The Sultan Hassan Mosque in Cairo is a beautiful structure.

When construction on the Mosque of Sultan Hassan began in 1356, it was an unprecedentedly large structure, and certain architectural problems were quickly discovered.

The mosque is large enough to endure a great deal of abuse: it is 150 meters in length and occupies an area of 7906 square meters, with walls as high as 36 meters and its highest tower as high as 68 meters.

During the early morning hours, when the light shines through the deep courtyard and cavernous tomb, the mosque is most impressive, displaying subtle hues and textures that would otherwise be hidden by shadows later in the day.

Once inside, you’ll be led by instinct into the dark domed vestibule with liwans, and out onto the four sides, their height highlighted by hanging lamp chains, their maws by red-and-black rims, and all of this will be punctuated by an ablution fountain with an unusual bulbous dome.

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In each liwan, the Mamluks taught a Sunni Islamic ritual, offering theological legitimacy for the cruciform design that they strived to execute regardless of where they were.

At Sultan Hassan, four madrassas have been carefully placed into an uneven region behind the lines to preserve the internal cruciform structure of the building.

The sanctuary was differentiated from its rough plastered neighbors by its soft-hunted marble inlay and a strip of gigantic Kufic writing on the ceiling.

Hassan’s mausoleum is located to the right of the mihrab, on the other side of which is a bronze door that is exquisitely carved with radiating stars and satellites in gold and silver.

The mausoleum was strategically placed to divert Baraka from prayers to Mecca while overlooking his old stomping grounds.

Under the repaired dome, which is supported by stalactite pendentives, the tomb is gloomy and solemn.

A carved and painted Thuluth inscription, taken from the Quran’s Throne verse, runs around the outside of the room.

Take note of the ivory-inlaid “kursi,” or koranic lectern, which is also on display.

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