Project status

Past

Lead organisation

Egyptian Heritage Rescue Foundation (EHRF)

Partners

Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities, Historic Cairo Project (HCP), School of Islamic and Geometric design (SIGD), and Egyptian European Organization for Training and Development (EEOTD

Grant award

£327,302

Project summary

Islamic monuments in Cairo have been subject to neglect, vandalism and theft. The uprising of 2011 led to lootings, with minbars and other architectural elements of Mamluk heritage at particular risk of theft due to their high market value.

The project captured detailed photographic documentation of minbars and other moveable architectural features of Mamluk heritage. The restored minbars have been studied by local craftspeople, their complex geometrical patterns inspiring new designs and encouraging greater appreciation of the heritage.

Thematic workshops and training have also been delivered for local professionals, volunteers, teachers and children.