Mosque of Sultan Hassan
The Mosque of Sultan Hassan might appear insignificant when seen from the viewpoint up on the Citadel, but what a fabulous experience it is once you get down here. And impressive. The walls rise 42 metres, equalled by the neighbour mosque of Rifai. The alley between the two is almost scaring, a feeling strengthened by the lack of direct sun light most of the day, and the wind created by the empty room between the mosques. The scale of this 14th century mosque proved to be bigger than it could support. During construction one of the minarets fell down and killed 300 people. Another minaret tipped over in the 17th century, soon to be followed by the dome over the tomb. The entrance to the mosque is unusual, it does not lead directly into the mosque. First you pass the sultans courthall, then the old medical academy, an closed door to a street where doctors received their patients. The the light of the open courtyard leads you on. The sight inside is awesome, and one of those impossible catch on either photo or film. There are 4 liwans from the courtyard, each were for one of the law schools of Islam. The liwan of the qibla is the finest decorated, and leads further into the tomb with its dome. This is actually a tomb, although not of Sultan Hassan, but one of his sons.
PRACTICALITIES
The museum is open 8.00-17.00 daily, but during the month of Ramadan 9.00-15.00. Admission is EŁ6, students EŁ3. Photo permit is EŁ20, filming permit is EŁ100. Plan to visit this and its neighbour mosque as part of a visit to the Citadel, both areas should fit well into a great day of experiences.
