By Nayera Yasser
In a collaborative effort between the Ministries of Housing, and Antiquities, Wikalat Qaytbay will be restored, while Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque will be built with an EGP 75m budget.
Project Manager Mohamed Abdel Aziz announced that the renovations of Wikalet Qaytbay will focus mainly on the top floor, due to its severe damage. The current plan suggests turning the place into a historic hotel by reserving its identity. Wakalet Qaytbay was built during the Mamluk era in the 15th century.
Abdel Aziz added that Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque will be built among the religious shrines in the area, which include Sayyidah Nafisa square, Sayyidah Zainab mosque and El-Hussien. This project is set to revive religious tourism in Egypt, as well as increase the ministry’s income.
The mosque will host prayers in the area, while offering several services, such as the library and the celebrations hall, which are highly needed.
Meanwhile, the latest techniques and technology will be used in order to give the project the suitable historic character.
Minster of Antiquities Mamdouh Al-Damaty praised the role of the Housing Ministry for funding the project completely and taking care of developing Old Cairo and the surrounding areas.
Al-Damaty explained that this project will create new touristic destinations in Egypt, which will increase the number of job opportunities in the governorate, as well as boosting tourism.
