11.1 Mamluk architecture and urban development

The Mamluk period saw a boom in architecture and urban planning. Rulers built grand mosques, schools, and public spaces, blending styles from different regions. This created a unique "Cairo School" known for its decorative stonework and intricate geometric patterns.

Mamluk cities were carefully designed, with key buildings strategically placed. Markets, bathhouses, and inns served both practical and social needs. The waqf system funded many public works, shaping the urban landscape we still see today.

Mamluk Architectural Styles and Elements

Distinctive Architectural Features

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• Ablaq alternating light and dark stone courses, often in contrasting colors (red and white or black and white), used for decorative effect on building facades
• Muqarnas ornamental vaulting featuring complex geometric patterns, typically used in domes, portals, and niches, created by arranging tiers of small arches or niches in a honeycomb-like structure
• Cairo School of Architecture emerged during the Mamluk period, characterized by the integration of various architectural elements and styles from different regions, resulting in a unique and recognizable aesthetic
• Mamluk Sultanate (1250-1517 CE) witnessed a flourishing of architectural development, with rulers commissioning numerous monumental buildings and patronizing the arts

Religious and Educational Buildings

Madrasas and Religious Complexes

• Madrasa educational institution that combines religious instruction with secular subjects, often featuring a central courtyard surrounded by iwans (vaulted halls) and student accommodations
• Sabil-kuttab combination of a public water fountain (sabil) on the ground floor and a Quranic school (kuttab) on the upper level, serving both religious and social functions
• Sultan Hasan Mosque (1356-1363) considered one of the finest examples of Mamluk architecture, known for its monumental scale, innovative design, and elaborate decoration, including a large central courtyard and four iwans
• Sultan Qalawun Complex (1284-1285) a multi-functional religious and charitable complex in Cairo, comprising a madrasa, mausoleum, and hospital, showcasing the integration of various architectural elements and styles

Commercial and Public Structures

Facilitating Trade and Social Interaction

• Caravanserai roadside inn providing accommodation and amenities for merchants and their animals along trade routes, typically featuring a central courtyard surrounded by rooms and stables
• Suq (marketplace) covered market area consisting of narrow, winding streets lined with shops and stalls, often specialized in specific goods (spices, textiles, or metalwork), serving as a hub for commerce and social interaction
• Hammam (bathhouse) public bath complex with separate areas for men and women, featuring hot and cold rooms, steam rooms, and massage areas, serving hygienic and social purposes
• Waqf system charitable endowment under Islamic law, where revenue-generating properties (shops, mills, or agricultural land) were dedicated to funding the maintenance and operation of religious or public buildings (mosques, madrasas, or hospitals)

Urban Development

Shaping the Cityscape

• Citadel of Cairo fortified complex built by Saladin in the 12th century, serving as the seat of government and a symbol of power during the Mamluk period, with various palaces, mosques, and administrative buildings added over time
• Urban planning during the Mamluk era focused on creating cohesive and functional cities, with attention to the placement of key buildings (mosques, madrasas, and markets), the layout of streets and quarters, and the provision of amenities (water supply and waste management)