Major General Mahmoud Nassar, Head of the Central Agency for Reconstruction, accompanied by Major General Medhat Abdel Rahman, Head of the Executive Agency for the Renewal of Islamic and Fatimid Cairo Neighborhoods, inspected the final stages of the restoration project of Qaitbay Agency in the Al-Gamaliya district of Cairo. The visit is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to develop Historic Cairo and preserve its rich heritage by restoring ancient historical buildings and repurposing them as key landmarks on the global tourism map.
Major General Mahmoud Nassar explained that the Qaitbay Agency, located on Bab Al-Nasr Street in Al-Gamaliya, was established in the year 885 AH / 1481 AD during the reign of Sultan Al-Ashraf Abu Al-Nasr Qaitbay. The agency is considered one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture from the Mamluk era. Originally constructed by Sultan Qaitbay as a commercial storage facility, the building consists of three floors: the ground floor was used for trade activities, while the upper floors were designated for merchants’ accommodation.
Nassar added that the Executive Agency for the Renewal of Islamic and Fatimid Cairo Neighborhoods has carried out comprehensive restoration work on the agency and its surrounding areas, with the goal of enhancing the urban and architectural character of Historic Cairo. The project aims to transform the agency into a heritage boutique hotel comprising 24 rooms, designed in a style reminiscent of the 15th century. The hotel will be furnished with authentic pieces that reflect the era, providing a unique and historically immersive experience for visitors.
The rehabilitation works involved assigning distinct functions to each floor of the building. The ground floor has been converted into an entrance area featuring reception services, restaurants, administrative offices, and guest amenities, alongside leisure facilities. Both the first and second floors house 12 hotel suites each, along with service rooms. The rooftop has been allocated for restaurants and other attractions, providing visitors and guests with a modern hospitality experience infused with historical charm.
It is worth noting that the “Zeinab Khatoun House” dates back to the 4th Hijri century / 10th century AD and is renowned for its diverse architectural and decorative elements. These include windows, mashrabiyas, wooden ceilings, intricately carved and gilded brackets, marble flooring, and more. The house spans an area of approximately 600 square meters and consists of three floors: a ground floor, a first floor, and a second floor.
A number of renovations have been carried out to enhance the house’s functionality. The ground floor has been reconfigured to include a café, kitchen, service area, and elevators. The first floor now houses a multipurpose hall, a conference room, and service facilities including restrooms. The second floor features a panoramic café overlooking the surrounding scenery. The works also included the installation of fire safety systems and the construction of an underground water tank with a capacity of approximately 170 cubic meters.
Major General Medhat Abdel Rahman confirmed that the Executive Agency is also undertaking the restoration of the historic Cairo Wall in the Al-Gamaliya district. The project covers the eastern wall extending to Al-Jaafari Street, as well as part of the northern wall reaching the Al-Zafir Tower. The northern wall and its towers and gates are among the most iconic landmarks of Historic Cairo, and their preservation is vital through comprehensive restoration initiatives. These structures serve as open historical records chronicling pivotal periods in the nation’s history, and they are also a unique example of military architecture in Egypt. Additionally, a new project has been launched to restore and conduct archaeological excavations in the Fustat area, funded by the Urban Development Fund.
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