar (1324-5 AD) G-6

 

            The only decorative stones are 6 columns: 4 of Proconnesian marble in front of the qibli liwan (with Corinthian capitals), and 2 light gray marble columns flanking the mihrab (with Islamic capitals).

 

            Visited by: JAH in '96.

 

            References: C59, 273-274; S-WS88, 307; W02, 89-90.

 

#26      Mosque of Mogholtay al-Gamali (1329-30 AD) H-4

 

There is no decorative stone inside except in the mihrab, which has new paneling of white-veined black marble, "white" marble, and yellow crystalline limestone. It is flanked by 2 octagonal light gray marble columns with Islamic capitals.

 

            Visited by: JAH in '00.

 

            References: S-WS88, 219.

 

#234    Mausoleum of Abu al-Yusufayn (1329-30 AD) G-6

 

            There is no decorative stone inside. It's all new construction.

 

            Visited by: JAH in '97.

 

            References: S-WS88, 309; W02, 87.

 

#202    Mosque of Amir Qawsun (1329-30 AD) F-6/F-7

 

            There is no decorative stone inside. Apparently the original mosque was completely destroyed except for a few remaining walls now in the courtyard. The current mosque is of fairly recent construction.

 

            Visited by: JAH in '97.

 

            References: W02, 101.

 

#130    Mosque/Mausoleum of Amir Ulmas (1329-30 AD) F-7

 

            MOSQUE

 

            Until recently the building has been shallowly flooded due to a high ground-water table. It is now relatively dry but in a ruinous state. The only decorative stones visible are the columns in liwans and courtyard, the dikka, and paneling in the mihrab. The courtyard pavement is still under several centimeters of opaque green water but from early photographs it is clear that it consists of plain limestone (presumably Mokattam).

 

            Columns: There are 28 columns inside — 16 around the courtyard and the rest in the liwans. These exhibit a variety of Corinthian capitals. The four columns at the courtyard corners are of Aswan granite, all the rest are of Proconnesian marble, as is the dikka, except for three of dark gray marble that may be bigio antico.

 

            Mihrab: this is flanked by 2 columns: pavonazzetto on the right and occhio di pavone rosso on the left. Inside the mihrab are three tiers of panels. Lower tier — WH graywacke, cipollino rosso venato, and a yellowish limestone. Middle tier — pavonazzetto, verde alpi, and breccia rossa appenninica. Upper tier — WH graywacke, cipollino rosso brecciato and venato, and red and black limestones. The trim consists of "black" and "white" marbles. The roof of the niche has a nicely jogged pattern in "black" and "white" marbles, red limestone, and orange astracane dorato (d'Egitto?). Much of the stone in the mihrab must date from a Comité restoration.

 

            MAUSOLEUM

 

            This is kept closed and locked, and so was inaccessible. Ministry of Waqfs (1992: 51) states that the mihrab has "two beautiful columns and the remains of fine marble tracery".

 

            Visited by: JAH in '97 & '99; MB in '99.

 

            Other References: S-WS88, 331; W02, 101-102.

 

#291    Khanqah/Mausoleum of Amir Qawsun (1335 AD) G-10

 

            There is no information on the stones.

 

            Not visited.

 

            References: S-WS88, 377; W02, 115-116.

 

#120    Mosque of Altinbugha al-Maridani (1339-40 AD) G-6

 

            Restoration: in 1895-1903 by the Comité.

 

            NORTH SIDE ENTRANCE

 

            The sill is uninscribed Aswan granite.

 

            COURTYARD ARCADE

 

            Columns: there are 6 columns of Aswan granite, 1 of Aswan granodiorite, and 1 of granito violetto (on the south side of the doorway through the wooden screen into the qibli liwan). Two of the granite columns have Corinthian capitals; the rest have round collars.

