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Four Hundred Years of Silent Beauty in Souq El-Selah St.
Have you ever wondered why they named what’s left from the past as a relic?
Allow me to tell you the story of Sabil of Mustafa Sinan, a place which used to provide people with water.
Why do you think this place is considered one of the hidden relics or gems in Islamic Cairo ? Why do people call it the silent beauty? Let’s figure out the reason, shall we!
Sabil of Mustafa Sinan is one of the most famous independent Ottoman Sabils on Souq Al-Selah Street. It was established nearly four hundred years ago, where there was no other source of water than the water fountains at that time. It’s very unique in its structure, as it is the first well in the Ottoman era that contains a prayer room.
During the Ottoman era, it supplied people with water. After that, it ceased to function when the water distribution company was established 75 years ago. The place then became a symbol of the silent beauty in Souq El-Selah Street.
I went to see this place and I was amazed by the motifs, inscriptions, and geometric shapes on its exterior walls. In addition, to the artist excelled in implementing these motifs reflecting a superb example of craftsmanship as shown in the pictures.
I became much happier when I saw the government's effort to repair this monument through the 2015 national campaign to rescue 100 monuments in historic Cairo.
As for the people of Souq El-Selah street, as all Egyptians, they are well known for their generosity and good manners. People have responded positively to our questions and welcomed us. They even wanted to take pictures with the monuments as an appreciation to of being residents of this ancient street.
According to "Al-Masry Al-Youm" newspaper, 80-year-old Abbas Shaybah, a resident of Al-Shammashrij neighborhood, stated that the sabil was used as a prayer room and place for drinking water until the 1960s. He also said that he used to pray and rest there, long time ago. “These were the good old days,” Shaybah said.
What’s more encouraging for you to visit Souq El-Selah street, is the presence of many historical monuments on the same street, such as " Yakan’s house, the Gate of Manjak al-Salahadar, and the mosque of Yusuf al-Jay, as well as other mosques and houses that are worth seeing. .. etc".
So, have you settled on your next adventure, yet?
Translated by: Sara Ali
Proofread by: Merna Ahmed
About the author: Sara Ali, loves to travel and watch English movies. An interpreter, talented in teaching children and writing attractive content on social media platforms.
