Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister, today, Thursday, after the inauguration of the National Emergency and Public Safety Network Control Center in the Cairo Governorate Office, conducted an inspection tour, during which he inaugurated a number of archaeological and heritage sites that witnessed the completion of restoration and maintenance work, accompanied by Major General Hisham Amna, Minister of Local Development. And Ahmed Issa, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, and Major General Khaled Abdel-Aal, Governor of Cairo.
The inauguration of the project of restoring the socket tower of the archaeological stream of Al-Ayoun wall
After the unveiling of the inauguration of the project to restore the ancient tower of the socket of the ancient Magra Al-Oyoun wall, Dr. Mostafa Madbouly affirmed the state’s continuation in implementing many projects that contribute to restoring the civilized face of the various regions of Cairo, which are rich in many historical and heritage sites throughout the ages, and working to provide an opportunity for such The sites attract more incoming tourism to get to know closely the history of these sites, which recorded scenes of successive civilizations.
Restoration of the wall of the eye stream
In the meantime, the Prime Minister listened to an explanation from the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities about the work that was carried out to restore the wall of Magry El-Ayoun, during which he explained that the restoration and maintenance project for this historical monument included works related to the wall itself, the wooden drivers erected above, as well as the removal of encroachments. which were present on the wall and its archaeological sanctuary, and the work also included treatment and cleaning of stones, maintenance of woodwork and floors in the internal corridors, rehabilitation of stairs, and raising the efficiency of the antiquity’s perimeter.
During his speech, the minister recounted a historical overview of the Mejra El-Ayoun wall and the purpose of its construction, as he pointed out that the water barrages of the Megra El-Ayoun wall date back to Sultan Al-Nasir Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi, explaining also the development that this monument went through during the different historical eras.
Establishing a number of gardens and services
In this regard, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of working to highlight the features and the natural image of the area surrounding the wall, and the establishment of a number of parks and services, in a way that serves the tourists coming to that area, and reflects the aesthetic appearance of the monument, while limiting the construction of any buildings that may harm the natural archaeological form of the region.
The Prime Minister and his entourage moved to the “Hanging Church” in the Complex of Religions area in Old Cairo, where he was received by Anba Julius, Bishop of Public Services and General Bishop of Old Cairo Churches, who in turn reviewed the most prominent features of the Hanging Church, explaining that the church is located in Old Cairo neighborhood. The ancient Coptic area of Cairo. It is the most famous Coptic Christian church in Cairo built in the basilica style. The reason for naming it by this name is attributed to the fact that it was built on two of the ancient towers of the Roman fort “Babylon Fortress”.
During his inspection of the Hanging Church, Dr. Mostafa Madbouly wrote a word in the visitors’ book, in which he said: “Today I was honored to visit this sacred place, which is beloved by all Egyptians, which is the Hanging Church, and I wish God continued progress and advancement for all those in charge of this historical edifice.”
After that, Dr. Mostafa Madbouly went to the “Babylon Fort”, where he opened it after its restoration, listening to an explanation from Ahmed Essa, who explained that the project for the restoration and development of the “Babylon Fort” included the development of the southern part of the fort located below the Hanging Church, called the Amr Gate. And this was after the completion of the works of the first phase of the project, which included cleaning all the external and internal facades of the fort. The works also included the development of the lighting system in the various parts of the fort, which contributed to the emergence of the architectural beauty of the fort. To clarify the shape of the existing stones, to restore the deteriorated parts of them, and to cover the windows of the fort with the participation of the Institute of Archaeological Crafts at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, as well as to provide many services to visitors to the site.
The minister explained the history of the fort, explaining that it is known as the “Palace of Candle” or “Castle of Babylon”, and inside it is located the Coptic Museum, six Coptic churches and a monastery, touching on the restoration and expansion of the fort through the ages.
The minister added that nothing remains of the fort’s buildings except for the tribal door surrounded by two large towers, and the Hanging Church was built over one of the two towers, the tribal part of it, and the Roman Church of St. In some parts of the wall, from the eastern, tribal, and western sides, churches were built – the Hanging Church – Abu Sarja – Saint Gerges – the Virgin Mary Qasryeh – the Saint Georges Monastery for the nuns – and the six Barbara – and a temple for the Jews.