Islamic Architecture in Egypt – Part 1

Egypt is home to some of the oldest Islamic architecture and boasts some of the greatest mosques and even the oldest University – Al-Azhar. If you’re a fan of architecture and art you won’t want to miss these. There are a lot of sites worth putting on your to-do list, but before you do that we’re going to help you get the most out of your visit with this two part guide to ‘Islamic Architecture in Egypt’. In our first part we’ll cover the basics of Islamic architecture and in the second you’re ready to appreciate and look at the essential sites!

So lets get going with some critical terminology, vital for anyone serious about looking at the finer things in Egypt. The following 10 terms will help you spot out and see some extra treats you may have otherwise missed out on in your trip!

1. The Mosque

Egypt’s oldest mosque, the Mosque of Amr, was built in AD 640. Architectural styles developed rapidly under successive early Islamic dynasties to peak under the Mamluks (1250–1516). In order to produce the most impressive buildings the most skilled craftsmen from all over the Near East were brought to Egypt to build for vain glorious sultans; the result was remarkable structures that rival Europe’s great Gothic cathedrals!

2. Domes and Minarets

One of the greatest achievements of Cairo’s medieval artisans was the decorative carving of stone surfaces, seen at its best on the city’s myriad minarets and particularly its domes. Developed under the Mamluks, the decoration of domes became an increasingly sophisticated art culminating in mesmerizing interwoven patterns of geometric and floral designs.

3. Madrassa

A madrassa is a Qur’anic school, where law and theology are taught. Historically, mosques and madrassas have often been housed in the same building. A mosque tends to incorporate teaching rooms or has ‘Iwans’ – large arched spaces arranged around a central courtyard, in which lessons are given – these are often very beautiful and are sometimes like small gardens with cool shades.

4. Domestic Architecture

Egypt is a hot country especially in the peak of the summer, so private houses (beit) owed their design to climatic and social conditions. They were inward looking for privacy, with rooms arranged around a central courtyard. Small windows, large airy rooms, shady arcades, fountains and rooftop “wind catchers” that channeled cool breezes essential for keeping the houses cool in hot conditions.

5. Mashrabiya

Privacy has been an essential right in Muslim culture, especially for women, so these wooden-lattice screens were made, long before glass became common, mashrabiya was used to cover windows, either externally or internally. The screens allowed the women of the house to observe what’s going on outside if they chose not to be seen themselves.

6. Wikala

Also known as a caravanserai, this is the forerunner of the modern hotel. From early Islamic times it provided lodgings to the merchant caravans that brought goods to medieval Egypt – giving a safe and comfortable place for traders and other travellers to stay on their journeys.

7. Sabil-Kuttab

Public fountains (sabils) are a typical element of Islamic architecture – some no more than a tap and a trough, some grand like the Sabil-Kuttab of Abdel Rahman Katkhuda in Cairo. The kuttab was an open loggia or gallery where teachings of the Koran took place.

8. Mausoelum

Just like the pharaohs before them, Egypt’s medieval sultans sought to glorify themselves in death by building funerary complexes of mosques and madrassas beside a domed tomb chamber – although it must be noted that Islam teaches humility and Caliphs that came after the passing of the Prophet Muhammad(Pbuh) lived lives which were the model of humility, compassion and generosity to others before themselves. Some of the best examples of these Mausoelums are however in Cairo’s Northern Cemetery.

9. Inlaid Marble

Intricate designs using different coloured pieces of marble often decorate the walls or ceilings of Egypt’s mosques, madrassas and mausoleums, these are often very detailed and for those with a keen interest in art could look at them for hours. You’ll also find the mihrab, the alcovelike niche that indicates the Muslims’ direction of prayer, will also often have beautifully intricate designs on it.

10. Woodwork

Another thing to look out for are the wooden ceilings in the prayer halls of mosques which were often carved with intricate geometric patterns and painted in rich colours. Doors were also often inlaid with pieces of ivory, fine examples of which can be seen at the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo.

We may have kept the terminology to a limit, but rest assured you now have the most important terms you’ll need to appreciate all the sites we’re going to share with you in part 2 of ‘Islamic Architecture in Egypt’!