Directory of Islamic Monuments
Directory of Islamic Monuments in Cairo Information and Decision-making Support Center (IDSC) together with the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) published lately a directory shading light over all Islamic monuments in the capital. Published in Arabic language, two versions in English and French shall follow very soon. The directory includes all Islamic Monuments either preserved or obliterated in Cairo City and referred to the Early Islamic Periods.
Farouk Hosni, Minister of Culture and Dr. Gaballah A. Gaballah are opening for visit the Wekalah newly restored. A wekalah is a kind of small hotel used to host merchants from different countries and villages coming to Cairo for commercial purposes. The restoration project’s costs reached five million EGL; three years are the duration of work.
Suzanne Mubarak Library in Qayet Bey
Sabil/Kuttab Qayet Bey dating to 500 years back will actually host a new library including information related to Islamic period in Egypt. Suzanne Mubarak Center set inside the monument has been equipped with updated elements to serve the major purpose of its establishment. Computers with Internet connections will facilitate the access to any required information. A special cultural program is set for the new function granted to the place and mainly focusing on Islamic historical events. The Sabil/Kuttab was recently restored by combined efforts between SCA and the Spanish mission.
Islamic Monuments in Aswan under restoration
Monuments referred to the first AH year in Aswan south Egypt are numerous; they are represented by few Fatimid Domes and tombs located in El Sadat road. A stele found in El Anani area bears as inscriptions year 31AH thus representing the first inscription over stone referred to the Islamic period in Egypt. Many other stelae in the same area date back from the second century AH to the Mameluk Period when Domes started to be erected over the mausoleums. Agha khan Institution together with the SCA are undertaking the responsibility of restoring and preserving the monuments referred to that period and located in the prementioned areas. The prospected project is focusing on the sewage system that is badly affecting the Fatimid tombs as the ground table has a bad effect on domes, mausoleums and tombs in El Sadat area.
Monuments are to be surrounded by gardens and suitably prepared for visits. The project costs will come up to 5 million EGL, as announced by Farouk Hosni, Minister of Culture, covered by Agha Khan Institution. Work, closely supervised by SCA employees, will start in 2001 as preset.
Types of Arabic Inscriptions:
*El Kufi includes 20 types of inscriptions the Fatimid is the usual inscription practiced in mosques with floral decorations.
*El Tholoth used in El Kaeba in Mecca and usually used to write the Qoran.
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Mustafa Kamel Museum restored
The project aims the transfer of Mustafa Kamel Museum to be an International one; the mausoleum located in El Kalaa was developed and includes two large halls to display his personal belongings according to the new display trend. The important stages of Mustafa Kamel’s life will be highlighted through the many paintings and photos representing him during his activities.
Mostafa Kamel had an important role regarding the political life in Egypt during the British occupation and especially his attitude facing the famous Denshway Accident occurred between the British and the Egyptian population in the mentioned village.
Opening Celebration in Saint Anthony Church
Dr. Gaballah Aly Gaballah together with Dr. Nadia Makram Ebeid, Minister of Environmental Affairs, is celebrating in the presence of Daniel Curtz, USA Ambassador in Egypt, Governor Saad Abu Reida and Fathers of the Monastery, the opening of the newly restored wall paintings of the Church. An Italian team, closely supervised by the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the American Research Center in Cairo, meticulously restored these paintings, referred to the 13th century. Funds are a USAID grant. Three years of very hard work led to a perfect result as restorers had to clean carefully the paintings covered with sew and dust and considered as a combination of two Coptic Arts: Theodore, 13th century and the late period that is a mixture of Byzantine Latin and Arabic.
Two gates newly discovered in Qayet Bey Fort
Two gates were recently discovered in the Alexandria Citadel when the SCA working team was restoring and developing the site. Konsoah El Ghoury built one of the gates, the other Mohamed Aly Pasha. A new part of the inner wall was also discovered. Another activity is also taking place as excavations led there revealed a cistern next to the Citadel, actually under restoration. Douglas Hundeen, on top of an American Mission, acting in the area as well is restoring other cisterns in the fort 200m surfaces and is focusing on their cleaning to prepare them for visits.
Previous Islamic News: January 2001