Sabil-Kuttab of Nafisa al-Bayda’

The sabil-kuttab of Nafisa Khatun is a unique example of a sabil (water fountain) in the Ottoman period, when it was common for women to establish sabils used  to dispense water to the public. This sabil is located on al-Ghawriyya by the end of al-Muizz street, past the Zuweila gate and facing the mosque of al-Muayyad Shaykh. It was built in 1211 AH/ 1796 AD, as is indicated on the marble slab above the façade’s central window. The sabil was built in the distinctive Ottoman design. It is semi-circular with three copper windows. Attached to the sabil is a kuttab (school) where children, often poor or orphaned, memorised the Qur’an. A marble plaque above its door reads, “the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: the best of you is the one who learns and teaches the Qur’an".