Egypt & Nubia, Volume III, No. 8: Mosque of Sultan Hassan, Cairo

1842–49

after David Roberts

(Scottish, 1796–1864)

Culture

England

Medium

color lithograph

Credit Line

Gift of J. Byers Hays 1953.532

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

The minbar, a staircase-like pulpit from which a sermon is delivered by the prayer leader, imam, after Friday services, is visible in the hall on the left side of the print.

Description

The mosque and madrasa, school, of Sultan Hassan was built between 1356 and 1363 during the Mamluk period (1250–1517) in Egypt. The prestige of the project attracted craftspeople from across the Islamic world, which likely contributed to its innovative design. It is possible that stone from the Great Pyramid of Giza was used in its construction. This print features the central courtyard (sahn) with ablutions fountain (for washing one’s hands, feet, and face before prayer) and two of four monumental iwans, three-walled, vaulted rectangular halls. The interior walls and floor are covered in lavish stone and marble mosaics.