With the ongoing reforms that Egypt is undergoing and following the facelift that several Egyptian palaces underwent; currently few of the royal palaces are relatively opening their doors to public. MEO reporter Amira Elhamy investigates.
After years of negligence for the finest palaces in Egypt, several palaces, including royal ones, are relatively opening their doors to public. In fact, the recent move of restoration, which included the most iconic Egyptian palaces, is definitely a significant step and part of a bigger plan of restoring and renovating historical Egypt.
Dr. Gamal Abdel Rehim, Professor of Archeology and Islamic Art at the Faculty of Archeology, explains to MEO that historical Egypt is experiencing a big plan of renovation and restoration that has been postponed for many years.
“Some palaces for sure experienced negligence throughout several ruling eras; however the direction of the current government is paying attention to the Egyptian royal heritage and in fact market this heritage to Egyptians and non-Egyptians to create a move towards appreciating such a valuable royal inheritance.”
“Let me differentiate first that some palaces are under the supervision of Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and others are under the supervision of Egyptian Presidency along the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities; such as Abdeen & Al Qubba presidential palace in Cairo and Ras El tin and Montazah presidential palaces in Alexandria. In fact, the move of opening the royal palaces to the public includes palaces that are under the supervisor of the Egyptian Presidency and palaces that are under the supervision of the Ministry. Unfortunately for the past 50 years many Egyptians knew nothing about the history of the Egyptian royal family which ruled Egypt for more than 100 years! It is really about time to promote the beauty of such an important historical Egyptian era.” says Abdel Rehim.
Some non-presidential palaces, yet royal, will gradually open their doors to the public, declares Abdel Rehim.
“Exclusive to MEO, soon the Jabaliya Kiosk and the Fasqiah of Mohamed Ali Pasha Palace in Shubra will soon be open to public visits.
This “Forgotten gem” as some people call it, has been built by Mohamed Ali Pasha, he began building it in 1809; it is a massive palace built over an area of 50 feddan!.
Gamal explains that this jewel was exposed to several deterioration elements and negligence unfortunately; however since 2017 it has been undergoing intensive restoration work that will sure pays off!”.
Related to the pricing of the tickets Dr. Gamal says : “Some people argue that the price of the ticket is extremely high; in fact, it important to keep the price of the ticket quite high; the aim is not to get huge numbers of visitors! The aim is to choose the quality of visitors who are capable to appreciate art, beauty and royalty! As well, these palaces are full of antiques, floors are made of special wood and marble, carpets are considered antiques as well, so it is not really advisable to let huge number of visitors enter all at once! This process has to be really calculated and gradually done, in order to maintain the beauty and royalty of such gems, says Abdel Rehim.
Abdel Rehim adds that Prince Mohamed Ali Palace in Manial witnessed several restoration work; and shortly Manasterly Palace in Manial will soon get its share from the restoration plan.
Promoting touristic historical sites in Egypt is mandatory and Egypt in fact enjoys a rich history; it has the Pharaonic, Coptic, Roman, Islamic, etc. ; however, the historical era of the royal era cannot be neglected; it is a vital part of our history that was overlooked for the longest time; and for sure such move, of gradually opening royal palaces in Egypt, will sure contribute in flourishing internal and external tourism. Concludes Abdel Rehim.
Amina Sawkly, one of the visitors who recently joined one of the visits to Al Qubba Presidential Palace says: “ I never imagined I would be able to enter a royal presidential palace in Egypt; I used to watch the documentaries about those gyms and I am glad I saw it for real! It is sure a great move taken by the Egyptian Presidency along with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. It feels great that Presidential Palaces receive few number of public visitors besides receiving Presidents and Ministers from all over the world. Great move indeed.”
