In contrast to the kings before him, he was a Muslim.[13] On May 29, 1317 he converted the Throne Hall into a mosque, as is confirmed by a marble inscription.[14] Alterations to the building, especially in the central hall on the upper floor, were made according to its new function, such as the inclusion of a mihrab and the application of plaster over the Christian wall paintings.[15] Barshambu was not popular among his subjects due to his attitude and his reforms;[16] Nubiologist Wlodziemierz Godlewski postulates that the conversion of the Throne Hall might have played a part in his fall.[15] Barshambu was eventually murdered by his own followers in the same year.[14] After his death Makuria was ruled by both Muslim and Christian kings.[17] None of them dared to restore the former function of the building, as the Mamluk sultans supported its new function.[15]