INTERIOR-OF THE MOSQUE OF THE SULTAN HASSAN. 
It is only within a few years that a Frank, or Christian, has been permitted to enter 
a mosque, and there are many in Cairo from which they are still rigidly excluded, 
but in that of the Sultan Hassan, which is the most sought to be visited by strangers, 
it is, under certain restrictions, allowed. The Christian must assume the Mohammedan 
costume, and be accompanied by a Cavass, or Janissary, and before ascending the 
great stair leading to the porch, his boots or shoes must be left in charge of his 
servant; for in the East it is still the custom, as in the days of Moses, to uncover 
the feet, as we uncover the head, in an act of reverence: Moses was commanded to 
put off his shoes, “for the place whereon he stood was holy ground.” 
On passing through the great porch of the Mosque of the Sultan Hassan, the 
visitor enters a magnificent court, about two hundred and fifty feet square. On each 
side is a deep arched recess; in that which is in front is the niche of the Mechrab, 
corresponding nearly to our chancel. Towards the Mechrab, which is placed, like 
our altar, on the east, all turn to pray; the recesses on the sides answer to the 
transepts of our sacred structures. From the arched roofs within these recesses, lamps 
are suspended by innumerable lines, in which, during the festivals, particularly that 
of Rhamadan, lights are kept constantly burning; some of those lamps are of transparent 
china, exquisite in design, and beautiful in colour. On the right of the Mechrab is 
the pulpit, which is ascended by a narrow flight of stairs; it is surmounted by a 
small dome and covered with very rich arabesque carvings in wood. Immediately 
in front is a raised platform, supported by marble columns,—“for what purpose it is 
used I know not,” says Mr. Roberts, “ as on great occasions Christians are excluded.” 
Near it is a raised seat, with a desk in front, from which the Koran is read and 
expounded. 
In the centre of this magnificent court, which is open to the sky, is placed the 
principal font for ablution, at which nearly all the devotees wash previous to offering 
their prayers; but there is an exclusive sect of Mohammedans, who consider the water 
used by others polluted: for these, the smaller font on the right, surmounted like the 
larger one in the centre by a dome, is intended. From around this fountain, water 
flows by numerous small pipes upon the feet and hands of the faithful, who deserve 
credit for cleanliness, rather than censure for exclusiveness; the water flows off as it 
is used. Around the court are vast apartments, how appropriated is not known to 
unbelievers. This magnificent Temple is neglected, and falling to decay; and it is 
evident from the state of the walls that, at a period not very remote, it has been 
used as a place of defence, and bears, as a whole, as much the appearance of a 
fortress as of a temple. 
Roberts’s Journal. 
