Fountain sights in Africa
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A
Sabil-Kuttab of Abdel Rahman Katkhuda
One of the iconic structures of Islamic Cairo, depicted in scores of paintings and lithographs. Building this fountain-school combo was an atonement for sins, as it provided two things commended by the Prophet: water for the thirsty and enlightenment for the ignorant. This one was built in 1744 by an emir notorious for his debauchery.
There's nice ceramic work inside, so it's worth trying to find the caretaker with the key. He often sits in Qasr Beshtak, down the little alley to the east, then through the archway at the bottom.
reviewed
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B
Medersa Bachia
Medersas are schools for study of the Quran. They declined in the late 19th century when broader education came into vogue. Fine examples - mostly still used as schools - are clustered around the Zaytouna Mosque. The 1752 Medersa Bachia has what was once a small public fountain beside the entrance. Also constructed by Ali Pasha, it now houses an artisans' school.
reviewed
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C
Sbaiyine Medersa
Once called the Medersa al-Soghra (Small Medersa) to distinguish it from the neighbouring Sahrij Medersa (Big Medersa), this building dates from the 14th century and is notable for the decorated marble fountain that graces its interior courtyard. Unfortunately, the building is in a deplorable state of repair and is not open to the public.
reviewed
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D
Sabil of Muhammed Ali Pasha
The delicate Ottoman-style Sabil of Muhammed Ali Pasha is an 1820 fountain that was the first in Cairo to have gilded window grilles and calligraphic panels in Ottoman Turkish. Although it has been meticulously restored, it was closed to the public at last pass; check if it's open, as there is also access to a cistern below.
reviewed
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E
Chrabliyine Mosque
This must be the prettiest minaret in town. Around the mosque there's a fountain, a medersa with good mashrabiya (intricate carved wood) panels at street level and windows above the street, and an ablution facility. Chrabliyine means 'the street of the slipper-makers'.
reviewed