Demolitions Persist as the Administrative Court Rejects Calls for Protection—Who Will Save Cairo’s Historic Cemeteries?
The Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights expresses its deepening concern over the ongoing demolition of several heritage landmarks in Cairo’s historic cemeteries, most recently the mausoleum of “Halem Pasha” Mohammed Ali, located in the Sayeda Aisha area. This mausoleum is one of the most prominent symbols of Egyptian architectural heritage, and any encroachment upon it constitutes a blatant assault on the nation’s cultural and historical identity.
The issues surrounding the demolitions extend beyond mere neglect by the relevant authorities, as some of these same authorities are actively involved in these violations. Since 2020, the areas of Old Cairo and Historic Cairo have witnessed demolitions carried out under the pretext of road projects, leading to the destruction of numerous archaeological and cultural landmarks. This poses a serious threat to Egypt’s rich heritage.
The repeated demolitions reflect a distortion of the collective memory of the Egyptian people. Disregarding the historical and cultural value of these sites results in an irreplaceable loss. Therefore, the Center calls for an immediate halt to all demolition activities and a comprehensive review by all relevant entities to protect the remaining cultural treasures and hold those responsible for the violations accountable.
With the ongoing demolition activities, the Center emphasizes that the responsibility of protecting this valuable heritage becomes even more complex when “justice” shuts its doors to efforts aimed at preserving it. The Administrative Court recently dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Center on behalf of a group of professors and consultants specializing in heritage preservation. The lawsuit sought to halt and annul the negative decision to refrain from providing necessary protection for the cemeteries and distinctive architectural landmarks in Cairo’s historic cemeteries, as well as to establish a protective buffer zone for these heritage sites, citing a lack of legal standing and interest.
This ruling contradicts longstanding judicial precedent set by the State Council over decades concerning the protection of public property. The most recent of these precedents is the historic ruling obtained by the Center, which overturned a negative decision to refrain from performing the necessary maintenance to protect Prince Said Halim Palace, known as the “Champollion Palace,” and to halt encroachments upon it. This case was initiated by tour guide Sally Salahuddin, and the ruling undermines the rationale for rejecting lawsuits filed by citizens on the basis of alleged lack of interest.
The court’s decision also highlights the complexities in the interaction between government institutions and their obligations to protect heritage. There is growing concern that the absence of adequate judicial protection could exacerbate violations against heritage sites.
The Egyptian Center, while reaffirming its ongoing demand for the necessary protection of heritage and archaeological sites, stresses that disregarding the public interest in heritage preservation cases constitutes a violation of the fundamental principles enshrined in the Constitution, which mandates state institutions to protect antiquities and safeguard their surrounding areas.
In this context, the Center urges all relevant authorities to uphold their responsibilities in protecting Egypt’s heritage, emphasizing that preventing encroachments on cultural and historical identity is not merely a legal duty, but an ethical obligation that reflects the value of the heritage we collectively cherish.
We also underscore the importance of developing urban planning strategies that prioritize the preservation of heritage landmarks by seamlessly integrating them into the urban environment. This approach safeguards these sites from risks posed by ill-conceived development projects. Furthermore, it is crucial to enforce legislation on the protection of antiquities and to ensure that penalties are imposed on violators, including those within the responsible authorities themselves.
