File:Egypt painted and described (1902) (14760802094).jpg

Identifier: egyptpainteddesc00kell (find matches)
Title: Egypt painted and described
Year: 1902 (1900s)
Authors: Kelly, Robert Talbot, 1861-1934
Subjects: Egypt -- Description and travel
Publisher: London, A. & C. Black
Contributing Library: New York University, Institute of Fine Arts Library
Digitizing Sponsor: Sloan Foundation

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e department has rebuilt the final stage inthe delicate form of cupola supported by pillars, which,though a common feature enough, is hardly in keepingwith the rest of the structure in these instances ; and tothe best of my belief these stages were originally ofsolid walling, embellished with exterior carvings andslightly relieved pilasters. Passing through the gate,you come to the flag or tent-makers bazaar, cool andshady beneath its wooden roof; and beyond are streetsof varying interest which eventually lead into the veryprosaic Sharia Mohammed Ali. Behind and around these principal bazaar streets arequarters little known, but rich in monuments of domesticarchitecture and decoration. Here palaces of the Mem-luk days, at present in the occupation of the lowestclasses, watch mournfully over narrow lanes now practi-cally deserted. Life here is subdued as compared withthe trading centres, but the scene retains some flavourof its bygone magnificence. Handsome doorways, 38 THE BAB-ZUWEYLA
Text Appearing After Image:
Streets and Bazaars whose rich carvings are partly hidden by the accumu-lated debris of generations, lead into courtyards richin arabesques, and from which opens the mandara,or guest-room, whose tesselated pavements and marblefountains speak of the sumptuous life of former days.The harlm windows, which also look upon the court,are rich with the fast-disappearing mashrubiyeh workand perforated plaster lights. Carved corbels supportthe ornate pillars and beams of ceilings still resplendentwith the rich painting and gilding which has to someextent withstood the ravages of time. Mural decora-tions and marble flooring, panelled doors and hanginglamp, all speak of a glorious past, which contrastsstrangely with the sleeping-mats and ragged habili-ments of the vagrants who now seek shelter here. Itis all very sad and pathetic ; and one may ride for hoursthrough streets displaying all this picturesque incon-gruity, and which, so far as I can ascertain, are seldomvisited by tourists, and are pr

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