 

            QIBLI LIWAN

 

            Columns: 8 large Aswan granite columns support the dome. These have painted Corinthian capitals. At least 6 of these have a Pharaonic symbol inscribed in raised relief near their tops that resembles three concentric U's. These are identical to those found on the granite columns in the madrasa of Sultan al-Mansour Qalawan and seen elsewhere in late Old Kingdom temples. There are also 11 Proconnesian marble columns with a variety of Corinthian capitals, and 8 more in the same stone that are octagonal and have Islamic capitals.

 

            Dikka: Proconnesian marble.

 

            Mihrab: 2 flanking columns of breccato di Verona. There are no stone panels, only a mosaic with red limestone and "white" marble, blue faience and lots of mother-of-pearl.

 

            Wall panels and rotae: these exist only on parts of the east wall. Decorations consist mainly of strips of "black" and "white" marbles, red limestone, mottled pink limestone/marble (some is rosso antico) and WH graywacke set in geometric designs interspersed with mosaics like those in the mihrab. Some of the WH graywacke has been replaced by new ? WUE serpentinite. Panels include a variety of red-and-white breccias (new broccatelli d'Egitto, breccia Medicea, and pomarolo), bigio lumachellato, breccia di Settebassi, and "white" marble. There are also rotae of the same varieties of red-and-white breccia.

 

            OTHER LIWANS

 

            Numerous columns of light gray marble with a variety of Corinthian and Byzantine ? capitals.

 

            Visited by: JAH in '96 & '99; MB & LL in '99.

 

            References: B-A89, 113-115; MW92, 53-54; S-WS88, 120; W02, 87-89.

 

#252    Mosque of Sitt Hadaq (1339-40 AD) E-6/E-7

 

In Summer 1999 this building was in a much ruinous state and was undergoing renovation. The only decorative stones present are 2 columns of Proconnesian marble in the qibli liwan, and the columns buried in the 12 masonry piers around the central courtyard. Through breaks in two of the piers can be seen a column of Aswan granite and another of Proconnesian marble.

 

Visited by: JAH & MB in '99.

 

References: S-WS88, 344; W02, 134-135.  

 

#112    Mosque of Aslam al-Silahdar (1344-5 AD) H-6

 

            Entrance sill: uninscribed Aswan granite.

 

            MOSQUE

 

            There are several columns of Proconnesian marble with Corinthian capitals. The pavement is at least partially new and where it can be seen under the mats consists of "white" and "black" marbles.

 

            MAUSOLEUM

 

            The only decorative stones are in the mihrab, and these include "white" marble panels with trim strips of WH graywacke and red limestone.

 

            Visited by: JAH in '97.

 

            References: MW92, 55-56; S-WS88, 307; W02, 93-94.

 

#22      Mosque of Aydumar al-Bahlawan [Baydar] (1346 AD) H-4

 

            There is no decorative stone inside. The single-room interior has been completely rebuilt in recent times.

 

            Visited by: JAH in '00.

 

            References: S-WS88, 219.

 

#123    Mosque/Mausoleum of Aqsunqur (1346-7 AD) G-7/H-7

 

            Restoration: in 1908 by the Comité.

 

            MOSQUE

 

            Qibli liwan interior: 2 columns of Aswan granite with different Corinthian capitals. The dikka is Proconnesian marble, and the east wall is covered with blue-and-white tiles installed during the mid-1600's.

 

            Minbar: Proconnesian marble with jogged paneling of other stones on the sides — MP imperial and greenish black porphyries, WUS diorite, verde antico, bianco e nero antico, fior di pesco (one panel on the south side; might be rosso di Levanto or a reddish variety of verde antico), and mottled pink limestone/marble. Trim consists of WH graywacke and "white" marble.

