A tribute to Cairo is actually the continuation of my exploration and adventure story at the nostalgic old Cairo August last year. Cairo has created another modern history of people power or subtly called democracy. The 18 days historic uprising that was instigated through one of the world cyber networking grids – the facebook by fellow Egyptian, had by itself shifted the mental frame not only the Egyptians but almost the entire world habitat. The horrendous horrifying Tsunami or tidal wave that had recently hit the North Eastern part of Japan was not enough to divert the attention of the world population from the appalling but momentous revolution concentrated at Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt.
From across the al Azhar Street that carves the historic city into two parts, one could see the dome and minaret of Madrasah and Sabil Kuttab of Sultan al Ashraf Barsbay. Linking the al Mu’izz Street, the historic spine of the city, is the metal footbridge or flyover. 
The Madrasah was the first monument that we stopped and explored during the third phase of our adventure. In the interest of time, we decided to skip visiting Khan el Khalili, Masjid el Hussain, Masjid el Azhar and other historic monuments within the perimeter. Moreover, we had visited these spots couple of times. 
It was built in 1425. It is cruciform in plan, with a mausoleum attached on the street façade. The sabil-kuttab is near the portal entrance at the south end. A three-tiered decorated minaret crowned by an onion-shaped dome marks the entrance to the building. Sultan al Ashraf Barsbay himself is buried in the northern cemetery.
0 comments:
Post a Comment