Identifier: storyofcairo00stan (find matches)
Title: The story of Cairo
Year: 1906 (1900s)
Authors: Stanley Lane-Poole
Subjects:
Publisher: J. M. Dent
Contributing Library: Gumberg Library, Duquesne University
Digitizing Sponsor: Lyrasis Members and Sloan Foundation

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t stands besidehis mosque and tomb, the latter notable for its exquisiteplaster tracery and red granite pillars, and for the oddlydecorated stone minaret and fine inscription. Ibn-Tulunand Saladin had built hospitals, and Kalaun carried onthe good tradition of these pious benefactors. Cubiclesfor patients were ranged round two courts, and at thesides of another quadrangle were wards, lecture rooms,library, baths, dispensary, and every necessary applianceof those days of surgical science. There was evenmusic to cheer the sufferers; while readers of theKoran afforded the consolations of the faith. Richand poor were treated alike, without fees, and sixtyorphans were supported and educated in the neighbouringschool. People still visit the tomb where the goodsultan and his son en-Nasir lie buried, to touch theirclothes in sure belief that they will be cured of sundrydiseases and disabilities. The long reign of en-Nasir was a golden age ofmamluk architecture. However much this sultan may212
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2?^ The Dome Builders have profited by the sense of tranquillity which hereditarytitle inspired, he owed his long tenure of the precariousthrone partly to his personal qualities. This self-possessed, iron-willed man—absolutely despotic, rulingalone—physically insignificant, small of stature, lameof a foot, and with a cataract in the eye—with hisplain dress and strict morals, his keen intellect andunwearied energy, his enlightened tastes and interests,his shrewd diplomacy degenerating into fruitless deceit,his unsleeping suspicion and cruel vengefulness, hissuperb court, his magnificent buildings—is one of themost remarkable characters of the Middle Ages. Hisreign was certainly the climax of Egyptian culture andcivilization. He carried on the traditions of Beybarsand Kalaun ; maintained the alliance with the GoldenHorde and married a princess from the Volga, the ladyTulbiya, whose tomb may still be seen, with that ofanother of his wives, in the eastern cemetery; hepreserved the

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