Sabil of Yusuf al-Kurdi
Monument Small historic sabil (public fountain) in Cairo
Compact sabil with carved stone and calligraphic elements; visited by students of Islamic architecture and photographers mapping Cairo’s ensemble of public fountains.
The Sabil of Yusuf al-Kurdi is a small public water fountain in Cairo, Egypt, and part of the historic ensemble of urban sabils. Its purpose was to dispense drinking water to people in the immediate vicinity.
The unit is compact and designed for street-level access, with a recessed niche for water distribution; decorative emphasis, if present, is concentrated around the fountain opening. The scale makes it a brief stop rather than a destination site.
The name indicates a connection to Yusuf al-Kurdi, who likely endowed the fountain as a charitable act in the form of a waqf. Over time these small fountains have experienced differing levels of conservation depending on local custodianship.
The sabil is located in Cairo Governorate within the city’s historic core and is accessible from central Cairo neighbourhoods.
- Patron: Built or endowed by the individual named in the title, reflecting the common practice of private endowments for public fountains in Cairo.
How to Get to Sabil of Yusuf al-Kurdi #
Reach the Al-Muizz / Bab al-Futuh area by taxi or by walking from Khan al-Khalili, then explore the adjacent lanes on foot to find this and similar sabils.
Tips for Visiting Sabil of Yusuf al-Kurdi #
- Look beneath the grille at foot level; often merchants have threaded small offerings or notes into the metalwork.
- Bring a flashlight in winter afternoons to read inscriptions when shadows fall deep into the recess.
- Map the sabil against nearby landmarks (mosques, gates) - that helps when several sabils look similar within one area.
Best Time to Visit Sabil of Yusuf al-Kurdi #
Early mornings in winter and spring are best for light and fewer locals in the lanes.
Weather & Climate near Sabil of Yusuf al-Kurdi #
Sabil of Yusuf al-Kurdi'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 15°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 14°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.