Al-Franj: the Crusaders in the Levant
Two Mamluk Sultans against the Franks
‘Qalawun was probably the most prolific instigator of architectural projects.’
Out of the two Mamluk Sultans discussed here, Qalawun was probably the most prolific instigator of architectural projects. The scale of his complex in Cairo, which marks a new phase in Mamluk architecture, is truly imposing, comprising a madrasa, mausoleum (qubba) and hospital (bimaristan). The bimaristan was built following Qalawun’s experience in the Bimaristan Nur al-Din, a hospital in Damascus. So impressed was he by the treatment he received, that he vowed that if he recovered to take the throne he would build a similar one in Cairo. Soon after his reign began in 682 / 1283 he initiated the project. The bimaristan was unusual for its time being dedicated to Muslims of both sexes and from any social position.
Ribat of al-Mansur Qalawun

Hegira 681 / AD 1282–3
Mamluk
Jerusalem
Ribat al-Mansuri in Jerusalem, commissioned by Sultan Qalawun in 681 / 1282–3.