Where is Al Ghorya complex located?

Al Ghorya Complex, also known as the Al Ghorya Buildings, is situated in Old Cairo, the heart of Cairo, the adored capital of Egypt. It is adjacent to the old Bab Zuwayla and south of the well-known Al Muizz Street, which leads to Al Azhar Street.
The tomb, however, is situated on the opposite side (the eastern side) of the complex. The mosque, which is part of the complex, is situated on the western side of the same street and has a school within, as is customary for mosques built during this time period.

 

When was Al Ghorya complex built?

Qansuh Al Ghuri, the Mamluk king, constructed the Al Ghorya Complex in the early sixteenth century. The structure, which was constructed between 1503 and 1505 AD, is known as “Al Ghorya” after the ruler.
Because it ended years later, and the Ottoman Empire entered a new period shortly after, this complex is regarded as one of the final remnants of the Mamluk state.

 

Qansuh Al Ghuri: who is he?

He was one of the Mamluk state’s kings in Egypt and was regarded as one of the last before the Mamluk state fell. Qansuh Al Ghuri governed from 1501 to 1516 AD, making him the last Mamluk monarch to have a comparatively long reign. He is the second-last Mamluk ruler to dominate the nation. Like most monarchs, the Sultan was infamous for his brutality in the capital, but he was also well-known for his unabashed love of poetry, music, and art.

 

Sultan Qansuh Al Ghuri was not a king who enjoyed his position or cared about military affairs. He fought in multiple conflicts against the Ottomans and the Turks, and he perished in one of them. It is stated that two Mamluks betrayed him, which is why he died in the conflict in 1516 AD.
The monarch ruled the nation and battled his adversaries for 75 years, beginning in 1441, when he was born. As any warrior would want, he passed away a warrior.

 

Despite having constructed a shrine within the Al Ghorya complex so that he could be buried there after his death, the king was never buried there since his body or remains were lost in the wreckage of battle after his death.

 

In the Mamluk era, minarets were typically constructed on three stories, hence the minaret’s four stories were exceptional.
Inside the mosque, one of the biggest minarets in Old Cairo, the dome-shaped ceiling has undergone multiple restorations due to its weakness.

 

Due to changes in time, there are no longer any schools housed within the mosque. However, this mosque remains open today because its primary purpose is still to serve as a mosque and not as a school. As such, it is regarded as a historical relic from the past.

The mosque was utilized for Friday prayers with its expansive courtyard overlooking the sky. The structure now has a women’s area. Naturally, from the moment of its creation, it has had a mihrab facing the Qibla. There are exquisite, detailed carvings throughout the courtyard. The minaret was allegedly initially constructed mostly of stone, but it was later rebuilt using bricks. The minaret’s large size is demonstrated by the fact that it can be seen from a considerable distance.

The mausoleum:

Unlike the mosque, the mausoleum, which is associated with the “Khanka,” is located in the eastern portion of the complex, even though the Sultan (Qansuh) had it constructed so he could be buried there. He was unlucky to lose his remains after dying in a battle against the Ottomans, as is well known, therefore he was unable to do so. It is also said that the Sultan constructed this shrine not just as a place for his burial but also because it contained significant artifacts.

 

Similar to the mosque’s dome, this shrine’s was weak as well, and it was repaired (twice, it is told) not long after it was constructed.
According to historians, the mausoleum’s dome, which was on par with the minaret and one of the three biggest in the Mamluk era, has been replaced by a flat wooden roof as a result of the building’s two restorations and destructions.

 

As is customary at this time, the compound also features water access (Sabil), and an Al Ghorya market for shopping that is still active today.

The complex’s khanqa presently features a hall that has been available for Tanoura dancing, Nubian parties, and other events that draw in both visitors and residents in addition to the general public for a number of years.

Impact of the 1992 Earthquake

While many of the complex’s features, like the mosque’s roof and dome, have been renovated or restored, the most well-known and horrifying incident in both this complex’s and Egypt’s history occurred in 1992 AD.
Egypt was known to have had earthquakes, which are still acknowledged today. This earthquake damaged Al Ghorya Complex, but in 2000 AD it was repaired and reopened.

 

Conclusion

Al Ghorya Complex, built by Sultan Qansuh Al Ghuri in the early 16th century, is a significant Mamluk monument in Old Cairo. It consists of a mosque with a school, a mausoleum, and other structures like a Sabil and market. Despite the Sultan’s plans, he wasn’t buried in the mausoleum due to his death in battle. The complex suffered damage in the 1992 earthquake but was restored and reopened in 2000. Today, it stands as a historical relic, reflecting the rich architectural and cultural heritage of the Mamluk era.