Amid the controversy surrounding the recent demolition of the tomb of Muhammad Ali Pasha’s daughter-in-law in the Imam Shafi’i cemetery, a vital debate is emerging over the preservation of Egypt’s historical heritage. Social media has been inflamed, unanimously condemning what they consider an “attack on historical sites, especially Egypt’s Islamic heritage.”
Amid the controversy, MP Abdel Moneim Imam initiated a parliamentary inquiry to demand explanations for the reasons behind the demolition and to find out what measures are being taken to protect the country’s architecture and historical heritage. His initiative has received overwhelming support from the public, stressing the importance of preserving Cairo’s historical landmarks.
MP Maha Abdel Nasser expressed sadness and concern over the disappearance of the historic tomb of Halim Pasha in the Sayyida Aisha area, deploring the continued destruction of ancient monuments. She stressed on her official Facebook page that disregard for the historical and cultural significance of these sites constitutes an irreparable loss.
She affirmed that our architectural heritage is an integral part of our identity and history, and that the destruction of these landmarks distorts the collective memory of Egyptians. The MP called for an immediate halt to demolition activities and a thorough review by all relevant authorities to protect the remaining cultural treasures that connect our past to our present.
Professor Ayman Fouad, a specialist in Islamic history and civilization, highlighted a broader problem of underestimating Islamic historical artifacts, making their elimination easier. He stressed that these tombs and domes, dating back to the 19th century and more than 150 years old, are considered historical artifacts.
He stressed that an object that is more than a century old is classified as an artifact, and that Cairo, as the only complete Islamic city that has preserved its value, size and development for a thousand years, from the Fatimid, Ayyubid, Mamluk and Ottoman eras to the Muhammad Ali dynasty and the modern state, is particularly full of such heritage.
In a country as rich in history as Egypt, it is imperative to protect and enhance these treasures of the past in order to preserve our heritage for future generations. The demolition of these historical sites must be stopped and concrete measures must be taken to ensure their long-term preservation. The cultural heritage of a country is a reflection of its history and identity, so it is essential to preserve it with care and respect.