Al-Ghouri Complex in Cairo Sultan Qansuh Al-Ghouri was a Mamluk sultan, who had reigned from 1501 to 1516, before dying in a battle against the Ottomans in Aleppo, which resulted in a complete defeat for the Mamluks, due to which they lost their prominence in Egypt.
Al-Ghouri spent a fortune on building his complex in Cairo which dates back to 1503. Although he was renowned for his cruelty and despotism, he was also known for his love of flowers, music, poetry and architecture. His cultural refinement emanates from the different features of the complex.
The construction stands on both sides of Al-Mo'ez Street; the mosque and madrasa stand on the western side, whereas you will find the khanqah, mausoleum and Sabil-Kuttab on the eastern side of the famous street. The mausoleum is however not the final resting place of the Sultan, whose body was never recovered after the Aleppo battle.
The two parts of the complex aren’t adjusted to the street alignment, thus creating a free shaped courtyard in between the two buildings. The mosque’s minaret has four stories, just like the original minaret of the Aqsunqur mosque (the Blue Mosque). These are the only two minarets in Cairo known to have four stories, instead of the usual three.
Since 1995, the complex hosts various cultural events in the Khanqah hall, mostly Nubian music concerts, Tannoura dance performances, and religious recitals.
Ticket Price(s):
Regular: 25 EGP
Student: 15 EGP
Nearby Attractions :
Khan El-Khalili
No visit to Cairo is Complete without a stop at the Khan El-Khalili bazaar, where you will be transported back in time to an old Arab souk.
Shop
owners calling you to their stalls, the scent of spices, the hustle and
bustle of trade, and the many beautiful objects that can purchased will
have you lost among alleys for hours.
Put your haggling skills
to the test when buying statuettes, spices, souvenirs, silver jewellery,
t-shirts, galabiyyas, belly dancing costumes, or anything for that
matter.
When your shopping's done, dont miss out on a traditional cup of tea at the famous Fishawi's cafe.
Museum of Islamic Art
Displaying over 10,000 articles dating back to the Islamic era in Egypt, this is one place you don’t want to miss while in Cairo.
Marvel at the giant carved wooden doors or the tiny, intricate copper sculptures.
With
exhibitions from every Islamic period in Egypt, it covers the Fatimids,
the Mamluks, the Abbassids, the Ummayads, the Ottomans, and the
Ayyubbids dynasties.
Opening Hours: 09:00-16:00
Fri 9:00-11:30; 13:30-16:00
Ticket Price(s):
Regular: 40 EGP
Student: 20 EGP
Bab Zuweila
The Southern Gate to Fatimid Cairo
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