Its Sides Are Inlaid With Marble And Glazed
Tiles Of Various Colours; And A Number Of Inscriptions In Relief, In
Large Gilt Characters, Above And On The Sides Of The Arch, Give It A
Very Dazzling Appearance.
Just before this gate is a small fountain,
filled by the water of the canal, where people usually perform their
ablutions, if they do not choose to do it in the mosque itself, where
jars are kept for the purpose.
2. Bab Errhame, formerly called Bab Atake, in the west wall, by which
the dead are carried into the mosque, when prayers are to be read over
them.
3. Bab Ed' Djeber, called often likewise Bab Djybrail; and
4. Bab el. Nesa, on the east wall, the first close to the tomb of Setna
Fatme, the other a little farther on.
A few steps lead from the neighbouring streets up to the gates, the area
of the mosque being on a somewhat higher level, contrary to what is seen
at Mekka. About three hours after sun-set the gates are regularly shut,
by means of folding-doors coated with iron, and not opened till about an
hour before dawn; but those who wish to pray all night in the mosque,
can easily obtain permission from the eunuch in guard, who sleeps near
the Hedjra. During Ramadhan, the mosque is kept open the whole night.
On the north-west and north sides are several small doors opening into
the mosque, belonging to public schools or medreses originally annexed
to it, but which have now forfeited their ancient distinction.
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