Madrasa as-Ṣābūnīyā

 

A rectangular-shaped Mameluke mosque constructed between 1459 and 1464 CE. The courtyard features a main westernʾiwān and a smaller southern ʾiwān. The larger ʾiwān is located in the entrance axis and has a miḥrāb facing south. The southern ʾiwān deviates from the center of the courtyard. In place of the third iwan, we have a long corridor leading to the entrance, and in place of the fourth is a toilet. The facade is made of ashlar, with alternating courses of light and dark stone (ablaq). The portal niche is crowned by deep tapering stalactites (muqarnaṣ). The octagonal minaret is decorated with ablaq and blind niches. Its balcony is supported by muqarnaṣ consoles. 

Text and plan: adapted from Wulzinger & Watzinger. Damaskus, die Islamische Stadt 1924 (p. 89). 

Photo: André Geiger. Syrie et Liban 1932.