Sabil-kuttab of Sulayman Gawish
Monument Small sabil-kuttab functioning as fountain and school
In Cairo Governorate, the Sabil‑kuttab of Sulayman Gawish is one of the small fountain‑school buildings that punctuate the old city; visitors come for architectural carving, wooden screens and close‑up views of daily street life.
Sabil-kuttab of Sulayman Gawish is a small Ottoman-era charitable monument in the historic heart of Cairo, combining public water dispensing with a small Qur’anic classroom above.
The building exhibits the characteristic two-storey arrangement with decorative external panels and window screens that record the patron and function. Its modest size means the facade and entrance carry most of the architectural interest, with materials and motifs typical of the period. These sabil-kuttabs were built to serve local neighbourhood needs and are read as part of the streetscape.
Founded as a waqf by a private benefactor, the sabil-kuttab fulfilled charitable and educational roles; many examples have been conserved to protect their masonry and ornament.
It is located in the al-Gamaleya district of Historic Cairo, within walking distance of al-Muizz Street and the medieval market areas.
- Dual function: Street-level sabil window and upstairs kuttab form the defining functional elements of the building.
- Visiting note: Exterior carved and inscribed details are often best observed in soft daylight from the pavement; interior visits are sometimes limited.
How to Get to Sabil-kuttab of Sulayman Gawish #
Near al-Muizz li-Din Allah Street in Historic Cairo; a short walk from Khan al-Khalili or Bab Zuweila. Best accessed on foot once inside the medieval quarter.
Tips for Visiting Sabil-kuttab of Sulayman Gawish #
- This sabil-kuttab is slightly north of the dense al-Muizz cluster-map it with a local guide to discover distinct neighborhood patterns in ornament.
- Look for reused materials: fragments of older stone and inscriptions are often incorporated into later façades.
- Visit after a rain-puddles in the lane reflect the carved surfaces and make for striking photographs.
Best Time to Visit Sabil-kuttab of Sulayman Gawish #
Avoid midday summer heat; mornings in cooler months are ideal.
Weather & Climate near Sabil-kuttab of Sulayman Gawish #
Sabil-kuttab of Sulayman Gawish'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.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Almost no rain.
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February
February is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain.
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March
March is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Almost no rain.
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April
April is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain.
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May
May is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.