•F·u.N·k.I·s.T´a ღ F`l·O.r·I.s·T.a•

Originally a slave of Circassian origin, al-Zahir Barquq rose to become the first Sultan of the Burgi Mamluk dynasty (1382-1517). This school monastery was built in the early years of his reign and houses the mausoleum of his daughter. The octagonal minaret towers 165 feet over the building. Recently cleaned of grime, the outer walls complement the architecture of the Qalawun complex immediately to the left, a complex more than one hundred years older than Barquq's structure. Be sure to notice the massive bronze-plated doors inlaid with silver. In the central star is the name: Barquq (Arabic for plum). The plan of the interior is a traditional one, a narrow passage leading to the central courtyard are the qibla (sanctuary) liwan to the right and access to upstairs rooms used for Sufis and the students. Stepping inside the qibla, you are immediately struck by the color patterns reflected on the floor and walls from the five stucco windows inlaid with colored glass, one round window flanked by two arched ones on either side. Like the neighboring Madrasa of Qalawun, the ceiling is richly decorated and worth more than just a quick glance. Columns of porphyry support the ceiling and are possibly reused pharaonic ones. Many of Cairo's monuments utilized columns from the pharaonic period, providing an interesting transition between the ancient, medieval, and more modern times.

To the left of the qibla liwan is the entrance to the tomb chamber. The splendid domed room, filled with bands of inscription, stained glass, and decorative panels, houses the tomb of Sultan Barquq's daughter, Fatima. The Sultan and other members of his family are buried in the Northern Cemetery.