 

            Mihrab panels: MP imperial porphyry, WH conglomerate (2) and verde antico  [upper tier]; WUS diorite, africano, fior di pesco, layered pink marble (cipollino mandolato?) [middle tier]; and MP imperial porphyry, WUS diorite [lower tier]. Outside there are 4 flanking columns (two on each side) of Proconnesian marble with Islamic capitals and panels of the same stone on the wall behind. Inside are mosaics of red and orange limestones, and "black" and "white" marbles plus blue faience and mother-of-pearl. The floor is "white" marble.

 

            On the wall outside the mihrab and between it and the minbar are 6 large panels of bigio lumachellato.

 

            MAUSOLEUM

 

            The floor is paved with Mokattam limestone, and the middle and upper parts of the walls are covered with blue-and-white tiles.

 

            Cenotaph: light gray marble.

 

            Wall panels: MP imperial and greenish black porphyries, WUS diorite, WB quartz diorite, WH graywacke, Aswan granodiorite, cipollino rosso brecciato, pavonazzetto, occhio di pavone rosso, astracane dorato (d'Egitto?), verde antico, portoro, porfido serpentino verde (one small piece on the west wall), rosso antico, swirled yellow/pink limestone, light and dark gray marbles (mainly marmo bianco di Carrara and bardiglio di Carrara), and other unknown marbles ("mottled black and white" and "pink"). Trim includes strips of "black" and "white" marbles, and red limestone plus minor astracane dorato (d'Egitto?), WH greywacke and cipollino mandolato.

 

            Mihrab: "black" and "white" marbles, and red limestone.

 

            Visited by: JAH in '96 & '99; MB & LL in '99.

 

            References: B-A89, 115-116; MW92, 57-58; S-WS88, 311; W02, 78-80.

 

#242    Madrasa of Qatlubugha al-Dhahabi (1347 AD) G-7

 

The only decorative stone is in the mihrab and it all appears to be new. The single, lower tier of panels includes cipollino rosso venato, verde alpi, and "black" marble with a trim of light gray marble (probably marmo bianco di Carrara). The two flanking columns are Proconnesian marble with Islamic capitals and bases. The upper part of the mihrab has a geometric design with red, orange and black limestones, blue faience, and mother-of-pearl.

 

Visited by: JAH & MB in '99.

 

References: W02, 86.

 

#36      Madrasa/Mausoleum of Tatar al-Higaziya (1348 & 1360 AD) H-4

 

Restoration: in 1895 by the Comité, and in 1980-82 by the German Archaeological Institute.

 

            The only original decorative stone remaining are the 2 columns of Proconnesian marble with Corinthian capitals on the west side of the open courtyard. There are two mihrabs decorated with new stones. The southern one has a single, lower tier of alternating Aswan granite and black marble/limestone, and, above, a geometric pattern using "white" and "black" marbles, red limestone and blue faience. Flanking the mihrab are wall panels of WUE serpentinite and black marble/limestone, and octagonal columns of light gray marble with Islamic capitals and bases. The other, northern, prayer niche has 2 similar flanking columns and no other decorative stone.  

 

            The only other decorative stone is in the mausoleum and it is largely or entirely new. There is a cenotaph of light gray marble and around its base are small panels of black marble/limestone, red limestone, and broccato di Verona. Octagonal columns of light gray marble flank the bare mihrab.

 

            Visited by: JAH & MB in '99.

 

            References: S-WS88, 221; W02, 192.

 

#147    Mosque of Amir Shaykhu (1349 AD) F-8

 

            All columns in the interior are Proconnesian marble with a variety of classical capitals.

 

            Mihrab: flanked by two octagonal columns of pavonazzetto. Inside are two tiers of panels. Lower tier (l. to r.) — verde alpi, breccia Medicea, bigio lumachellato, MP imperial porphyry, bigio lumachellato, breccia Medicea, and verde alpi. Upper tier (l. to r.) — MP imperial porphyry, porfido serpentino verde, MP imperial porphyry, verde antico, MP imperial porphyry, verde antico, MP greenish black porphyry, some badly weathered pink stone, verde alpi, and the same badly weathered pink stone. Trim consists of "black" and "white" marbles. There is lots of salt damage.

