Photo courtesy of Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, stated that the Cairo Citadel remains one of Egypt's most important archeological sites. He noted that the restorations are part of the ministry’s strategy to safeguard Egypt’s civilizational heritage for future generations, while also maximizing its value as a major tourist attraction.
On the other hand, Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, the body responsible for the restorations, explained that in restoring these sites, the council relied on specialized teams using state-of-the-art technology to preserve their authenticity and historical value. El-Leithy further indicated that the restorations also aim to enhance visitor experience and the quality of on-site services.
Moamen Osman, Head of the Projects Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the restoration of the Iwan of Oktay included comprehensive architectural works, including cleaning and repairing deteriorated stone façades through internal and external injections, restoring wooden elements and thresholds, reinforcing the interior, completing the ceiling, and reconstructing missing sections with materials compatible with the original.
Osman added that the project also involved landscaping the surrounding area, reinstalling the iron gate, cleaning the adjacent waterwheel and floors, and carefully restoring interior walls and the mihrab (a niche in the wall of a mosque indicating the direction of prayer towards Mecca).
In restoring the second monument, Saqiyat Al-Nasser Muhammad ibn Qalawun, dating back to 712 AH / 1312 AD, Dr. Diya Zahran, Head of the Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Antiquities Sector, said the work addressed façade cracks, injected walls for stability, completed missing parts using original-type stones, cleared debris, and restored the original ground level.
According to Zahran, the façades were cleaned, weathering effects removed, and decorative elements reconditioned to preserve the original architectural style.
Similarly, regarding the restoration of the third monument, Mosque of Muhammad Pasha, built in 1112 AH / 1701 AD, Zahran stated that the restoration process included dismantling and rebuilding damaged annex rooms using original stones, injecting internal walls, completing the minaret balcony according to historical photos and documents, opening the dome and installing wooden doors, re-insulating the roof, and repaving the mosque courtyard and prayer hall.
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