Egypt’s Minister of Tradition, Ahmed Fouad Hano, introduced on Sunday, 27 October, that demolition operations on the Imam Al-Shafi’i cemetery have been briefly halted.
The Egyptian authorities is coordinating with related authorities to evaluate the situation of the shrines and cemeteries affected by the development of a brand new site visitors axis. The Egyptian authorities plans to assemble new site visitors routes connecting East and South Cairo, which passes by the historic cemetery.
Prior to now week, movies and images have been shared on social media documenting the demolition of the Mausoleum of Imam al-Shafi’i on Imam Shafi’i Road in Cairo’s Metropolis of the Lifeless. The dome of al-Imam al-Shafi’i – the Palestinian theologian who based the Shafi’i faculty of jurisprudence – is a major spiritual and architectural landmark in Cairo.
This latest demolition has sparked widespread outrage, with many utilizing hashtags equivalent to ‘#انقذوا_ تراث_ مصر (Save Egypt’s Heritage) to voice their issues.
In unique statements to Al-Masry Al-Youm, Hano emphasised that the Ministry of Tradition has acted swiftly to cease ongoing demolitions.
“The demolition shall be halted till we examine the standing of the shrines and cemeteries within the path of the brand new site visitors axis,” he stated.
He detailed that ministry representatives held intensive conferences with varied stakeholders to facilitate this choice and discover options aimed toward preserving the historic websites.
Hano additionally elaborated that the Ministry has ready a proposal suggesting that sure shrines and tombs shall be preserved whereas others could also be relocated by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, which holds jurisdiction over such issues.
He famous that the short-term halt of demolition gives a useful alternative to assessment the situation of all affected shrines and devise a plan for his or her preservation.
Hano additionally mentioned the destiny of the Nabil Darwish Museum within the Saqqara space, revealing {that a} choice to take away it was made three years in the past. Nevertheless, he famous that discussions are ongoing relating to applicable compensation and the preservation of the late artist’s belongings, in collaboration with related authorities.
In the identical vein, the Syndicate of Engineers has not too long ago condemned the demolition of a number of historic and heritage cemeteries and landmarks in Egypt, significantly the dome on the birthplace of Muhammad Ali Pasha inside Imam al-Shafi’i Cemetery. In a latest assertion, the Syndicate urged authorities to instantly halt the demolition work and seek the advice of with specialists and specialists on new proposals relating to the development of the brand new street axis.
The Syndicate additionally proposed exploring various routes and options that prioritize the architectural, heritage, historic, and human worth of Cairo’s historic cemeteries.