 

            Courtyard pavement: several varieties of "white", bardiglio di Carrara and other "black" marbles, and red limestone.

 

            Visited by: JAH '96 & '99; MB in '99.

 

            References: B-A89, 116-118; S-WS88, 360; W02, 54-57.

 

#138    Mosque of Mangak al-Yusufi [a.k.a. al-Sihahdar] (1349 AD) H-8

 

This is small, single-roomed mosque is richly adorned with mostly its original decorative stones. Notably, the lower 4 m of all four walls are covered with stone paneling.

 

            Entrance:  uninscribed sill of Aswan granodiorite.

 

Columns: 6 of Proconnesian marble in the center of the room, and 6 of light gray marble (4 octagonal ones supporting the wooden dikka and 2 round ones flanking the mihrab).

 

North wall panels: large slabs of MP greenish black and black porphyries, WB diorite, verde antico, white-veined red and green serpentinite, and "white" marble.

 

            West wall panels: greco scritto, Proconnesian marble, and "white" marble.

 

South wall panels: WH conglomerate, MP greenish black porphyry, verde antico, bigio antico, Proconnesian marble, black limestone, and "white" marble.

 

East wall panels: WH conglomerate, MP imperial porphyry, verde antico, white-veined red and green serpentinite, astracane dorate d'Egitto?, breccia rossa Appenninica?, and "white" marble.

 

            Wall trim: WH greywacke and "white" marble.

 

Mihrab: there are two tiers of panels. All are WH greywacke (now painted black) with "white" marble trim (now painted white). The painted joggling above the panels appears to also be of the same stones.

 

Pavement: Mokattam limestone execept in the center where Proconnesian and other light gray marbles are used around a fountain.

 

            Visited by: JAH in '00.

 

            References: S-WS88, 303; W02, 70-71.

 

#289    The "al-Sultaniya" (c. 1350-60) G-10

 

            There is no information on the stones but it has been recently restored.

 

            Not visited.

 

            References: B-A89, 128; W S-WS88, 376; W02, 114-115.

 

#152    Khanqah/Madrasa of Amir Shaykhu (1355 AD) F-8

 

            Restoration: in the late 1990's by the Supreme Council of Antiquities.

 

            All columns in the interior appear to be Proconnesian marble with a variety of Islamic and Corithian capitals. One of the ancient bases is Aswan granite. There's nothing in the mihrab except for 2 small columns of Proconnesian marble. The dikka has one small column of Aswan granodiorite.

 

            Courtyard: the eastern half has a pavement of mostly Proconnesian marble with some slabs of MP imperial and black porphyries, WUS diorite, and "black" marble.

 

            Madrasa entrance: the sill is uninscribed Aswan granodiorite.

 

            Visited by: JAH in '96; LL in '99.

 

            References: B-A89, 118-119; S-WS88, 360; W02, 54-57.

 

#140    Mosque/Khanqah of Nizan al-Din (1356 AD) H-7?

 

            This is now a roofless ruined shell filled with rubble.

 

            Visited by: JAH in '00.

 

            References: W02, 73.

 

#218    Madrasa/Mausoleum of Amir Sarghatmish (1356 AD) E-8

 

            Restoration: in 1930-1950 by the Comité.

 

            MADRASA

 

            The only decorative stone is in the courtyard pavement (which dates from 1945) and on the wall of the qibli liwan.

 

              Courtyard Pavement

 

            Rotae and panels: verde alpi and "pink limestone conglomerate" (possibly breccia aurora classica). The rest of the pavement is a geometric design using a variety of light gray (Proconnesian and marmo bianco di Carrara) and dark gray (bardiglio di Carrara) marbles. The fountain, including the 8 columns, is Proconnesian marble. The columns have a variety of Corinthian and Byzantine capitals.

