The mission, a cooperation between the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) and the French Institute for Oriental Archaeology (IFAO), made the discovery in the Arab al-Yasar and al-Hattaba districts as part of a wider project to document and rehabilitate historic areas around the Citadel.
Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, described the findings as a “qualitative addition” to understanding the Citadel’s architectural and functional landscape across Islamic periods, emphasizing the site’s long-standing role as Egypt’s political and administrative centre, and noting that the discoveries support ongoing efforts to preserve Historic Cairo and integrate it into cultural tourism routes.
Excavations in Arab al-Yasar revealed what archaeologists say was a key component of the Citadel's water infrastructure. The team uncovered two large stone wells, about 10 metres and eight metres deep, linked to a system of waterwheels that lifted water to higher ground, according to Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the SCA.
The remains of four waterwheels were found alongside an extensive network of stone channels that carried water into the Citadel. The system formed part of Cairo's historic Magra al-Oyoun aqueduct network, which supplied water to the fortress complex. Archaeologists are continuing excavations in search of lower storage cisterns.
Mohamed Ibrahim, Associate Professor of Islamic Archaeology at Ain Shams University and Mission Director, said the discovery appears to identify, for the first time, the final stage of the aqueduct's hydraulic system, a section that has not been documented in surviving historical sources.
The excavation also revealed infrastructure associated with operating the waterworks, including animal tracks, stables, fodder storage areas, water basins, and stone-paved work surfaces, suggesting a highly organized system of water management
In nearby al-Hattaba, archaeologists uncovered the remains of a mosque dating to the Mamluk period, according to Diaa Zahran, Head of the Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Antiquities Sector. Surviving features include the qibla iwan, the mihrab, parts of the south-western riwaq, and sections of the original stone flooring.
A burial chamber connected to the mosque was also found, along with several tombs dating to different Islamic periods. One grave is believed to date to the early Islamic era, indicating that the site remained in use over many centuries.
Among the artefacts recovered were ceramic qawadis, the vessels used in water-lifting mechanisms, as well as Mamluk- and Ottoman-era coins. Archaeologists also found jewellery, metal seals, coins, and fragments of weapons dating from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Pierre Tallet, Director of the IFAO, described the mission as a leading example of international scientific cooperation in Islamic archaeology, highlighting its role in uncovering new dimensions of Cairo’s rich historical fabric.
He added that the project includes a field training school designed to train inspectors from the SCA with modern excavation and documentation techniques, supporting long-term capacity building.
Preliminary studies suggest that parts of the newly uncovered water system may date to the reign of Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qalawun, who ruled during the Mamluk period. Researchers said a newly identified water channel extending west towards the royal stables could prompt a reassessment of how the area around the Citadel functioned.
Simon Connor, Scientific Member at IFAO and Co-Director of the French Mission, said the team is applying high-precision architectural and photogrammetric documentation while digitizing all findings into a comprehensive database covering the Citadel and its surroundings.
Newly exposed architectural sections, along with Mamluk- and Ottoman-era tombs, were recorded as part of the survey.
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