Ismaili.NET - Heritage F.I.E.L.D.

AL-AHRAM WEEKLY ONLINE : The programme to preserve and restore Egypt's Islamic heritage is in full swing, reports Nevine El-Aref. One of the important components of the city's architectural and social history is the eastern wall, built in the late 12th century by Salaheddin El-Ayyubi (Saladin), founder of the Ayyubid Empire. Six years ago the Ministry, in collaboration with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, launched a programme to preserve part of Cairo's Islamic heritage and save this distinguished Ayyubid architecture from destruction. The project also includes a study of the extent of excavation still required and the protection of the historic gate, as well as the upgrading of the whole Al-Azhar area which will be laid out as a park of which the wall will be part...