 

              Qibli Liwan

 

            Wall panels left of the mihrab: MP imperial porphyry (1), cipollino rosso venato (1 large), bigio antico (1) and broccato di Verona (1 large) with light gray marble (marmo bianco di Carrara) trim. There's also one panel and some trim of a fine-grained, black limestone/marble (nero di Belgio?) that looks new. There are also 2 panels of light gray marble with Islamic inscriptions.

 

            Wall panels right of the mihrab: MP imperial and greenish black porphyries (3 and 1, respectively), and WUS diorite (1). The trim is light gray marble (some Proconnesian) and WH graywacke. There is also one panel of light gray marble with an Islamic inscription.

 

            Mihrab: flanked by two round columns of broccatello di Verona with Islamic capitals of light gray marble. Interior paneling includes — MP imperial porphyry, WH graywacke, light gray marble and bigio antico (upper tier); MC gneiss, WH graywacke, marmo bianco di Carrara, occhio di pavone rosso, and bardiglio di Carrara (middle tier); and an unknown fossiliferous dark gray marble, fior di pesco, WH graywacke and verde alpi (lower tier). In the top of the mihrab are "black" and "white" marbles, and some astracane dorato (d'Egitto?).

 

            MAUSOLEUM

 

            Pavement: 14 MP imperial porphyry and 10 WUS diorite rotae, and 4 ? panels of verde antico. The rest consists mainly of strips of light and dark gray marbles, and red limestone.

 

            Wall panels: these survive only on the east wall and on the parts of the north and south walls closest to the east wall. Stones in the panels include mottled pink limestone/marble, WUE serpentinite, verde antico, bianco e nero antico, astracane dorato (d'Egitto?), MP imperial porphyry, bigio antico, cipollino rosso brecciato, portoro, cipollino verde, and light gray marble. The trim is light gray marble.

 

            Mihrab: 2 flanking columns of cipollino rosso venato. Wall panels are of bianco e nero antico, and verde antico. On the underside of the arch are panels of bigio antico, cipollino rosso brecciato, WH graywacke, light gray marble and nero antico?. Just outside and above the niche are panels of MP imperial porphyry, astracane dorato (d'Egitto?), bianco e nero antico and cipollino rosso brecciato plus strips of bigio antico.

 

            Visited by: JAH in '96 & '99; MB & LL in '99.

 

            References: B-A89, 121-122; MW92, 59-60; S-WS88, 352; W02, 44-45.

 

#133    Mosque/Madrasa/Mausoleum of Sultan Hasan (1356-63 AD) G-8

 

            Restoration: in 1912 by the Comité.

 

            NORTH SIDE ENTRANCE

 

            Outside: flanking the door are two small columns of light gray marble with fluted and spiraled sides and Islamic capitals. On the front of the Mokattam limestone benches are basalt panels. The pavement is Mokattam limestone with strips of medium to dark gray marble. The light gray marble wall in front of the entrance is relatively recent.

 

            Foyer, inside: in the niches above the platform facing the entrance are 4 round columns of Proconnesian marble with Islamic capitals, and 2 octagonal columns of Aswan granodiorite with Corinthian capitals.

 

            There's only Mokattam limestone in the passageway leading to the courtyard.

 

            MOSQUE/MADRASA

 

            Only the qibli liwan and courtyard pavement are decorated.

 

            Courtyard pavement (much or most of it is new): the elaborate design uses mainly light and dark gray marbles (Carrara, Proconnesian and bardiglio di Carrara), and red, pink and orange limestones plus some exotic stones. The latter include: large octagons of WH graywacke within a square of the same (NE and SE corners); sparry travertine within a square of WH graywacke (NW corner); rotae of WH graywacke (2), MP greenish black porphyry (2), WUE serpentinite (1), and light gray marble (all on the N side in the center). There are also occasional slabs of WH greywacke, broccatellone variety of breccia corallina, Pentelic marble?, Aswan granodiorite and breccia rossa Appenninica.

