Fatima Hanim AL-Menshawia Mosque in Al_Sekka Al_baidaa Cairo (before 1350 AH1931 AD)(Architectural and Archaeological study)

Abstract

This descriptive and analytical paper attempts to scrutinize the mosque of Fatima Hanim Al-Minshawiya- wife of Ahmed Pasha Al-Minshawi- a noteworthy woman in Gharbia Governorate. Daughter of Abdullah Pasha, famous Englishman. The framework of this study will be an architectural and archeological outline. Follow the descriptive analytical approach. The mosque is sited in Al-Sikka Al-Bayda Street in Abbasiya, Cairo, and was designed according to the "Revival Style "of AL Mamlouk architecture during the era of Mohamed Ali. It is worth noting that the design of the mosque follows the mosques with porticoes without "Sahn" (courtyard). The date of the mosque's construction was inscribed above the Rawda Gate in the wooden lectern which is dated back to the era of King Fouad the First (1350 H/ 1931AD). The study of the mosque of Fatima Hanim Al-Minshawiya has a twofold significance. Firstly, it is a novel and not attempted before by any researcher. Secondly, the mosque itself is distinguished by the richness of its architectural and decorative features. Accordingly, one of the motives of studying this mosque stems from the stylishness and exactitude of decorations that reflect the "Revival Style" which are well preserved until today. This descriptive and analytical study is concerned with the impact of the mosque's site, regarding its facades, and design. Furthermore, it will attempt to shed light on the architectural and constructional features of the mosque in terms of the building materials, entrances, windows, arches, porches, the attached shrine dome, and the women's chapel.and determine the functional theory and the target of creating these elements. The mosque has four free and open facades surrounded by a brick wall, of which the southwestern one is considered the main entrance facade. As for the northeastern façade, it is considered the sub-entrance one. The prayer house is divided into four arcades , each has four marble columns. Also, the mihrab is at the top of the southeastern wall of the prayer house, the northeastern entrance leads to the women's prayer hall, then to the shrine dome, ablution place, and the other annexes of the mosque. The research includes (49) pictures (29) figures, all of them were made by the researcher. Finally, the study ends with several of findings and recommendations..

Keywords

• mosque; revival style; arcades; marble columns