Dr Hisham El-Leithy, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, toured several Islamic monuments on Al-Muizz Street in Historic Cairo, accompanied by Projects Sector head Dr Moamen Othman and Islamic, Coptic and Jewish Antiquities Sector head Dr Diaa Zahran. The visit formed part of regular monitoring of archaeological sites and reviews of restoration, development and upgrading work.
El-Leithy began at Bab Al-Futuh and Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah Mosque and its surrounding area. He reviewed progress on archaeological and architectural documentation studies of the mosque’s two minarets ahead of their restoration.
The tour also included Bayt Al-Suhaymi, Hammam Inal and Bashtak Palace, along with the marble railing in front of the entrance to Sultan Al-Zahir Barquq’s madrasa and khanqah. He directed the necessary maintenance, treatment of subsidence in the madrasa’s qibla iwan and repairs to façade stones affected by high moisture levels.
At the Sabil of Muhammad Ali, he called for a prompt proposal to repurpose the building as a visitor center for Al-Muizz Street, enhancing the visitor experience and highlighting the area’s historical significance.
He also inspected the Sultan Qalawun Complex and instructed the Projects Sector to complete the procedures for including it in a comprehensive restoration project to safeguard and maintain it.
The tour concluded at the Wikala of Sultan Qaitbay at Bab Al-Nasr, where he reviewed restoration work that is approximately 95% complete.