 

            Courtyard fountain: all Proconnesian marble including the 8 octagonal columns with Islamic capitals.

           

            Courtyard portals: there are six of these, and they are decorated with blocks of basalt and "white" marble, and jogging of the same plus astracane dorato (d'Egitto?). The sills at the 6 portals are uninscribed Aswan granodiorite.

 

            Qibli liwan pavement: unknown, covered by carpets.

 

            Qibli liwan dikka and minbar: Proconnesian marble and Mokattam limestone.

 

            Qibli liwan north and south walls (see Figure SH-1): these have panels along the base and are almost mirror images of each other. Stone panels include MP imperial, black and greenish black porphyries; WUS diorite; WB quartz diorite; WH conglomerate; WH graywacke; pavonazzetto, sparry travertine; astracane dorato (d'Egitto?); and light gray marble. Light gray marble and WH graywacke are used for trim.

 

            Qibli liwan east wall (see Figures SH-2 and SH-3): panels of MP red and greenish black porphyries, WB quartz diorite, WUS diorite, Aswan granodiorite, WH graywacke, banded travertine, verde antico, astracane dorato (d'Egitto?), broccatelli d'Egitto?, bianco e nero antico, pavonazzetto, cipollino rosso brecciato, bigio antico, mottled pink limestone/marble, and swirled yellow/pink limestone [U8].

 

            Qibli liwan mihrab: there are three tiers of panels — Aswan granodiorite, MP greenish black porphyry, cipollino rosso brecciato, and mottled pink marble/limestone [or occhio di pavone rosso?] (upper tier); verde antico, WUS diorite, and MP imperial porphyry (middle tier); and MP imperial porphyry, WUE serpentinite, and swirled yellow/pink limestone [U8] (lower tier). These panels are framed with "white" marble and WH graywacke trim plus some astracane dorato (d'Egitto?). The jogged design above the mihrab uses "black" and "white" marbles, astracane dorato (d'Egitto?), and swirled yellow/pink limestone/marble. Four flanking columns (two on each side) are Proconnesian marble with Islamic capitals. The wall paneling behind the innermost column pair is greco scrito?

 

            MAUSOLEUM

 

            Note: wall descriptions include window and door niches. The trim strips on walls include WH graywacke, "white" (and some Proconnesian) marbles, and astracane dorato (d'Egitto?). The paneling extends up to a height of 8 meters.

 

            North wall panels: Greco scritto and a variety of other light gray marbles, cipollino verde, MP imperial and greenish black porphyries, astracane dorato (d'Egitto?), WH graywacke, MC gneiss (2), WUS diorite, cipollino rosso venato? and breccia di Settebassi (or pavonazzetto?). There are also 4 rotae of MP greenish black porphyry and 2 more of MP imperial porphyry.

 

            South wall panels: cipollino verde, MP imperial and greenish black porphyries, astracane dorato (d'Egitto?), Aswan granodiorite, WUS diorite, and bigio antico. There are also 4 rotae of WUS diorite and 2 more of MP imperial porphyry.

 

            West wall panels: cipollino verde, MP imperial and greenish black porphyries, verde antico, Aswan granodiorite, MC gneiss (2 inside the NW door niche and 1 high up on the wall at far right), cipollino rosso venato, astracane dorato (d'Egitto?), rosso antico, and bianco e nero antico. There are also 4 rotae of verde antico and 1 of MP imperial porphyry.

 

            East wall panels: cipollino verde, MP imperial and greenish black porphyries, astracane dorato (d'Egitto?), verde antico, and WB quartz diorite (1 inside NE window niche). There are also 4 rotae of WUS diorite, and smaller pieces of bianco e nero antico, fior di pesco, red limestone, and cipollino rosso brecciato.

