Madrasa of Umm al-Sultan Sha'ban Monument

Mamluk-era madrasa and historic Islamic educational complex

Within Cairo, the madrasa and mausoleum of Umm al‑Sultan Sha'ban dates to the Mamluk era; visitors examine its stone façade, dome and nearby lanes of historic Islamic Cairo.

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Bayt al-Razzaz and Madrasa of Umm Shaban.jpg
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Detail of illuminated frontispiece from the Mamluk Quran (Egyptian National Library Masahif Rasid 8, f.1v detail).jpg
Double-page with illuminated chapter headings (National Library of Egypt Masahif Rasid 6).jpg
El-Darb El-Ahmar الدرب الأحمر (3022927159).jpg
Flickr - Gaspa - Cairo, moschea (3).jpg
Frontispiece from the Mamluk Qur'an (National Library of Egypt Masahif Rasid 6, ff.1b-2a).jpg
Historisches Kairo 2016-03-28c.jpg
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Madrasa of Umm al-Sultan Sha'ban at a Glance#

How to Get to Madrasa of Umm al-Sultan Sha'ban#

The madrasa sits within central Cairo’s historic district. From Tahrir Square take a short taxi ride (5-15 minutes depending on traffic) south toward the Citadel area or the Al-Ghouriya neighborhood. Walking routes through the medieval quarter are narrow; a local guide or driver familiar with the labyrinthine streets is useful.

Tips for Visiting Madrasa of Umm al-Sultan Sha'ban#

  • Enter the complex from the eastern side of the Citadel/Al-Ghouriya neighbourhood to avoid busy commercial streets.
  • Look for worn shoe-shine marks and soot darkening the lower stones - these tell the building's daily life more than any plaque.
  • Most visitors rush past the small courtyard; spend five minutes letting the light trace the carved stucco around the mihrab.

Best Time to Visit Madrasa of Umm al-Sultan Sha'ban#

Best visited in the cooler months for comfort while walking Cairo's historic districts; crowds are light compared with nearby major monuments.

Mild season (Oct-Apr)
October-April · 12-24°C (54-75°F)
Cooler, more comfortable for walking Cairo's dense streets; late afternoon light picks out stone carvings.
Hot season (May-Sep)
May-September · 25-40°C (77-104°F)
Hot, dusty days make interior shade appealing - but bring a hat for the short walk from the street.

Weather & Climate near Madrasa of Umm al-Sultan Sha'ban#

Climate

Madrasa of Umm al-Sultan Sha'ban's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 8°C to 35°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 133 Unhealthy (Sg)
Best Time to Visit
SeptemberJuneJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
45°
Warmest Month
1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 8° - 20° 14° 6 mm some cloud 61% 2.6 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.3h
February Excellent 9° - 21° 15° 6 mm some cloud 56% 2.5 m/s 0.9 moderate 11.0h
March Ideal 11° - 24° 17° 4 mm some cloud 51% 2.7 m/s 1.4 high 11.9h
April Ideal 14° - 29° 22° 1 mm some cloud 44% 2.8 m/s 1.8 very high 12.8h
May Ideal 18° - 32° 25° 1 mm mostly sunny 40% 3.2 m/s 2.2 extreme 13.6h
June Ideal 20° - 35° 27° 0 mm clear 40% 3.3 m/s 2.5 extreme 13.9h
July Ideal 22° - 35° 28° 0 mm clear 42% 2.7 m/s 2.5 extreme 13.8h
August Ideal 21° - 35° 28° 0 mm mostly sunny 45% 2.6 m/s 2.3 extreme 13.1h
September Ideal 20° - 33° 27° 0 mm clear 50% 2.9 m/s 1.8 very high 12.2h
October Ideal 18° - 30° 24° 1 mm clear 56% 2.6 m/s 1.3 high 11.3h
November Ideal 13° - 25° 19° 3 mm mostly sunny 59% 1.9 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.5h
December Excellent 9° - 21° 15° 7 mm mostly sunny 62% 2.6 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.1h

Nearby Attractions to Madrasa of Umm al-Sultan Sha'ban#