Debating the historical value
Tuesday 29 Oct 2024
Controversy broils as parts of historic Cairo face demolition
The recent demolition of the Mohamed Ali Dome in historic Cairo has sparked widespread debate among heritage advocates, urban planners and local residents. The iconic structure, part of the original 19th century Mohamed Ali Pasha complex, was a long-standing symbol of Cairo's architectural heritage, blending Ottoman and Islamic styles. The decision to demolish the edifice has raised concerns over the preservation of Cairo's historic fabric amid modern development requirements.
The demolition has led to significant outcry, with public opinion polarised between preservationists who mourn the loss of architectural heritage and others who see the project as a pathway to modernising Cairo. Social media has been ablaze with posts from Egyptians expressing disappointment, shock and nostalgia for a building that held a special place in Cairo's historical landscape.
Archaeologist Monica Hanna pointed out that such practices strip Egyptian heritage of its identity and prevents any future opportunities to revive and manage this heritage in a sustainable way.
Member of Parliament Abdel-Moneim Emam, leader of the Justice Party, submitted an inquiry to the ministers of tourism and antiquities and local development, condemning the dome's demolition as a blow to Egypt's cultural heritage. Member of Parliament Maha Abdel-Nasser echoed the concerns, highlighting the "irreplaceable loss" of such historic sites and calling for a halt to further demolitions and a comprehensive review to safeguard remaining heritage sites.
However, "the recently demolished dome over the tomb associated with Mohamed Ali Pasha's midwife in the Imam Al-Shafei cemetery is not a recognised historical monument," asserted Mokhtar Al-Kasbani, a professor of Islamic archaeology at Cairo University. Al-Kasbani explained that a historical monument is defined as a structure that is over a hundred years old. He pointed out that even though the demolished structure, often referred to as the "Midwife's Dome", is where the descendants of Mohamed Ali Pasha were born, it does not meet the official criteria for an archaeological site according to antiquities protection law No 117 for the year 1983.
He added that imitations of historical stones in the construction of modern buildings, resembling those in the Midwife's Dome, are sometimes mistaken for authentic historical materials. "Several buildings along Salah Salem Road were recently demolished, causing confusion among the public who assumed these were protected heritage sites when, in fact, they were not," Al-Kasbani noted.
"Not a single stone has been removed from any archaeological monument in Egypt," he noted, underlining the distinction between cultural heritage and official historical monuments.
City officials have defended the decision, citing a need to accommodate the city's growing population and infrastructure requirements. The site where the dome once stood is part of a larger redevelopment initiative aimed at revitalising parts of Cairo to meet modern demands. According to municipal sources who asked to remain anonymous, the area will be replaced by a mixed-use complex intended to bring new amenities to the community.
"We understand the historical significance of the Mohamed Ali Dome but the decision was made to prioritise the needs of the city's future," stated a representative from the Cairo Urban Development Authority who requested anonymity. "This project will create jobs, improve infrastructure and provide essential services that are urgently needed in the area."
Cultural preservationists argue that there is a lack of comprehensive policies protecting historical architecture in Cairo. "This isn't just about one dome; it's about the systematic neglect of our heritage," said Mahmoud Mohamed, a member of a local preservation society. "Our buildings tell the story of our city, and losing them means losing part of that story forever."
The demolition raises broader questions about how cities like Cairo can balance progress with the preservation of historical landmarks. Experts argue that there is a need for a holistic approach to urban planning that values heritage as an essential part of development.
Many believe adaptive reuse, where historical buildings are restored and repurposed, could offer a middle ground, allowing the city to modernise while retaining its heritage. "There are cities around the world that have managed to grow while preserving their historic sites. Cairo could be one of them but it requires foresight and a commitment to protecting our past," said heritage consultant Amira Fahmi.
With the Mohamed Ali Dome now gone, discussions are underway about implementing stronger policies to protect Cairo's historic sites. Heritage organisations are urging authorities to reassess their approach to urban development, proposing a comprehensive framework that incorporates preservation in future projects.
For the time being, Egyptian authorities have put a halt to the ongoing demolition work at the site of Imam Al-Shafie cemetery. Minister of Culture Ahmed Hanno has ordered an immediate halt, at least temporarily, of the demolition.
Hanno said the Ministry of Culture was now working with relevant authorities to assess the possibility of preserving existing shrines and domes or relocating others to allow for the construction of a new traffic route. "This stoppage will remain until we fully examine the shrines and graves located along the new traffic corridor," he said, adding that the ministry's representatives have engaged in extensive meetings with other authorities to coordinate the pause. As part of the ministry's new proposal, some shrines and graves on the planned route will be preserved while others may be carefully relocated. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the responsible authority, will oversee the preservation efforts.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 31 October, 2024 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
-- Sent from my Linux system.
No comments:
Post a Comment