Plan to refurbish Al Qenawi's Mosque area completed

The 900- birth anniversary of the theologian Sheikh Abdul Rehim Al Qenawi falls this year coinciding with the completion of the restoration plan of the mosque that includes his mausoleum.

The mosque has been enlarged and beautified as part of a plan to upgrade the Upper Egyptian city of Qena.

The mosque and the surrounding area had reached a deteriorating point that prompted expanded studies for upgrading and introducing aesthetic touch to the whole area.

A Self-finance plan had to be worked out to build a five metre high fence following the Islamic architectural style and restore the mosque from the inside. It also included building a large mural outside the mosque showing annual festivities held in commemoration of the Sheikh's birthday.

The mosque itself was enlarged by means of a mobile ceiling that could be folded. The mosque was also repainted and a 4000 metre garden was introduced in the centre of which stands a big fountain derived from the environment. Two large gates observing the Islamic style have been also introduced to the mosque and garden.

As for the 38 x 5 metre mural designed of small pieces of mosaic, it took about eight months to complete as it involved much accurate work owing to the small dimensions of the-pieces. The mural outlined by a marble frame was implemented by members of the Faculty of Arts in Luxor.