Threat to Ancient Tombs in Cairo’s City of the Dead Sparks Protests and Conservation Concerns

Thousands of Tombs in Cairo’s Ancient Cemetery Face Destruction

Cairo’s sprawling ancient cemetery, known as the City of the Dead, is facing a grave threat as a recent project to widen roads and build bridges to ease congestion in the city puts thousands of tombs at risk. This development has sparked protests among conservationists and families of the deceased buried in the cemetery.

Since the seventh century AD, the cemetery has served as a resting place for the deceased, becoming an integral part of Cairo’s history. The area, spanning ten square kilometers, is listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Many prominent families in Cairo continue to bury their dead in cemeteries that already house the remains of their ancestors.

Hisham Qassem, a political activist and former publisher, expressed his concern, stating, “The cemetery where we are standing is where my mother and grandmother are buried.” He revealed that he had been informed that the bodies would be relocated to another place called Roubiki, with only a few days’ notice.

Following the outcry on social media, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has ordered the formation of a committee to assess the situation and explore alternative solutions. The government claims that it has no intention of destroying cemeteries classified as historic. However, preservationists argue that only 102 of the region’s 2.5 million tombs have received this designation.

UNESCO has emphasized the need to preserve the area and has scheduled a study of the case for September 2023. The organization recognizes the unique architecture of the tombs, which are predominantly built around private courtyards. These structures, constructed in various styles throughout Islamic history, boast intricate marble, wood, and metal carvings.

The cemetery is home to the tombs of notable politicians from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, including Ahmed Orabi, as well as the magnificent mausoleums of the Mamluk sultans who ruled Egypt between 1250 and 1517. It also houses the tomb of Imam al-Shafi’i, one of the four imams of the year who passed away in 820 AD.

Moaz Lafi, an academic researcher in Islamic antiquities and an expert in architectural philosophy, expressed his fear that much of the cemetery’s rich history will be lost. He stated, “I imagine that in five years, we won’t find anything except maybe 20 percent of the City of the Dead as we know it.”

The fate of Cairo’s ancient cemetery hangs in the balance as the government, conservationists, and families of the deceased await the committee’s assessment and the decision on the future of this historic site.

historic cairo

Cal commentator and member of the Cairo Heritage Development Committee, expressed his concerns over the project, stating that it is not only causing damage to the tombs but also to the cultural identity of Cairo. He argues that the widening of roads and construction of bridges can be done without encroaching on the historic cemetery.

Protests have erupted in response to the project, with activists and families demanding that the government put a halt to the destruction. They argue that the cemetery holds immense historical and cultural value, and it should be preserved for future generations. They propose alternative solutions, such as rerouting the roads or building tunnels, to avoid any harm to the tombs.

The project to widen roads and build bridges in Cairo is aimed at alleviating the traffic congestion that plagues the city. However, the Cairo Heritage Development Committee argues that this should not come at the expense of destroying ancient tombs and erasing the city’s heritage.

In response to the protests, the Egyptian government has assured the public that measures are being taken to protect the historical sites within the cemetery. They claim that strict guidelines are in place to ensure that any construction work is carried out sensitively and without causing damage to the tombs.

However, critics remain skeptical about the government’s commitments, highlighting the lack of transparency and accountability. They argue that previous development projects in the city have resulted in the destruction of historical sites, raising concerns about the fate of the tombs in the City of the Dead.

The preservation and protection of historical sites should be a priority for any government. It is important to find a balance between development and the conservation of cultural heritage. The protests and concerns raised by conservationists and families in Cairo’s ancient cemetery highlight the need for responsible and sustainable development practices that take into consideration the importance of preserving our history for future generations.