Sabil-Kuttab of Umm Abbas
Al-Saliba / Sayyida Zaynab
Admire one of nineteenth-century Cairo's most elegant public fountains, where an Ottoman-inspired curved façade, pierced copper screens, marble carving and European-influenced Rococo decoration accompany a Qur'anic school above.
Historical Overview
The sabil was commissioned by Bamba Qadin in 1867 in memory of her son, Abbas Helmi I, who ruled Egypt from 1848 to 1854. It has a rounded Ottoman-style façade containing four pierced copper windows, beneath a wooden projecting eave and ribbed dome. A kuttab was attached for teaching the Qur'an to children. Its decoration is particularly interesting because Arabic and Turkish inscriptions appear alongside marble surfaces carved with floral motifs influenced by European Rococo design.
Why Visit?
Demonstrates how Islamic Cairo continued producing sophisticated charitable architecture well into the nineteenth century, creating a strong chronological contrast with earlier monuments.
What to See
- Ottoman-inspired curved façade
- Pierced copper screens
- Marble carving and European-influenced Rococo decoration
- Upper kuttab
Getting There
Destination / الوجهة
سبيل أم عباس
Point to this and ask them to take you there
من فضلك وديني سبيل أم عباس في شارع الصليبة
Public Transit Options
Metro
Sayyida Zeinab — Line 1
Recommended Route
Metro: Sayyida Zeinab -> Walk or short taxi along Al-Saliba route
Media Gallery
The ornate curved facade of Sabil-Kuttab Umm Abbas
Good to Know
Best Combined With
Make the most of your visit by combining this with:Ibn Tulun Mosque,Gayer-Anderson Museum,Sarghatmish Madrasa,Shaykhu Complex,Salar and Sanjar al-Jawli
Opening Hours
Check specific site for hours.
Ticket Prices
Plan Your Visit
- Duration: 15 - 30 mins
- Photography: Exterior photography is free public street.
- Accessibility: Ground exterior view is publicly visible. Interior and upper kuttab accessibility needs verification.