 

            Mihrab panels: there are three tiers of panels — bigio antico, bigio lumachellato, africano, MP imperial and greenish black porphyries, and WUE serpentinite (lower tier); pavonazzetto, WUS diorite, and MP imperial porphyry (middle tier); and MP imperial and greenish black porphyries, verde antico, and bigio antico (upper tier). Trim strips include "black" and "white" marbles (mainly marmo bianco di Carrara and bardiglio di Carrara), astracane dorato (d'Egitto?), and cipollino verde.

 

            Mihrab columns: there are 2 columns on each side. The outer pair is pavonazzetto with Islamic capitals, and the inner pair is Proconnesian marble with Corinthian capitals.

 

            Pavement: Mokattam limestone and miscellaneous "white" marbles.

 

            Cenotaph: Proconnesian marble overall but with small panels along the base of WH graywacke, fior di pesco, bigio lumachellato, cipollino verde, verde antico, cipollino rosso venato, astracane dorato (d'Egitto?), and a variety of light and dark gray marbles.

 

            Visited by: JAH in '96, '97 & '99; MB & LL in '99.

 

            References: B-A89, 122-128; MW92, 61-66; S-WS88, 320; W02, 60-65.

 

#298    Mausoleum of Amir Tankizbugha (1359 AD) H-10

 

There is no information on the stone, but it is said to be "plain" inside.

 

            Not visited.

 

            References: S-WS88, 379; W02, 116-117.

 

#269    Madrasa of Beshir Agha al-Gamdar (1360 AD) F-8

 

The only decorative stones are two hexagonal columns of light gray marble (with Byzantine ? capitals) just inside the entrance, and a lintel of MP imperial porphyry over the entrance. Ablaq above the entrance consists of light gray marble and a green stone (possibly WH graywacke).

 

Visited by: JAH in '98.

 

References: S-WS88, 333.

 

#45      Madrasa of Amir Mithqal (1361-3 AD) H-4

 

            Restoration: in 1913-16 by the Comité, and more extensively in 1973-76 by the German Archaeological Institute.

 

            The only decorative stones are in the courtyard pavement, and in and around the mihrab. That these stones date from the restorations is obvious by their relatively fresh (unweathered) appearance and, in the case of the mihrab, the extensive use of two stone varieties either rarely (WH conglomerate) or never (Aswan granite) used in Mamluk mosques for wall veneer (but still readily available from quarries today).

 

            COURTYARD PAVEMENT

 

            Geometric patterns are formed using fossiliferous red limestone (superficially resembling MP imperial porphyry), and "black" and "white" marbles.

 

            MIHRAB

 

            Inside are panels of WH conglomerate and Aswan granite plus a geometric design using purplish pink limestone, "black" and "white" marbles, and red terracotta (replacing some pieces of limestone).

 

            Outside and flanking the mihrab are panels of WH conglomerate and Aswan granite, and octagonal columns of Proconnesian marble with Islamic capitals.

 

            Visited by: JAH in '97.

 

            References: S-WS88, 238; W02, 175-176.

 

#153    Mosque of Khushqadam al-Ahmadi (1366 or 1377 AD) F-8

 

There is no decorative stone inside except for two octagonal light gray marble columns flanking the prayer niche and two more of the same opposite in the west liwan.

 

Visited by: JAH & MB in '99.

 

References: S-WS88, 335; W02, 108-109.

 

#125    Madrasa/Mosque of Umm al-Sultan Sha'ban (1368-9 AD) G-7

 

            The only decorative stone is on the east wall of the madrasa/mosque.

