ESNCairo4::Palace Alin Aq & Masjid Amir Khayr Bek

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About 100 meters to the north of the Masjid Aytmish al Bagasi, was our another stop where cluster of historical buildings – Palace of Alin Aq, Masjid and Shrine of Amir Khayr Bek, Masjid Ibrahim Agha Mustahfizan located. After about 3 minutes walk, I arrived to the first building, the Palace of Alin Aq. Alin Aq was an amir and cupbearer to Sultan al-Ashraf Khalil ibn Qalawun. Originally built in 1293, which Khayr Bek restored as his residence is now under restoration. The design of this ruined structure is quite unique and it is directly linked to the Masjid Amir Khayr Bek by stairs through a amazingly layered arch. And, the only part that remains intact is the large round-arched entrance.

In the photo below, is the view of the Masjid of Amir Khayr Bek from the west side of the Palace of Alin Aq. You could also see the top structure of the Palace and some restoration work is still in slow progress.

It is said that Amir Khayr Bek betrayed his master Sultan al Ghuri and defected the Ottomans at the decisive battle near Aleppo or Halab, Syria in 1516, opening the door to conquest of Egypt. Hence, he was made the first viceroy of the Ottomans in Egypt. The shrine was built in 1502, while the masjid attached to it date from 1520, making the transition between the Mamluk and the Ottoman periods.

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