The
Ministry of Antiquities is to start a restoration and rehabilitation project
for Bab Al-Azab area in Mediaeval Cairo, the scene of Mohamed Ali Pasha's
infamous massacre of the Mameluks. Written By/Nevine El-Aref.
The
Permanent Committee for Islamic and Coptic Antiquities has approved a project
for the restoration of Bab Al-Azab, part of a Ministry of Antiquities plan to
restore and develop a series of monuments in Historic Cairo.
Mohamed
Abdel Aziz, director-general of the Historic Cairo Rehabilitation Project, said
that the Bab Al-Azab restoration project is to be executed in three phases over
a 10-month period, with a grant from the American Research Centre in Cairo
(ARCE). He
explained that the first phase aims to consolidate the monumental structures of
Bab Al-Azab, as well as removing the debris and garbage that has accumulated in
the vicinity.
The
project will include minor restoration work on the two doors of the Bab
Al-Azab, along with its woodwork and windows. The blocks of the walls will be
maintained and consolidated in an attempt to prevent erosion prior to the start
of comprehensive restoration work. The
second phase, Abdel Aziz said, includes the full scientific documentation of
every structure of the Bab Al-Azab, as well as preparing a plan for its
restoration. Studies to rehabilitate the site and bring it back into use will
also be provided. The
third and final phase consists of workshops and seminars to prepare a plan for
the preservation of the buildings. This will involve the establishment of a
group of young archaeologists and architects, especially from the local
community, to ensure the preservation, maintenance and rehabilitation of the
area and its historic structures.
Bab
Al-Azab is the gate that once protected the original entrance to the Citadel.
It was rebuilt in 1754 by Abd el-Rahman Katkhuda, from which the brass-bound
wooden doors date. The gate witnessed the massacre of the Mameluks conducted by
Mohamed Ali Pasha in 1811.
