Emir Qurqumas Complex

The Emir Qurqumas Complex is located in Medieval Cairo, Egypt, in the City of the dead.[2] It is one of the largest mausoleums in Cairo.

Emir Qurqumas Complex
The funeral complex of Qurqumas
Religion
AffiliationIslam
Location
LocationCairo, Egypt
Architecture
StyleMamluk architecture
Completed1507[1]
Minaret(s)1

Overview

About 200 meters south of Qansuh's tomb stands a massive complex which is actually two mausoleums joined together. That on the north is sultan Inal's. Built in 1450–1456, it is in a ruinous state but is a good example of a Mamluk mausoleum, with a domed funeral chamber, a Madrasa, a Sabil, a monumental door, and a minaret. The complex also includes a Khanqah, or monastery for the Sufi Darvishes. Inal had been a slave of Sultan Barquq and could neither read nor write. He ruled from 1453 to 1460 and does not appear to have any distinction other than his lack of education. Adjoining Inal's Mausoleum is that of Qurqumas, built in 1507. It is in a much better condition and more elegant that Inal's, which is heavier in style.

Polish-Egyptian restoriation works

In 1972, the Polish-Egyptian Group for the Restoration of Islamic Monuments was created. It was composed of specialists from several institutions, including the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology University of Warsaw and the Institute of Mediterranean and Oriental Cultures, Polish Academy of Sciences.[3] "The work on the site included archaeological excavations of grave chambers and foundations, anthropological research, architectural and conservation works, as well as historical studies, for example of the 16th-century donation deed of emir Qurqumas (hogga)".[3] As a result of these works, which lasted until 2000, a protected antiquities zone was established around the complex which also includes the funerary complex of the sultan Inal.[4]

Qurqumas

Qurqumas was the commander-in-chief of the armies, also called Grand Amir, at the time of his death in 1510, the following is Ibn Iyas describing his funeral, where the four qadis (judges) attended, and it was a funeral without equal. Qurqumas enjoyed the respect and the consideration of all. A former Mameluk of Ashraf Qaitbay, he was manumitted by that monarch and subsequently progressed through promotions, beginning with the job of second equerry. He had been a commander of a thousand, commander of the guard, and appointed governor of the province of Aleppo, under the reign of Amir Tumanbay, when the latter was proclaimed Sultan of Syria. He suffered a common fate.

References
  1. Doris Behrens-Abouseif: Cairo of the Mamluks. A history of the architecture and its culture. Tauris Books, London 2007, ISBN 978-1-84511-549-4, p. 306.
  2. Amir Qurqumas Complex, Egyptopia.
  3. "Cairo, complex of Emir Qurqumas". pcma.uw.edu.pl. Retrieved 2020-07-08.
  4. Witkowski, Maciej G. (2007). "Amir Qurqumas Complex in Cairo." (PDF). In Laskowska-Kusztal, Ewa (ed.). Seventy Years of Polish Archaeology in Egypt. PCMA UW.

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