The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said it has completed restoration work on three historic monuments in the Saladin Citadel area as part of efforts to preserve archaeological heritage and boost the country’s tourism appeal.
The ministry, through the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said restoration work was finished on Iwan of Aqtaay, the waterwheel of Al-Nasser Mohammed bin Qalawun and the Mohamed Pasha Mosque, three prominent landmarks in the Citadel archaeological zone.
Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy said the projects are part of a broader strategy to preserve Egypt’s cultural heritage for future generations and maximise its value as a key tourism attraction.
He added that the Citadel area is one of Egypt’s most important archaeological sites and that its continuous development helps highlight the diversity of Islamic heritage and strengthens Egypt’s cultural standing globally.
Hesham El-Leithy, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the restoration work was carried out by specialised conservation teams using modern scientific and technical methods to preserve the authenticity and historical value of the sites while improving visitor experience and services.
Moamen Othman, head of the council’s projects sector, said the restoration of Iwan of Aqtaay included comprehensive architectural conservation, cleaning and reinforcing deteriorated stones, restoring wooden elements and thresholds, strengthening the structure from the inside and completing roof works using materials compatible with the original structure.
The work also included landscaping the surrounding area, reinstalling the iron gate, cleaning the nearby waterwheel and floors, restoring interior walls and reapplying plaster layers in line with the monument’s historical character.
Diaa Zahran, head of the Islamic, Coptic and Jewish Antiquities sector, said restoration of the Al-Nasser Mohammed bin Qalawun waterwheel, dating back to 1312 AD, included repairing cracks in the façades, reinforcing walls, replacing missing parts with original stone types, removing debris and restoring the original ground level.
The project also involved cleaning façades, removing weather damage and rehabilitating architectural elements to preserve the original design.
Restoration of the Mohamed Pasha Mosque, dating to 1701 AD, included dismantling and rebuilding damaged annex rooms using original stones, reinforcing interior walls, restoring the minaret pavilion based on historical documents, reopening the dome and installing wooden doors, insulating the roof and repaving the mosque courtyard and prayer area, the ministry said.
