The Complex of Farag Ibn Barquq

The Complex of Farag Ibn Barquq lies in El-Sultan Ahmed Street few meters away from the Northern Cemetery . This magnificent complex was initiated by Sultan Barquq who was the first MAmluk Sultan to be buried next to the Sufi Shaykhs in the Northern Cemetery , and then completed by his successor Farag . Sultan Farag ruled Egypt for about 13 years after the death of his father and his reign was a period of turmoil and conflicts and ended with his assassination in Syria . He was brought back to Egypt to be buried in his tomb in this complex . This complex is regarded as a typical example for the sumptuous style of the Mamluk period . This is clear in the twin Sabil-Kuttab whose porch can be seen over the entrance and was used as a place for studying Quran and prophetic instructions . In addition to the are magnificent twin minarets , from their top one can enjoy a magnificent overview of the surrounding area that involves many charming monumental places including the Heliopolis , the complexes of Barsbay , and Qaytbay and the Citadel . The original entrance of this complex was placed in the southwest corner and preceded by a block of stone that date back to the Pharaonic period . After the main entrance , there is an arched vestibule with some openings in the ceiling for illumination and ventilation . The interior plan opens with a central courtyard supported with arcades which can be regarded as an imitation of the style of the mosque . There is also an arcaded sanctuary aisle surmounted by shallow domes and in its far end exists a Dikka or a platform that was used for reciting holy Quran . Of special interest among the items placed inside the complex are the simply decorated Mihrab and the stone Minbar with attractive carvings that date back to 1483 . Through some stair steps in one of the courtyard's corner , one can go up to the second floor that was dedicated to the residence of the Sufi Dervishes or mystics , in addition to some passageways and other places . These lodgings prove that the building was mainly established as a Khanqah for the Sufis but its style is different from the typical Mamluk style .