Wakala al-Sultan Qaytbay

Wakala al-Sultan Qaytbay or Qaitbay Wakala is a wakala (inn) built by Sultan Al-Ashraf Abu Al-Nasr Qaitbay in 885 AH / 1481 CE in Islamic Cairo, the historic medieval district of Cairo, Egypt.[1] Exact location is at Bab Al-Nasr Street, on the right hand side after getting into Islamic Cairo through the Bab Al-Nasr gate. It is one of the two wakalas built by Sultan Qaitbay during his reign, another one being Sabil-Kuttab-Wakala of Sultan Qa'it Bay at the southern part of Muizz Street.[2] The wakala used to be inhabited by the people of Cairo, hence lost large parts of its architectural decoration. Nonetheless, it is considered as one of the most beautiful examples of the Islamic architecture adorned by Islamic ornaments. The architectural style of the wakala follows the style built in the Burgi period of Mamluk era. It is under comprehensive restoration as of December 2015 by the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities. There is a concern regarding relocation of shops and workshops that occupy the front of the wakala.

References

  1. ↑ Wakala al-Sultan QaytbayArchnet.
  2. ↑ Sabil-Kuttab-Wakala of Sultan Qa'it BayArchnet.

Further reading

  • Meinecke, Michael. Islamic Cairo: architectural conservation and urban development of the historic centre : proceedings of a seminar, 39. London: Art and Archaeology Research Papers, 1980.
  • Meinecke, Michael. Die Mamlukische Architektur in Ägypten und Syrien (648/1250 bis 923/1517), I/198, II/420-421. Glückstadt: Verlag J. J. Augustin, 1992.

Coordinates: 30°03′15″N 31°15′53″E / 30.0541°N 31.2646°E / 30.0541; 31.2646

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