No other nation in the world says ‘Welcome’ as often as the Egyptians, and every time, they mean it. While the ancient civilization of Egypt continues to amaze, contemporary Egyptians are equally remarkable.
Mosque & Madrassa of Umm Sultan Sha’aban
A Testament to Mamluk Grandeur in Cairo
Nestled within Cairo’s vibrant streets, the Mosque-Madrassa of Umm Sultan Sha’aban stands as an architectural jewel, embodying the essence of Mamluk design. Constructed in 1369, its facade presents a striking visual narrative with red and white stripes, a signature of Mamluk aesthetics. This mosque-madrassa is particularly famed for its entrance, where an array of muqarnas vaulting is skillfully arranged in a unique triangular pattern. This uncustomary yet mesmerizing design element sets it apart, showcasing the innovative spirit of Mamluk architecture.
The edifice is thoughtfully oriented towards Mecca, a physical manifestation of its intrinsic connection to Islamic faith and traditions. Its inception was an act of piety and commemoration by Khawand Baraka, the mother of the Mamluk Sultan reigning at the time. She commissioned this splendid structure following her return from the hajj pilgrimage, infusing the building with a deep spiritual resonance.
More than a place for worship and education, the Mosque-Madrassa of Umm Sultan Sha’aban symbolizes a confluence of devotion and architectural magnificence. Its walls and arches are not just constructs of brick and mortar; they are the bearers of religious significance and a celebration of Islamic art and culture.
Today, this mosque-madrassa remains a proud testament to Cairo’s rich cultural and spiritual lineage. It beckons visitors from near and far to delve into the depths of its historical and architectural wonders. Each corner of the structure tells a story, each detail a whisper from the past, inviting explorers to step back in time and experience the glory of the Mamluk era.
In the ever-evolving cityscape of Cairo, the Mosque-Madrassa of Umm Sultan Sha’aban stands resilient, a guardian of history and a beacon of enduring beauty. It is not merely a relic of the past; it is a living testament to the enduring legacy of a civilization that has left an indelible mark on the world’s cultural heritage.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Cairo’s illustrious past with our “Cairo Grand Islamic Tour.” This meticulously curated experience is your gateway to exploring the architectural marvel and spiritual beacon that is the Mosque-Madrassa of Umm Sultan Sha’aban, along with other iconic Islamic landmarks of the city. Delve deep into the heart of Mamluk grandeur, where the striking red and white stripes of the mosque’s facade and the unique triangular arrangement of muqarnas vaulting await to tell their age-old tales.
As you traverse the vibrant streets of Cairo, our tour promises not just a visit, but an immersive voyage into the depths of Islamic faith, culture, and architectural innovation. The “Cairo Grand Islamic Tour” is more than just a pathway through historic sites; it’s an invitation to experience the living testament of Cairo’s rich cultural and spiritual lineage, where every corner whispers secrets of the past, beckoning the curious and the devout alike.
Let the Mosque-Madrassa of Umm Sultan Sha’aban, with its unparalleled beauty and historical significance, be one of the many highlights of your adventure. Join us on the “Cairo Grand Islamic Tour” and step back in time to witness the glory of the Mamluk era, captured in the enduring legacy of Cairo’s Islamic heritage. Book your journey today and be prepared to be mesmerized by the stories etched into the very stones of Cairo’s grandest Islamic treasures.
Created On March 18, 2020
Updated On July 20 , 2025
- Al-Azhar Mosque
- Al-Azhar To The Citadel
- Amir Taz Palace
- Aqsunur’s Mosque
- Bab Zuweila
- Beit Al-Harrawi
- Beit Al-Suhaymi (Al-Suhaymi House)
- Beit Zeinab al-Khatoun
- Bein al-Qasreen STREET (Between The Two Palaces {Street})
- Ben Ezra Synagogue
- Church of St. Barbara
- Coptic Cairo
- Egyptian Textile Museum
- Gawhara Terrace
- Gayer-Anderson Museum
- Ibn Tulun Citadel
- Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar (Cairo’s Most Famous Bazaar)
- Khanqah & Mausoleum of Sultan Baybars al-Gashankir
- Khanqah-Mausoleum of Farag Ibn Barquq
- Madrassa & Mausoleum of as-Salih Ayyub
- Madrassa & Mausoleum of Qalawun
- An-Nasir Mohammed Bin Qalawoon Mosque
- Madrassa And Mausoleum of Barquq
- Mausoleum of Al-Ghouri
- Midan Al-Hussein (Sayedna Al-Hussein Square)
- Mosque of Al-Hakim
- Mosque of Al-Mu’ayyad Shaykh
- Mosque of al-Aqmar
- Mosque of Amr ibn al-As
- Mosque of An-Nasir Mohammed
- Mosque of Aslam al-Silahdar
- Mosque of Ibn Tulun
- Mosque of Mohammed Ali
- Mosque of Sayyidna al-Hussein
- Mosque-Madrassa of Al-Ghouri
- Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan
- Mosque-Madrassa of Umm Sultan Sha’aban
- Museo Mevlevi
- Museum of Islamic Art
- Northern Cemetery
- Northern Enclosure
- Northern Walls and Gates
- Sabil And Kuttab Of Abdel Rahman Katkhuda
- Sabil of Muhammed Ali Pasha
- Sharia al-Muizz li-Din Allah
- The Church of St Sergius & Bacchus
- The Citadel Of Saladin
- The Complex of Sultan Ashraf Barsbey
- The Coptic Museum (The Only Coptic Museum In Egypt)
- The Egyptian Museum
- The Hanging Church
- The Khayrbek Complex
- The Mosque of Sultan Qaitbey
- The Roman Towers
- Wikala al-Bazara
- Wikala of Al-Ghouri

