Women and their Architectural Contributions in the Bahri Mamluk State

Montser Moustafa, Youssra Mohammed; Mahmoud, Samah Abd El Rahman; Abdelrazik, Shaaban

doi:10.21608/mjthr.2023.245474.1122

Women and their Architectural Contributions in the Bahri Mamluk State

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Tourist Guidance Dep., Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, Minia University, Minia, Egypt

² Tourist Guidence department , faculty of tourism and Hotels ,Mina university , Mina , Egypt

³ tourist guidance faculty of tourism and hotels

10.21608/mjthr.2023.245474.1122

Abstract

Women's architectural and civilizational contributions in the various aspects of life have revealed their lofty status and distinct role in enriching the Arab-Islamic thought. These contributions have proven women's pioneering role in the advancement and service of their society. During the reign of the Bahri Mamluks, women continued to enjoy an ample share of freedom and respect that Islamic law guaranteed to them since the Muslims advent to Egypt, which had the greatest impact on their active participation in the various aspects of political and public life as well.
Women also paid attention to the scientific, cultural and artistic aspects. They were also interested in the social life, and their contributions are evident on their different establishments, which undoubtedly indicate their mature intellectual and cognitive awareness. Such interest left behind many buildings and architectural facilities that were not limited to women of Mamluk origin, but also to all rich women of Egyptian society who enjoyed social and scientific status as well.
Religious architecture, which varied between mosques, Madrasas, khanqahs, and ribats (hospices), were the main concern of women, followed by the other urban facilities, such as quitrents, houses, and palaces. These facilities were built according to the architectural style that prevailed in the Mamluk era, which is characterized by the diversity of decorations and the use of well-carved stones in white and black. Women also managed to make these urban facilities as centers for spreading knowledge in mosques and Madrasas and providing them with the most qualified sheikhs and teachers.

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