The Islamic historian al-Nuwayri records that al-Adil Kitbugha built the mausoleum along with the prayer iwan, and al-Nasir Muhammad completed the construction of the building and added the minaret.

[2] This implies that, after regaining the throne in 1299, al-Nasir Muhammad replaced al-Adil Kitbugha’s name with his own without altering the second part of the inscription.

The most unique aspect of the Madrasa of al-Nasir Muhammad is its gothic marble portal, acquired from a church in the city of Acre after al-Ashraf Khalil's victory against the Crusaders in 1291.

[5][6][7] According to medieval Muslim historian al-Maqrizi, after the battle Khalil appointed his emir ʿAlam al-Din Sanjar al-Shujaʿi al-Mansuri (Arabic: عَلَمُ الدِّينِ سَنْجَرُ الشُّجَاعِيُّ المَنْصُورِيُّ) "to destroy the city walls and demolish its churches".

Al-Maqrizi praised this portal for its craftsmanship, saying "Its gate is among the most amazing things the sons of Adam have crafted, for it is made from one piece of white marble, marvelous in form and exalted in workmanship".

[8] Although there are several other distinguished portals in mosques and madrasas within Cairo, this gateway holds historical significance, acting as a trophy for the Muslim victory over the Crusaders.

[2] The highly stylized and decorated stucco designs on the lower rectangular section of this minaret add another element of uniqueness to the Madrasa of al-Nasir Muhammad.

This is one of the only remaining stucco minarets in Cairo, and includes decorations of medallions, keel-arched niches, and sections filled with geometric and floral patterns.

[2] The medallions and keel-arched niches are similar to those of earlier Fatimid and Ayyubid decoration, and the floral patterns are characteristic of stucco carvings from this period.

[2] Only the bottom rectangular section is original, the second story was most likely added by Sultan Inal as it resembles another stone minaret he built in his name.