Within the framework of the Egyptian state’s strong commitment to preserving archaeological and heritage areas as a reflection of civilization and a tool for sustainable development, a comprehensive strategy is being implemented to restore, renovate, and adaptively reuse monuments in Islamic and Fatimid Cairo. These efforts aim to safeguard the city’s unique architectural heritage and position its landmarks on the international tourism map, while applying the principles of sustainable development in their economic, social, and environmental dimensions, Invest-Gate reports.
Eng. Sherif El-Sherbiny, Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, stated:
“The Egyptian state places the file of Historic Cairo at the top of its priorities. We are working to breathe new life into silent heritage buildings by reusing them in a way that combines the authenticity of the past with the requirements of the present. Transforming palaces and historic caravanserais into tourist attractions, hotels, and cultural centers is not only aimed at preserving their historical value, but also at creating global tourism hubs that generate employment opportunities and contribute to improving the urban and economic environment for local residents, ensuring that Cairo remains a capital of civilization and a beacon of world heritage.”
The ongoing development works, implemented by the Central Agency for Construction (the Executive Authority for the Development of Islamic and Fatimid Cairo), encompass a number of architectural treasures. includes the replacement and restoration of Al-Sayeda Ruqayya Mosque, which is being equipped to accommodate around 1,600 worshippers, in addition to preparing the ground floor with various services such as a library, tutoring classrooms, an events hall, a medical center, and a nursery. The projects also include the restoration and rehabilitation of the historic Qaitbay Wekala, to be converted into a heritage-style boutique hotel comprising 24 suites, as well as the upgrading of Zainab Khatoun House near Al-Azhar Mosque to host conference halls and a panoramic café. The revival efforts further extend to Al-Sakakini Palace in Al-Zaher district, which is being transformed into an integrated cultural and civilizational center, alongside the enhancement of surrounding building facades and the reorganization of traffic in the area.
Development activities also include upgrading the surrounding urban fabric, as the works are not limited to the monuments themselves. They involve improving the facades of adjacent residential buildings and redeveloping nearby squares and streets, as seen in the areas of Al-Sakakini Palace and the Ahl Al-Bayt Path. This step aims to create visual and cultural harmony, enhance the quality of life for residents, and transform these districts from congested areas into open, safe tourist corridors befitting the grandeur of Egypt’s history.
In a related context, the Ministry has successfully completed the restoration and upgrading of Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque and its outer courtyard, in addition to the replacement and reconstruction of Al-Sayeda Ruqayya Mosque as part of the Ahl Al-Bayt Path revival plan. Work is also ongoing on the restoration of the walls of Historic Cairo, including the eastern and northern walls and their historic towers, which represent a unique model of military architecture in Egypt—thus completing a comprehensive picture of reviving Egyptian identity in the heart of the capital.