A revival of the Aqueduct of old Cairo, “Magra Al Ayoun”

Hussein El-sayed Moustafa, Rasha

doi:10.21608/ijmsac.2021.187253

A revival of the Aqueduct of old Cairo, “Magra Al Ayoun”

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Rasha Hussein El-sayed Moustafa

PhD Candidate in Heritage & Museum Studies Department, Helwan University

10.21608/ijmsac.2021.187253

Abstract

The Aqueduct of old Cairo, “Magra Al Ayoun” is a major medieval water work in old Cairo. one of the most prominent historical Islamic monuments in Cairo, because of its historical and geographical value since its establishment during the reign of Sultan Nasser Saladin, the founder of the Ayyubed state in Egypt who took power from 565 Ah / 1169 AD to 589 Ah / 1193 AD. It was neglected over the past 100 years by Egypt's rulers. Consequently, the aqueduct was exposed to natural deterioration and human encroachments. The valorization of the Aqueduct could greatly contribute to the enhancement of the old city fabric. The aqueduct could also constitute a major site for tourist development, because of its linear shape that allows crossing to an important part of the Old City. The Governorate of Cairo works in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities permanently to develop this area to revive this monument, after this area was subjected to major infringements and irregularities, where the place was surrounded by waste and animal pens, so the project works on the restoration of the parts that were demolished and revive the drivers through laser lighting and the establishment of gardens, restaurants, and shops of handicrafts in addition to halls of cultural performances and heritage concerts, in order to represent this area a new addition to the tourist and cultural places in the capital. This paper aims to shed light on the huge project of revival of Aqueduct.

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