Restoration Works Expand Across Historic Mosques in Cairo

Restoration and development works are being expanded across a group of historic mosques and archaeological sites in the Sayyida Aisha area of central Cairo.

Inspections were carried out at several locations by officials from the Ministry of Awqaf and Cairo Governorate, including Al Masbah Mosque and Al Ghouri Mosque, as well as the mausoleum of Jalal al Din al Suyuti.

Restoration works are also under way on the minarets of Qawsun and Al Turba Al Sultaniyya, alongside development around the tomb of Imam Al Izz ibn Abd al Salam in the Sidi Uqba Al Jadida cemetery.

The Ministry of Awqaf stated that coordination is taking place with the Engineering Authority of the Armed Forces and the Supreme Council of Antiquities to address logistical challenges and accelerate implementation while preserving the original architectural and historical character of the sites.

The projects fall within the wider development of Sayyida Aisha Square in the Al Khalifa district, part of Historic Cairo. According to the Arab Archaeologists Council, the works align with plans to redevelop surrounding areas and remove informal structures.

Al Masbah Mosque, located on Salah Street, dates back to the Ottoman period and was built in 1574 by Al Masih Pasha.

The mosque, which had been buried over time and rediscovered in 1976, is currently undergoing restoration led by Arab Contractors. Works include cleaning structural elements, restoring the minaret, and preserving architectural features such as marble flooring and decorative ceilings influenced by Ottoman and Byzantine styles.

The mosque is registered as an antiquity and falls under the Ministry of Awqaf, with oversight from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

Alongside Al Masbah Mosque, restoration is also under way at Sayyida Aisha Mosque and Al Ghouri Mosque.