Prince Taz’s Palace follows the trend of converting medieval houses into creativity centers
History, culture and creativity should always combine to shape the mentality and outlook of new generations and trigger their potential talent. Yes, for when you’re immersed in culture, you look back to history to learn more about important cultural personalities and landmarks. But at the same time you have to interact with the new social, political and cultural realities which your history and heritage have exuded.
Interestingly the Egyptian culture ministry has become aware of this notion and has launched new creativity centers across the capital. Perhaps the ministry has a unique advantage: Its centers are originally old medieval houses that have been restored to serve as both historical sites and cultural showcases.
One of them is Prince Taz’s Palace in Old Cairo, the biggest of eight medieval houses, which have been transformed into creativity and cultural centers. Their aim is to fill a cultural gap in the districts where they are located.
Gamal Mostafa, director of Prince Taz Creativity Center, noted: “The centers are part of an ambitious plan that was started by the culture ministry one year ago to put these houses to a better use.
“The fact that the houses have been restored and turned into museums does not actually save them from becoming the object of negligence, especially when they only stand out by virtue of their architectural designs.
He added: “We’re offering all kinds of courses and workshops on painting, music and calligraphy to the residents of the district, who might not be able to afford the fees of these kinds of activities elsewhere.
“Besides the courses, there are theatrical performances and movie screenings that are staged free of charge. In addition to seminars organized twice every month, we also host famous intellectuals and celebrities.
With the exception of Prince Taz Palace that stages a range of events, other palaces are more focused. These have limited peripheral activities, with a focus on one particular area of heritage. Wikalit Al Ghouri is centered on the Sufi dance’s “tanura, Al Harawi House on the lute, Wasila House on poetry, Al Ghouri House on Nubian traditions, Al Sihimi House on popular musical instruments.
But notably each of these places has got a story to tell, one which is part and parcel of Egypt’s medieval Islamic history. Prince Taz’s Palace, the biggest of these houses, was built on two acres of land. It is the most popular with visitors that include large groups in search of a cultural experience as well as tourists of all nationalities.
“The palace bears witness to the clashes over power that marked the era of the Mamluk rulers of Egypt, Abir Abdel Aal explained, an archaeologist and the center’s tourist guide.
“Prince Taz was an important Mamluk prince. Only influential civil servants had their houses built in the Citadel area, the seat of the ruler. Taz, who lived in the 14th century, was one. He was the son-in-law, waterman and the seal protector of the Mamluk sultan Al Nasser Mohamed Bin Qalawon. He was Mamluk Alf, meaning that he was the head of a military force consisting of a thousand troops, the highest military rank a Mamluk could attain.
Abdel Aal continued: “When the sultan passed away he was succeeded by his son Hassan who assumed power at the age of 14. Each powerful Mamluk thought he was worthier of the throne because the Mamluks did not have noble blood since they were all slaves that were brought up at the Ayubbid court.
“He revolted against the young sultan but he was arrested and banished to Aleppo after he was blinded in an attempt to contain his political ambition. He was finally pardoned and was allowed to spend what was left of his life in Mecca where he was said to have died and been buried, added Abdel Aal.
Apart from the tragic but breathtaking story, the palace’s design stands testament to the history the place is steeped in. Words won’t do it justice and only an extensive visit can make you realize how remarkably inventive the medieval builder was. The rooms, the ceilings, the hamams (baths), the watering system that depended on waterwheels which pumped the water from underground wells, are an architect’s paradise.
Prince Taz’s Palace, located on Sufiyaa Street in Al Khalifa district, is within walking distance from the citadel. It was turned into a boys’ school then a girls’ school during the rule of Mohamed Ali the Great and his successors.
Later it came to be used as a huge storeroom by the ministry of education. It was badly affected by the earthquake that hit Egypt in 1992. Restoration works that began in 2001 by the Cultural Development Fund continued for three years. A museum within the palace showcases the Mamluk’s history as well as findings that were unearthed during restoration work.
