Bab Zuwayla's impressive structure and Al Muayyad Mosque's grand design Showcas the different architectural styles and histories of their times in Cairo.
Despite Bab Zuwayla and Al Muayyad Mosque being close to each other, the two historic buildings were constructed hundreds of years apart.
We will first talk about Bab Zuwayla’s story:
One of Cairo’s most recognizable structures is Bab Zuwayla, which has excellent stone masonry, magnificent proportions, and elegant twin minarets rising from its round-fronted turrets. It is the last gate of the Fatimid era’s southern wall still standing in the city. Situated at Khiyamiyya Street’s terminus, it provides access to the historic Al-Muizz Street, which takes one to Bab al-Futuh.
Constructed in 485 AH/1092 AD by Badr al-Jamali, the Fatimid vizier. The Zuwayla tribe, who arrived from North Africa with Jawhar al-Siqili and lived close to the gate, is honored by the gate’s name. Because the mitwalli al-hesba, the official in charge of finances and tax collection, was stationed here, Bab Zuwayla was also known by the name Bawabat al-Mitwalli. Mitwalli, “one of the righteous friends of Allah,” resides in this area and performs miracles.
Bab al Zuwayla witnessed the end of Mamluk rule when the Ottoman Sultan, Selim I, hanged the last Mamluk sultan, Tumanbay, in 923 AH/1517 AD. The gate consists of two semicircular towers, and the entrance lies between them. The minarets were not added until 818 AH/1415 AD when the Mamluk Sultan al-Muayyad Shaykh built a mosque beside it.
Bab Zuwayla. Egypt Tours Group.
Who oversaw the construction of Bab al Zuwayla?
The magnificent structure known as Bab al Zuwayla was constructed during the Fatimid dynasty. Badr Al-Jamali, the vizier, is credited with founding it. It is believed that he ruled Egypt from 1074 until the year that is one of his final creations.
Why is Bab Zuwayla called by that name?
According to scholars, there once lived a tribe from North Africa known as “the tribe of Zuwayla.” This tribe is supposed to have traveled with a well-known individual named “Jawhar El Sakalli,” who is in charge of constructing Cairo and Al Azhar Mosque.
Bab Zuwayla. Egypt Tours Group.
The incredible past of Bab Zuwayla
Bab al Zuwayla is one of the two fortunate gates that remain from the original southern walls of ancient Cairo. Because of this, both Egyptians and visitors place a great deal of importance on Bab Zuwala and the other two gates, which go by the titles of Bab Al Nasr and Bab Al Futuh.
Of the three, Bab Zuwayla is the most well-known.
Bab al Zuwayla is renowned for its twin minarets, which proudly face the sky. The two identical minarets were constructed from large blocks of limestone. However, an interesting side note is that Sultan Al Muayyad did not add these two magnificent minarets to Bab Zuwayla until the Mamluk dynasty.
Restoration of Bab al Zuwayla
Although Bab Zuwayla is a strong gate that is meant to serve as a defense entrance to keep Cairo safe, it can occasionally suffer damage.
Although Bab al Zuwayla suffered severe damage in 1883, happily, it was repaired.
The American research committee decided to restore It’s door to preserve its fascinating appearance because human activity surrounding it had weakened it at the beginning of the 20th century. Bab Zuwayla is located in a busy neighborhood, so activities were held nearby. As a result, Bab Zuwayla was saved twice, and we were fortunate to be able to continue admiring the gate and taking in the wonderful view.
Fascinating facts about Bab Zuwayla:
– You can climb both of the minarets of Bab al Zuwayla to get an incredible perspective of and opportunity to take pictures of ancient Cairo.
– There are rumors that people used to hide in these minarets in the past, but that is no longer possible.
– Bab Zuwayla is also known by the locals as Bawabet Al Mitwalli; it is believed that this individual was a holy man with miraculous healing abilities.
– Bab al Zuwayla was previously an execution gate; it saw the final Mamluk ruler’s head hung there, giving the (already significant) building even more historical significance.
Al Muayyad Mosque
Al Muayyad Mosque. Egypt Tours Group.
Al Muayyad Mosque is adjacent to Bab Zuwaila on al-Muizz Street. Sultan al-Muayyad Shaykh founded it in 818 AH/1415 AD.
The mosque consists of four porticos encircling the main open courtyard, the largest of which faces the direction of prayer, or qibla. Mother of pearl and ivory are inlaid into the wooden pulpit, while marble panels cover the walls. The name and titles of Sultan al-Muayyad are inscribed on it.
Al Muayyad Mosque was distinguished by its construction. Its two minarets were erected over the Fatimid-era structure known as Bab Zuweila, which stands next to the mosque. When combined, they made an amazing architectural unit. The western minaret bears the name of the mosque’s founder and the architect of the tower, Muhammad ibn al-Qazzaz.
Sultan Hassan’s name appears on the mosque’s great entrance door, one of its many exquisite antiquities. Sultan al-Muayyad relocated this entry from Sultan Hasan’s madrasa to this mosque. It’s one of the most exquisite wooden doors with copper panels.
Sultan Al Muayyad: who was he?
Al Muayyad Sheikh, who is believed to have been born in 1369 and ruled for nine years, was taken as a slave at a young age and spent some time in prison.
When he was imprisoned, he promised to destroy the prison and rebuild it as a mosque upon his release. He later fulfilled this promise, demolishing the prison and erecting the mosque, which is currently known as the Al Mauyyad mosque, close to Bab Zuwayla.
Sultan Al Muayyad’s mosque.
Al Muayyad Mosque, Mimbar. Egypt Tours Group.
Al Muayyad Mosque was regarded as both a mosque and a school for teaching people about Islam. Sultan Al Muayyad promised to bring the best professors to this mosque, and he did, which helped many scholars learn about Islam.
In Friday prayer goers, the mosque has something akin to a courtyard.
Building the two minarets above Bab Zuwayla was a very wise architectural decision made by Sultan Al Muayyad, who wanted to ensure that his name would live on even in the event that his mosque vanished. As shown in this essay, we mentioned Sultan Al Muayyad’s name before we even discussed his monument. The walls of this mosque are made of marble, and Sultan Al Muayyad’s name is inscribed on a wooden pulpit.
Another cunning move by Sultan Al Muayyad was to relocate the Sultan Hassan School entrance to his mosque. The door has the illustrious Sultan Hassan’s name and copper panels on it. The mosque’s general design is distinguished by its simplicity and originality.
