Unpublished Sufi inscription at madrasa Sultan Al- Ashraf Barsbay in Cairo (827 - 831 AH /1423-1427 AD):An artistic archaeological study

    This article discusses an Unpublished inscription executed by colors on wood, which displays a Sufi text considered to be part of “Hizb al-Bahr” by Imam al-Shazli (D. 656 AH/1258 AD) beneath the ceiling of the “Bayt al-Aziyar,” attached to the "Sabil" of the Al Ashrafieh Barsbay Madrasah.
    The study discusses the inscription in the context of the spread of Sufism during the Mamluk era, particularly in the reign of Sultan Barsbay’s who was interest in religious scientists and Sufis during this time. Additionally, it delves into the spread of the Shazliah Sufi approach and the criticism of Imam Ibn Taymiyyah (728 AH/1327AD) regarding some of its prayers.
    The inscription also includes an important date text that aids in tracing the stages of the history of the Madrasa establishment. This date text is essential in linking the Madrasa construction inscription on the upper section of the main facade of the Madrasa and what was included in the endowment document (Waqf