The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has announced the completion of restoration works on several historic buildings in the Cairo Citadel area. The sites that have been rehabilitated include the Aqta'i Iwan, the Saqiya of Al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qalawun, and the Muhammad Pasha Mosque. These efforts are in line with the ministry's strategy to preserve Egypt's cultural heritage and boost tourism potential, marking a new starting point for revitalizing the country's archaeological sites.
The Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathi, confirmed that these projects reflect the ministry's determination to safeguard the Egyptian cultural heritage and ensure its continuity for future generations. He explained that the development of the Citadel area contributes to highlighting the cultural diversity of Islamic civilization, enhancing Egypt’s position on the international stage as a distinguished cultural tourism destination.
It is worth noting that the Citadel area is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the country, encompassing numerous significant historical landmarks. The area has been re-planned and developed under the state’s strategy, transforming it into an open museum featuring the famous Salah El-Din Castle, along with new traffic routes to facilitate movement and accessibility.
A specialized team of restorers from the Supreme Council of Antiquities managed the restoration work, utilizing the latest scientific and artistic methods to maintain the authenticity and historical value of the sites. The works also included enhancing the visitor experience by improving the efficiency of the services offered at these tourist attractions.
As for the Aqta'i Iwan restoration, it included cleaning and refurbishing the facades, completing ceiling works, and restoring wooden elements. Mohamed Osman, Head of the Projects Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, indicated that coordinating site management and reinstalling the iron gate has contributed to emphasizing the beauty of the site.
Regarding the Saqiya of Al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qalawun, dating back to 712 AH (1312 AD), comprehensive restoration works were conducted to address existing cracks and enhance its quality, using original stones to maintain architectural character.
Concerning the Muhammad Pasha Mosque, estimated to date back to 1112 AH (1701 AD), restoration works involved reconstructing the adjoining rooms and replacing damaged elements using original stones sourced from the site.
These works were conducted under the careful supervision of the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Dr. Hisham Al-Lihty, who recently toured the Citadel's archaeological area, reviewing progress across various sites and emphasizing the importance of adhering to set timelines.
The announcement of the completion of major restorations at Salah El-Din Castle reflects the Egyptian government's commitment to solidifying its unique history and boosting future tourism. These projects are expected to invigorate cultural tourism and increase awareness of heritage importance amid ongoing advancements in tourism services.