During the rule of the Fatimid and Mamluk dynasties and their successor states in the medieval Middle East, many of the ruling elite founded madaris through a religious endowment known as the waqf. Not only was the madrasa a potent symbol of status but it was an effective means of transmitting wealth and status to their descendants. Especially during the Mamlūk period, when only former slaves could assume power, the sons of the ruling Mamlūk elite were unable to inherit. Guaranteed positions within the new madaris thus allowed them to maintain status. Madaris built in this period include the Mosque-Madrasah of Sultan Ḥasan in Cairo. COUNT 5
QSN1 Which class of people founded the madaris during the medieval period? ANS1 ruling elite QSN2 How were the madaris funded during the medieval period? ANS2 through a religious endowment QSN3 What class of people inherited status during the Mamluk Period? ANS3 former slaves QSN4 What allowed the ruling elite to maintain power during the Mamluk period? ANS4 Guaranteed positions within the new madaris QSN5 In what city was the Mosque-Madrasah of Sultan Hasan? ANS5 Cairo