Sabil-kuttab of Sultan Mustafa III
Monument 18th-century sabil-kuttab built under Sultan Mustafa III
Named for Sultan Mustafa III, this sabil‑kuttab in Islamic Cairo pairs a street fountain with an upper kuttab; tourists examine its stonework, wooden lattice and the dense cluster of nearby mosques and markets.
Sabil-kuttab of Sultan Mustafa III is a small charitable structure in Cairo’s historic Islamic quarter that follows the Ottoman sabil-kuttab model, providing a public sabil and an upper-level kuttab. The building type dates broadly to the 18th and 19th centuries in Cairo.
Architectural elements include the water-dispensing niche at street level and a compact teaching room above, often fitted with wooden screens or windows and inscribed panels noting its patronage. The façade typically bears carved stonework and calligraphic decoration that signal its charitable purpose. Because of its small scale the building integrates closely with adjacent urban fabric.
Erected as a waqf, the sabil-kuttab served communal water needs and elementary religious education; over time it has remained a visible part of the historic streetscape and has been subject to local conservation efforts.
The monument is situated in the Medieval Cairo area near al-Muizz li-Din Allah Street and the Khan al-Khalili bazaar.
- Dual function: Represents the common Ottoman-era sabil-kuttab typology with a public water outlet below and a kuttab above.
- Best viewing: Most decorative value is on the exterior facade; street-level viewing gives the clearest sense of its design and inscriptions.
How to Get to Sabil-kuttab of Sultan Mustafa III #
On al-Muizz li-Din Allah Street in Historic Cairo, south of Khan al-Khalili. Easily reached on foot within the medieval quarter; taxis from Tahrir take about 10-25 minutes depending on traffic.
Tips for Visiting Sabil-kuttab of Sultan Mustafa III #
- Named for Sultan Mustafa III-compare the dates of his reign (1757-1774) to the style of ornament; small details often reflect Ottoman-era tastes.
- Stand back and look up to see the kuttab's woodwork silhouetted against the sky-its proportions read best from slightly back from the curb.
- Pair this stop with a walk to nearby mosques of the same era to see differences in scale and ambition.
Best Time to Visit Sabil-kuttab of Sultan Mustafa III #
Best in cooler months; mornings are calmest for photography.
Weather & Climate near Sabil-kuttab of Sultan Mustafa III #
Sabil-kuttab of Sultan Mustafa III'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 34°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.
