#3
Oldest Mosque in El-Darb El-Ahmar
Mosque and School of Uljay al-Yusufi is considered to be one of the hidden treasures in Souq El-Selah Street.
Sayf al-Din Uljay 's story:
The founder of this mosque was one of the most prominent figures throughout the era of Sultan Shaaban. Sayf al-Din did not obey the Sultan, so the sultan's soldiers fought him. Then, he threw himself with his horse into the river. He wanted to reach the West Bank of the Nile to survive. Unfortunately, he drowned in the Nile, although his horse survived.
My visit:
Once you visit the ancient heritage places, you feel the greatness of history unfolding before you. Every every corner of the mosque has witnessed an old great story. First, when I went to Souq El-Selah Street, I found the mosque located near the end of the street in the direction of Salah El-Din El-Ayoubi Citadel. The first thing that attracted my sight was the architectural layout of the exterior side of the mosque.
I was impressed by the dome and its patterns, which was the first thing I looked at. It's different from the rest of the domes I have seen before. As it is the first dome that has twisted lines as shown in the picture.
Jamal al-Gheitan, famous Egyptian author of historical and political novels and cultural and political commentaries, states the dome “has a unique layout which is not found anywhere else in the world."
Above the main door is marble with the name of the builder and the date of its construction. On the left side of the door, there is a well, a public place where people got water from in the past, with a ceiling known for its unique decorations. I was so fascinated by its minbar; although it lost its upper part, but it is considered as one of the best wooden pulpits. Also, it is characterized by the beauty and accuracy of wood inlay.
“In this mosque there is a place where prayers are not held, because it is made dedicated for serving meals for Muslims when they break their fasting during the Holy month of Ramadan,” a resident of Souq El-Selah street said.
Islamic heritage landmarks places are an important record for all humanity, as it highlights the achievements of civilization and people that lived thousands of years ago. They tell us the stories of past nations; how they have lived and what situations they have experienced.
So, visiting these rare places will surely have a wonderful impact on our minds and souls.
Well, get ready for your next new destination!
Translated by: Merna Ahmed
Proofreading by: Ahmed Maged
Author bio: Merna Ahmed, A senior student in Misr International University, faculty of Al-Alsun. Freelance writer.
