Sabil-Kuttab of Abd al-Rahman Katkhuda
Fatimid Cairo / Northern Al-Muizz
One of Al-Muizz Street's most elegant Ottoman charitable monuments, combining a public drinking fountain with an upper Qur'anic school and richly decorated with marble, copper screens and colourful ceramic tiles.
Historical Overview
The lower sabil supplied drinking water to the public, while the upper kuttab served as a school where Muslim orphans were taught the Qur'an and Prophetic traditions. The three façades of the sabil originally had copper-grilled windows and external marble slabs for drinking vessels. Inside, Ottoman ceramic tiles feature floral decoration, inscriptions and an image of the Great Mosque in Mecca.
Why Visit?
It is an excellent place for explaining the social role of Islamic architecture: the building was not simply decorative but provided water and education to the surrounding community.
What to See
- Three-sided sabil façade
- Copper window screens
- Marble elements
- Ottoman ceramic tiles
- Image of the Great Mosque in Mecca
- Foundation inscription
- Upper kuttab
- Historic water-distribution architecture
Getting There
Destination / الوجهة
سبيل عبد الرحمن كتخدا
Point to this and ask them to take you there
من فضلك وديني سبيل عبد الرحمن كتخدا في شارع المعز
Public Transit Options
Metro
Bab Al Shaaria — Line 3
Recommended Route
Bab Al Shaaria -> continue south into Al-Muizz
Media Gallery
The distinctive architecture of Sabil-Kuttab of Abd al-Rahman Katkhuda
Good to Know
Best Combined With
Make the most of your visit by combining this with:Amir Beshtak Palace,Al-Aqmar Mosque,Qalawun Complex,Sulayman Agha al-Silahdar,Hammam Inal
Opening Hours
Ticket Prices
Plan Your Visit
- Duration: 15 - 30 mins
- Best Time: Daytime for viewing the details of the facade.
- Photography: Mobile phone photography is free under current Al-Muizz ticket rules.