Cairo, complex of Emir Qurqumas

Cairo, complex of Emir Qurqumas

Funerary complex of Emir Qurqumas (Emir Kebir Qurqumas)

• Project name:

  Polish-Egyptian Mission for the Restoration of Islamic Monuments in Cairo
  (City of the Dead, Mausoleum of Emir Kabir Qurqumas/Mosque of Amir Qurqumas)
  

• Type of site:

  Mosque, funerary complex

  Location:

  Egypt
  Cairo (northern part of the “Northern Necropolis”)

  Dating:

  Mamluk period (complex built in the first decade of the 16th century)

Most interesting finds:

– Madrasah-type mosque
– Temporary residence of the founder – qasr
– Sufi meetinghouse – khanqah
– Multicolored marble facings of walls and floors
– Polychromed wood ceilings
– Quranic inscriptions carved in low relief

History of research:

Dates of PCMA mission’s work:

1972–2000

Type of research:

Archaeological and conservation works

Directors:

– Andrzej Misiorowski (1972–1974)
– Ireneusz Nieduziak (1974–1977)
– Jerzy Kania (1977–1989; 1995–2000)
– Andrzej Żaboklicki (1990–1991)
– Jarosław Dobrowolski (1992–1995)

Co-operating institutions:

– Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology, University of Warsaw
– Institute of Mediterranean and Oriental Cultures, Polish Academy of Sciences (then Research Center for Mediterranean Archaeology PAS – ZAŚ PAN)
– State Ateliers for Conservation of Cultural Property (PP PKZ)
– Egyptian Antiquities Service

Additional information:

In 1972, the Polish-Egyptian Group for the Restoration of Islamic Monuments was created. It included Andrzej Misiorowski, Ireneusz Nieduziak, Jerzy Kania (PP PKZ), Jarosław Dobrowolski (PCMA UW), and Maciej Witkowski (ZAŚ PAN).

Description of the site and research:

According to the inscription above the entrance, the monumental complex of emir Qurqumas was founded in 1507. It consists of a mosque/madrasah (Quranic school), a Sufi meetinghouse, the emir’s residence, and the neighboring funerary complex of sultan Ashraf Inal. It is an example of Mamluk architecture in its most developed form. The complex was abandoned in the 18th century.

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).

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