E.076 Complex of Sultan Qaytbay

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Creator

Denis Baly

Creation Year

January 1963

Image ID

E.076

Alternate Identifier

B05.076

Subcollection

E - Lower Egypt, Edfu, and Bodrum

Abstract

"The complex of Sultan Qaytbay was built between 1472 and 1474. That he was one of the greatest patrons of Mamluk architecture is attested by the large number of the buildings which he commissioned, as well as the refinement and mastery of workmanship displayed in them."

Description

"The exterior of the complex's stone dome is decorated with a carved straight-lined star pattern superimposed on another carved network of undulating arabesques. The contrasting effect is amplified by treating the surface of each of the two systems differently. Although the inscription on the cruciform structure, whose central courtyard is covered by a lantern, refers to it as a madrasa, it is identified by the waqf deed as a jami'. This madrasa-mosque is not dedicated to any particular rite."

References

"Masjid al-Sultan Qaytbay." Archnet. Accessed October 12, 2017. https://archnet.org/sites/2234 .

Image Notes

Creation date unknown. Photograph processed August 1960. Formerly cataloged as B05.076. Notes written on the slide of index: Tombs of Mamluks.

Image Format

35 mm slide

Geographic Reference

Cairo, Egypt