The first-ever mosque built in Egypt and the whole of Africa is shining in its most splendid form after development and restoration work ahead of the holy fasting month of Ramadan which starts on Thursday.
Amr ibn al-As Mosque has undergone restoration works as part of the government’s plan to develop the historic Fustat area in Old Cairo.
Minister of Housing Assem El-Gazaar said that the mosque will be receiving worshippers during Ramadan, starting with Tarawih prayers on the night of the first day of the month.
The mosque spans an area of 28,500 square metres, of which 13,200 square metres are prayer halls and the rest of the space is outdoor venues used for prayer on peak days and holidays.
Mahmoud Nassar, head of the Central Agency for Reconstruction which is undertaking the implementation of the project, said that the development work included restoring all the archaeological elements of the mosque.
The works raised the efficiency of the groundwater and rainwater drainage network. A fire protection network was established and the internal and external lighting and acoustics networks were developed.
In Fustat area, the government is also moving ahead with a project to establish the Fustat Gardens.
Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli inspected the project last week, saying that the Fustat Gardens project will be offering a respite from the bustling capital city.
Fustat was the first capital of Egypt under Muslim rule, and now a historical center of modern Cairo.
“It is a venue in the heart of the capital, which includes heritage, entertainment and cultural areas that achieve a unique tourist experience for visitors and tourists,” the prime minister said.
He added that the development of the Fustat Gardens is one of the most important projects for the development of historical and archaeological areas implemented by the state.
The project includes an investment zone, a cultural zone, areas of adventure, heritage gardens, markets, a club and a lake.
Khaled Sediq, head of the Urban Development Fund, said that the state is moving ahead with a plan to develop archaeological sites in Old Cairo to restore them to their ancient aesthetic status.
“Fustat Gardens will be unique because of its area of 500 feddans,” he said, adding that it will be a great tourist destination, containing hotels, entertainment areas and an archaeological area on an area of 48 acres to reveal Islamic archeology. There is also a river that will be running along the garden and passing through the heart of the Fustat Gardens,” he said.
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