Page:A History of Architecture in All Countries Vol 2.djvu/531

Rh Bk. I. Ch. II. SYRIA AND EGYPT. 515 court. On three sides these niches measure 46 ft. square ; but on that which faces Mecca the great niche is 69 ft. wide by 90 in dejDth, and 90 ft. high internally. All four are covered with simple tunnel- vaults of a pointed form, without either ribs or intersections, and for simple grandeur are unrivalled by any similar arches known to exist anywhere. Behind the niche pointing towards Mecca is the tomb of the founder, s(juare in plan, as these buildings almost -always are, measuring 69 ft. each way, and covered by a lofty and elegant dome resting on penden- tives of great beauty and richness. It is flanked on each side by two noble minarets, one of which is the highest and largest in Cairo, and probably in any part of the world, being 280 ft. in height and of pro- 966. Section of Mosque of Hassan, Cairo. Scale 100 ft. to 1 in. portionate breadth. Its design and outline, however, are scarcely so elegant as some others, though even in these respects it must be con- sidered a very beautiful example of its class. One of the principal defects of this building is the position of its doorway, which, instead of facing the hihleh or niche pointing towards Mecca, is placed diagonally in the street alongside of the building. It is a very beautiful specimen of architecture in itself; still its situa- tion and the narrow passages that lead from it to the main building detract most materially from the effect of the whole edifice, which ill other respects is so perfect. It may have been that ground could not be obtained for the purpose of placing the entrance in the right position ; but more probably it was so arranged for the sake of defence,