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Sabil-Kuttab of Sultan Qaitbay

Explore the historic Sabil-Kuttab of Sultan Qaitbay in Cairo, a unique example of Mamluk architecture and charitable institutions.

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The Sabil-Kuttab of Sultan Qaitbay, constructed in 1479, is a historical landmark in Cairo that exemplifies Mamluk architecture. This freestanding structure served as both a public water fountain (sabil) and a Qur'anic school (kuttab), representing an early example of urban charity in Cairo.

A brief summary to Sabil-kuttab of Sultan Qaitbay سبيل و كتاب قايتباى

  • 27J3+8W4, El Khalifa, Tolon, Cairo Governorate, EG

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning for a quieter experience and the best light for photography.
  • Combine your visit with nearby historical sites like the Al-Azhar Mosque and Khan El Khalili Bazaar to make the most of your time.
  • Take a guided tour to fully appreciate the historical significance and architectural details.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are in the El Khalifa area, walking to the Sabil-Kuttab is a viable option. Head towards Tolon Street and continue until you reach the landmark at 27J3+8W4. The walk should be approximately 10-15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Sabil-Kuttab of Sultan Qaitbay via public transport, take Metro Line 1 (the red line) towards El Marg and get off at Sadat Station. From there, walk towards the Egyptian Museum and take a taxi or local minibus to El Khalifa, asking to be dropped off at Tolon. The current fare for a regular bus is 9 EGP, while an air-conditioned bus is 17 EGP. A minibus fare is about 14 EGP.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Cairo. A short taxi ride from downtown Cairo to the Sabil-Kuttab typically costs between 30 to 50 EGP. Ensure the meter is used or negotiate the fare beforehand. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem are also available, with fares starting at 7-12 EGP plus 3-4 EGP per kilometer.

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Discover more about Sabil-kuttab of Sultan Qaitbay سبيل و كتاب قايتباى

The Sabil-Kuttab of Sultan Qaitbay is a distinguished monument from the Mamluk era, erected in 1479 by Sultan al-Ashraf Qaitbay. Located on Saliba Street in Islamic Cairo, this building uniquely combines a public water dispensary (sabil) on the ground floor with a primary school (kuttab) above. This was the first free-standing sabil-kuttab in Cairo, marking a departure from the practice of incorporating such institutions into mosques or madrasas. The sabil provided free drinking water to the public, an essential act of charity in the arid climate of Cairo. The water was drawn from an underground cistern, cooled, and dispensed through a window. The kuttab served as a school for orphaned children, teaching them the Quran, Arabic language, and the principles of Islam. The building's facade showcases intricate Mamluk designs, including stone carvings, polychrome marble, and ablaq masonry (alternating bands of different colored stones). The entrance features a tri-lobed arch and decorative panels with vegetal and geometric motifs. While the interior is not always accessible to the public, the exterior's architectural details are well worth admiring. The Sabil-Kuttab of Sultan Qaitbay stands as a testament to the charitable and educational values of the Mamluk period.

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