 

            MIHRAB

 

There are three tiers of panels in a richly and beautifully decorated mihrab. Lower tier (l. to r.): WUS diorite, occhi di pavone rosso (hereafter "O di PR", this variety is reddish and has large rudist shells), black limestone/marble (new?), O di PR, WUS diorite (center), black limestone/marble, O di PR, WUS diorite. Middle tier (l. to r.): O di PR, verde antico, O di PR, bianco e nero antico, MP imperial porphyry (center), bianco e nero antico, O di PR, verde antico, O di PR. Upper tier (l. to r.): MP greenish black porphyry, verde antico, O di PR (?, painted red), MP greenish black porphyry, O di PR (?, painted red), WUS diorite (center), O di PR ?, MP greenish black porphyry, O di PR ?, verde antico, MP greenish black porphyry. The trim consists of light gray marble and WH graywacke with some new (?) black limestone (substituting for the WH graywacke).

 

The half dome at the top of the mihrab has a zig-zag pattern of light gray marble, WH graywacke, occhio di pavone rosso and cipollino rosso venato. The mihrab is flanked by two hexagonal columns of light gray marble with incised floral reliefs. The wall panels behind are WH graywacke.

 

            EAST WALL OF THE QIBLI LIWAN

 

The uppermost tier of panels in the mihrab continues across the adjacent wall and into the two flanking window niches. The panels are very dirty and so hard to see but one is of bianco e nero antico, and all the rest appear to be of verde antico and cipollino rosso venato (many of the latter are painted red). There might be other stone varieties present. In the half domes above the window niches there are strips of light gray marble, WH graywacke, occhio di pavone rosso and cipollino rosso venato.

 

            MAUSOLEUM (north side)

 

Apart from the cenotaph of light gray marble, the only decorative stone is in the mihrab. Now only the upper of three (?) original tiers remains. Everything below is replaced with plaster. The upper tier consists of three panels of verde antico and one of cipollino rosso venato. A fifth panel is missing. The trim as well as the geometric design at the top of the mihrab consists of light and dark gray marbles, and WH graywacke. The two flanking columns are like those in the adjoining madrasa/mosque.

 

A second mausoleum exists on the south side of the qibli liwan. It was kept closed and locked, and reportedly has no decorative stone inside.

 

Visited by: JAH in '98 & '99; MB in '99.

 

References: B-A89, 129-131; MW92, 67; S-WS88, 309; W02, 80-81.

 

#185    Mosque of Assanbugha (1370 AD) G-5

 

            Completely rebuilt inside with no decorative stone now present.

 

            Visited by: JAH in '98.

 

            References: S-WS88, 281; W02, 130.

 

#131    Madrasa of Ilgay al-Yusufi (1373 AD) G-7

 

            The only decorative stones inside are 2 columns on each side of the prayer niche. The inner pair are Aswan granodiorite with white marble Corinthian capitals, and the outer pair are octagonal light gray marble with Islamic capitals. The entrance has an unusually large sill of uninscribed Aswan granodiorite.

 

            Visited by: JAH in '97.

 

            References: MW92, 68; S-WS88, 327; W02, 83-84.

 

#18      Mosque of al-Bakri (1374 AD) H-3/J-3

 

At the entrance is a sill of uninscribed Aswan granodiorite and a lintel of WUS diorite. The latter is flanked by new? panels of red limestone and cipollino rosso venato. Inside the mosque the only decorative stone is in and around the mihrab, and all of this appears to be new. The lower portion of the mihrab has panels of light gray marble and a geometric pattern with "white" marble, red and black limestones, and blue faience. In the upper part of the mihrab, and just outside and above it, there is a joggled design using "white" marble, red and black limestones, yellow astracane dorato d'Egitto?, and blue faience.

 

            Visited by: JAH in '00.

 

            References: none.

 

#139    Mausoleum of Yunus al-Dawadar (1382 AD) H-7

 

            This building, which is partly in ruins, is closed and locked, and so not accesible.

 

            Visited by: JAH in '00.

 

            References: S-WS88, 303; W02, 71-72.

 

#250    Mosque of Aytmish al-Bagasi (1383 AD) H-7

 

            There is no decorative stone inside.

 

            Visited by: JAH in '97.

 

            References: S-WS88, 314; W02, 75.