Mausoleum of al-Ghouri

Description:

• While Mameluke ruler Qansuh al-Ghuri intended this impressive building to be his final resting place, he died in 1516 fighting the Turks outside Aleppo and his body was never found. Instead you will find inside the body of Tumanbey, his short-lived successor. This building is famous not so much for its architecture, but for its Sufi dancing demonstrations. These whirling dervishes perform twice weekly, usually Wednesdays and Saturdays at 8p (no ticket required), though visitors should arrive at least an hour earlier to ensure a good seat. The performances involve traditional music and a troupe of dancers performing the samaa, a symbolic dance of a mystical religious nature. Due to high demand and limited space, the shows were recently moved to the Citadel, though it was not clear as to whether this was permanent or not.
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