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.

NameDynastyDetailsJustification
Ribat of al-Mansur QalawunHegira 681 / AD 1282–3MamlukJerusalemRibat al-Mansuri in Jerusalem, commissioned by Sultan Qalawun in 681 / 1282–3.
Tower of al-Zahir BaybarsHegira 658–76 / AD 1260–77MamlukCairo, EgyptDetail of a figurative relief-carving on Baybars' tower in Cairo.
NameDynastyDetailsJustification
Tower of al-Zahir BaybarsHegira 658–76 / AD 1260–77MamlukCairo, EgyptView of Sultan Baybars' tower.
Complex of Sultan al-Mansur Qalawun (Mausoleum, Madrasa and Hospital)Hegira 684 / AD 1285MamlukCairo, EgyptThere is a close resemblance between the glass vine-frieze mosaic in Qalawun's complex in Cairo and that seen in the Mausoleum of al-Zahir Baybars in Damascus, suggesting that the same workshop carried out both cycles.
NameDynastyDetailsJustification
Complex of Sultan al-Mansur Qalawun (Mausoleum, Madrasa and Hospital)Hegira 684 / AD 1285MamlukCairo, EgyptThe vine-frieze mosaic at the Complex of Sultan Qalawun.
Madrasa al-ZahiriyyaHegira 676 / AD 1277MamlukDamascus, SyriaThe vine-frieze mosaic in the Baybars' Mausoleum in Damascus.
Hospital (Bimaristan) Nur al-DinHegira 549 / AD 1154AtabegDamascus, SyriaQalawun was treated and cured of a fatal illness at this hospital in Damascus, which inspired him to build his bimaristan in Cairo.