Cairo, often called the "City of a Thousand Minarets," boasts one of the richest cultural and architectural tapestries in the world. Its heritage reflects centuries of diverse influences from Pharaonic monuments to Islamic and Mamluk architecture. However, preserving this legacy is an ongoing challenge in the face of urban pressures, climate change, and socio-economic dynamics. Heritage conservation in Cairo is not just about safeguarding these structures; it's about integrating them into the lives of local communities, ensuring they remain dynamic and accessible spaces.
At the forefront of this mission is Dr. May al-Ibrashy, an architect and conservationist whose innovative and community-driven approach has redefined how heritage is preserved. As the founder of Megawra–Built Environment Collective, she has worked tirelessly in neighborhoods like Al-Khalifa, Al-Hattaba, and Sayyida Zeinab to restore historic monuments while creating vibrant public spaces. Her work bridges the gap between architectural preservation and urban regeneration, ensuring that these historic districts serve both as cultural landmarks and as living, functional spaces for their residents.
Through initiatives like Athar Lina, al-Ibrashy has championed a participatory model of conservation, engaging local communities and fostering a sense of ownership over their heritage. Launched in 2012 in Al-Khalifa District, this initiative aims to translate the concept of heritage as a socio-economic resource into tangible actions. As a pioneering woman in architecture, her efforts extend beyond the physical restoration of monuments; she also advocates for inclusivity, sustainability, and empowerment in a field where women's contributions are often overlooked. Her work highlights how heritage can inspire not only cultural preservation but also social and urban transformation in Historic Cairo.
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Between 2016 and 2021, the Megawra collective undertook the comprehensive renovation of the Al-Imam Al-Shafi'i Mausoleum, a 13th-century architectural and spiritual landmark in Historic Cairo. As a major destination for pilgrims, the Al-Imam Al-Shafi'i Mausoleum now stands as an example of how sensitive architectural restoration can bridge the past and present, preserving its significance for future generations while maintaining its role in the living cultural and spiritual fabric of Cairo.
Restoration efforts included leveling the floors, stabilizing load-bearing walls, and conserving the intricate wooden ceilings and coffins. The team also restored the colored marble and tiled flooring, adding to the site's visual and historical integrity. Key discoveries were made during the project, including a previously undocumented Fatimid-era dome, which was meticulously recorded and integrated into the conservation plan. The project also introduced modern interventions, such as improved lighting design and wayfinding systems, to enhance the visitor experience without compromising the site's historical and spiritual character.
Community Engagement in Heritage Conservation
Another project that Megawra–Built Environment Collective initiated was the Yahya al-Sabih Mausoleum, a significant monument from the Fatimid era in Cairo. The project centered around restoring the mausoleum and reestablishing its role within the community. Through fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship among local residents, the collective aimed to transform the monument from an isolated relic into an active component of the urban fabric of Historic Cairo. Key conservation efforts included the structural stabilization of the building, which faced a high risk of collapse due to advanced deterioration.
Furthermore, emergency documentation missions were conducted to record the mausoleum's fragile state, including the evacuation and preservation of priceless 9th-century inscription panels. In addition to the technical restoration, the project prioritized community engagement. Local residents were actively involved in the process, contributing their perspectives and building a shared responsibility for the mausoleum's upkeep. This participatory approach not only built trust but also integrated local knowledge into the conservation strategy. Through this collaboration, the site was reopened to the public, allowing the community to reconnect with a critical piece of its heritage.
Adaptive Reuse of Heritage Spaces
The Safiyy al-Din Jawhar Dome, a Mamluk-era monument in Cairo's al-Khalifa district, faced significant structural challenges due to climate change, including groundwater rise, temperature fluctuations, and pollution. These issues led to material loss, erosion, and critical cracks, rendering the site unsafe and inaccessible to the public. Under the leadership of May al-Ibrashy, the Megawra–Built Environment Collective initiated a comprehensive conservation project to restore and adapt the dome for contemporary use. The restoration process, which is still ongoing, encompassed several key interventions: addressing groundwater infiltration through dewatering and drainage, stabilizing the stonework through masonry repairs, and conserving decorative elements like wood, stucco, and stone to maintain historical authenticity.
A central aspect of this project was the adaptive reuse of the dome. By transforming the historic structure into a functional space for community and cultural activities, the initiative ensured the site's sustainability and relevance within the urban fabric. Additionally, local residents were actively involved in the conservation process. The project also included training programs to build local capacity in heritage conservation and climate adaptation, ensuring the long-term preservation of the site. This approach exemplifies al-Ibrashy's philosophy of integrating historical spaces into contemporary urban life through adaptive reuse, providing both utility and cultural resonance.
Addressing Public Space Deficits Through Heritage Conservation
The transformation of Al-Khalifa Park exemplifies the intersection of urban regeneration and heritage conservation in Historic Cairo. Located in the heart of the Al-Khalifa district, the site was once a neglected urban space surrounded by significant heritage landmarks. Through the efforts of May al-Ibrashy and the Megawra–Built Environment Collective, the area was reimagined into a vibrant public park, addressing the lack of accessible green spaces in this dense urban environment.
The project involved careful landscaping and subtle architectural interventions to respect the historical context while creating a functional and inviting space for residents. By incorporating community input throughout the design and implementation phases, the initiative ensured that the park met local needs and fostered a sense of shared ownership. The revitalized park now serves as a hub for communal activities, such as cultural events, art workshops, and heritage walks, bridging the gap between heritage preservation and modern urban life.
In her transformative work across Historic Cairo, May al-Ibrashy aims to redefine heritage as a dynamic resource for urban regeneration, integrating cultural, social, and economic dimensions into conservation efforts. Her participatory approach ensures that local communities are active stakeholders, creating a sense of ownership and connection to their heritage. By combining disciplines such as archaeology, history, and urban planning, she tackles complex challenges with innovative, interdisciplinary solutions. Through adaptive reuse, she ensures that historical sites are not only preserved but reintegrated into contemporary life as vibrant and functional spaces. Ultimately, her work exemplifies how heritage conservation can be a powerful tool for building sustainable, equitable, and inclusive urban futures in historic Cairo, Egypt.
This article is part of the ArchDaily Topics: Women in Architecture presented by Sky-Frame.
Sky-Frame is characterized by its empathic ability to take on different perspectives and points of view. We are interested in people and their visions, whether in architecture or in a social context. We deeply care about creating living spaces and in doing so we also question the role of women in architecture. From the arts to the sciences, women shape our society. We want to shed more light on this role, increase the visibility of Women in Architecture and empower/encourage them to realize their full potential.
Initiated by Sky-Frame, the "Women in Architecture" documentary is an impulse for inspiration, discussion, and reflection. The film's release is on November 12, 2024.
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