Nearby, to the south of al-Burtasiya is a smaller madrasah, the al­Zahiriya, with the flood-damaged remains of a magnificent marble and mosaic mihrdh on the right hand side of the prayer hall. The prayer niche is flanked by two fluted marble columns with elaborate capitals and is decorated with different colored marble slabs placed in a vertical position. Its half dome ceiling is decorated with a geometric and floral mosaic pattern in red, black, white and turquoise blue. The inscription over the entrance tells us that the madrasah and its attached mausoleum were built in 1396 By the Manmluk Emir Saif Al-Din Tagri Bermish al Zahiri in memory of this two sons.

Historical References