Sabil-kuttab of Sultan Qaitbay Travel Guide: Top Sights in Egypt,

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Sabil-kuttab of Sultan Qaitbay- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Historical & Cultural; Egypt; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 2 hours

In the intricate tapestry of Cairo's historical districts, the Sabil-Kuttab of Sultan Qaytbay emerges as an architectural and cultural gem that eloquently encapsulates the opulence of the Mamluk era. Erected in 1479 by the decree of Sultan al-Ashraf Qaytbay, this monument stands proudly on Saliba Street, offering a window into the philanthropic and educational endeavors of its time. Characterized by its unique composition, the Sabil-Kuttab harmoniously integrates a sabil, a kiosk dedicated to the free distribution of water, on its ground level with a kuttab, or primary school for the teachings of the Qur'an, occupying the upper echelons of the structure. Beneath this harmonious blend of charity and education lies a subterranean cistern, the source of the sabil's life-giving waters. This pioneering design marked the inception of the free-standing sabil-kuttab within Cairo's cityscape, setting a precedent for the proliferation of similar constructions throughout the Ottoman period. The Sabil-Kuttab of Sultan Qaytbay stands as a monumental example of the integration of social welfare and education within Islamic architecture of the 15th century. Through its well-preserved façade and interiors, visitors gain insight into the advanced architectural techniques and the societal values of the Mamluk era, making it an essential visit for those who seek to comprehend the depth of Cairo's historic and cultural legacy.

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Reviews of Sabil-kuttab of Sultan Qaitbay

Abdel Rehim Amin

3
Reviewed: 2024-02-16

It is a path that currently exists in Sheikhoun Street, which branches off from Salah al-Din Square in the Citadel. It is an independent path on its own, surmounted by a newly built book. It was intended for drinking water only, and was adjacent to a hallway containing a kitchen, toilets, and a basin for ablution. The path was established during the era of the Mamluk Sultan Al-Ashraf Abu Al-Nasr Qaytbay in the year 1479 AD (884 AH). It is a stone building characterized by the presence of two southern and western facades. The entrance is located on the southern facade. It is high and narrow, crowned with a trefoil arch, decorated with colorful stone and marble decorations. This entrance resembles the entrance to the Ashrafieh School in Al-Quds Al-Sharif. To the left of the entrance there is an ornament above the window of the sabil. It is a large square panel of marble and colored stone divided into nine sections distributed over three levels containing floral and geometric decorations engraved in stone and marble. These decorations are not common in Mamluk buildings, and resemble the decorations of manuscript covers. The path consists of three levels. The first level is located below the surface of the earth, the second level is located at the ground level, and the third level of the path contains a book for orphan children to memorize the Holy Qur’an. This building is considered one of the most prominent buildings of Sultan Qaytbay in Cairo. In addition to the fact that its facades contain extremely beautiful decorations, it is the first path independent of any other facility in Egypt. Sultan Qaytbay created another path in Al-Quds Al-Sharif with a dome above it, and the paths spread after that and became popular in the Ottoman era in Cairo. Today there are about a hundred avenues in the city of Cairo.
mahmoud19

5
Reviewed: 2022-07-27

The path and book of the great Sultan Qaytbay were more than one built and established during the Mamluk era, and its effects extended to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Holy Mosque in Mecca, and Medina.
Mariam N. Ali

5
Reviewed: 2022-04-24

This 1479 masterpiece has a free library on it's top floor that was added by in 1996 and it's open to the public all week from around 9:30 to 2:30.
Youssef Foda

5
Reviewed: 2021-05-15

The path and book of Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaytbay on Saliba Street.. He established it in the year 1479 AD.
Wael Coutry

4
Reviewed: 2020-12-03

The path and book of Sultan Qaytbay...💙♥️💙 The Sabil and Book of Sultan Qaytbay are located at the beginning of Saliba Street from Citadel Square, Cairo, Egypt. It was built by Sultan Al-Ashraf Abu Al-Nasr Qaytbay in 884 AH / 1479 AD. The building was built of stone and has two facades, south and west. The entrance is located on the south facade. It is high and narrow, crowned with a trefoil arch decorated with colorful stone and marble decorations. The path consists of three levels. The first level is located below the surface of the earth, while the second level is located at the ground level, and contains the room from which water is provided to passers-by. The third level of the path contains a book for orphan children to memorize the Holy Qur’an. Sabil and the school of Sultan Qaytbay...💙❤💙 Sabil and the school of Sultan Qaytbay is located at the beginning of Al-Sulaibah Street from Qalaa Square, Cairo, Egypt, built by Sultan Abu al-Nasr Qaytbay 884 AH / 1479AD. The building is constructed of stone and is characterized by the presence of south and western facades. The entrance is located on the southern façade, and it is high and narrow, facing a three-lobed necklace adorned with colored stone and marble decorations. The path consists of three levels. The first level is located below the surface of the earth, while the second level is located on the level of the surface of the earth, and there is a room in which water is provided to passers-by, and the third level of the path contains a book for the memorization of orphaned children the Holy Quran. #Sabil_of_Sultan_Qaytbay #islamic_architecture #arabian_architecture #ancient_Egypt #Islamic_relics Topic and pictures from the group Architecture design group