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Egypt’s Historic Andalus Garden Reopens After Restoration During World Urban Forum

Egypt’s Minister of Local Development, Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Housing and Urban Communities, Eng. Sherif El-Sharbin, and Ms. Ana Claudia Rossbach, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN-Habitat, inaugurated the newly restored Andalus Garden on the Nile Corniche in Cairo. The opening marked the conclusion of the first day of the 12th World Urban Forum.

The opening ceremony was attended by Cairo’s Deputy Governors, high-ranking officials, diplomats, and media representatives, along with former Cairo governors. The restoration of Andalus Garden, originally established in 1935 by Mohamed Bey Zulfikar, was undertaken by a specialized heritage restoration company under the supervision of the Ministry of Antiquities, with funding from the Cairo Housing Directorate.

Eng. Sherif El-Sharbin highlighted the Egyptian government’s commitment to reviving historic Cairo and enhancing its cultural role. Under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s directives, the Ministry of Housing supports projects that restore Cairo’s historical sites and address unsafe areas in the city.

The garden, a registered Islamic and Coptic landmark, underwent extensive work to improve infrastructure, renovate irrigation systems, and restore statues and fountains, including the Pharaoh-themed sculptures. Located on the Nile and near Cairo’s iconic Kasr El-Nil Bridge, Andalus Garden is divided into three sections: the Island Garden, the Andalusian Garden, and the Pharaonic Garden.

Notable elements include a southern section known as the “Arabian Paradise” in the style of southern Spain’s Andalusian gardens. Here, visitors can admire an ornate pavilion and a statue of the poet Ahmed Shawqi, as well as intricate fountains surrounded by regal lion statues. The northern Pharaonic section features statues of historical figures and Egyptian flora, recreating an ambiance from Egypt’s past.

The event featured a performance by the Al-Nour Wal Amal Orchestra, celebrating the garden’s history as a venue for iconic Egyptian musicians like Abdel Halim Hafez and Farid Al-Atrash. The last major performance here was held by the renowned singer Fairouz.

Following the inauguration, the ministers and UN representatives toured a crafts exhibition hosted in the garden, featuring products from the “Ayady Misr” platform. The display included heritage crafts such as traditional tents, pottery, copperwork, and hand-woven rugs, along with eco-friendly items.

Dr. Manal Awad expressed the Ministry of Local Development’s dedication to supporting traditional Egyptian crafts and artisans, promoting their participation in both local and international markets. UN-Habitat’s Ana Claudia Rossbach praised the diversity and quality of the traditional Egyptian crafts on display.

Concluding the evening, Ms. Rossbach shared her delight at attending the Andalus Garden reopening, appreciating the atmosphere, cultural significance, and the orchestral performance in one of Cairo’s most treasured spaces.

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