Large-scale project to develop religious and cultural milestones in Cairo
Egypt, Economics, 11/8/2001

Following the upgrading of the Religions Complex in Misr Al Qadima, Ministry of Tourism has turned to mosques of special significance, especially those in the areas of Al Hussein, Sayeda Zeinab and Sayeda Nafissa.

The development is part of a national plan to revive religious and cultural milestones of Egyptian history.

According to Minister of Tourism, Mamdouh Al Beltagi, the project expected to cost around LE 9 million is mainly directed to attract Arabs and Muslims who usually prefer such kind of religious tourism.

The project takes three courses: the first which extends from Sayeda Nafissa Mosque to Om Abbass Sabil (public water fountain) includes the mausoleum of several of the descendents of prophet Mohamed in addition to archaeological inns.

As Beltagi explained, the idea was meant to promote religious tourism at sites other than the traditional site of Fatimid Cairo.

The first course, he said, was one of the most deserving for visits since it includes a variety of monuments as the domes of Sultan Qalawoun, Shagarat Al Dor, the mansion and Sebil of Cretlia, the Madressa, and Mosque of Shaikhoun and the Sebil and Kottab of Emir Abdullah Katukhda.

However, the plan of action of the first course is divided into three parts:

Existing buildings which are in need of restoration, structures destroyed by the l992 earthquake which would be removed and other structures of which part is pulled down while other parts still exist.

It will be taken into consideration that the facades of the buildings existing along the course will follow a similar shape and will be covered by a kind of stones similar to that used in the past.

The whole area will come; aesthetically speaking, under an integrated plan that would add harmony to the overall view. The sewerage and water networks will be properly fixed and signboards are to be placed to instruct visitors.

Beltagi said that there was a suggestion to make streets at this area vehicle free, during morning rush hours.

He noted that non of the owners of existing workshops or stores would be forced to change activities. Yet it is expected that the change would gradually take place to cope with the tourist nature of the place.

The minister pointed out that the funds had already been provided by the Ministry , the governor of Cairo and the Society of the Heritage of the Prophet's Descendents, which is a private society having as members a group of businessmen.

According to Beltagi the door is open for donors who would like to contribute to the project.

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