Antiquities Min. Reviews Magra El-Oyoun Renovation Developments

Ministry of Antiquities officials are working in full swing to complete Sour Magra El-Oyoun renovation, according to the planned timetable.

Head of the supreme council of Antiquities Mostafa Waziry stressed that the ministry is paying great attention to develop this archaeological area, in coordination with all concerned parties, and the experienced technicians affiliated to archaeological crafts institute.

“The upper wooden fences are being set up around water wheels in Fom El-Khalig area,” Waziry scientific office manager Atef Al-Dabah said. “Last month, renovations begun at the site of the water outlet building located in Fom El Khalig as well as the maintenance of the water wheels located at the top of the building.”

Noteworthy, “Sour Magra El-Oyoun”, known as Kanater (barrages), was established by Al-Nasir Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi; Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qala’un renewed it in 712 AH; Al-Ashraf Qansuh Al-Ghuri built water wheels near Al Sayeda Aesha Mosque in 1312 AD.

Nothing remains from the barrages established by Salah al-Din, except few remnants at the beginning of the fence in Salah El-Din Citadel in front of Al Sayeda Aesha Mosque.

Sultan Qala’un reconstructed the building in two phases; during then he established 4 water wheels on the Nile River. The wheels raise the water from a small gulf next to a wall, known today as Establ Antar towards Athar Al Nabi Mosque.

Contributed by: Nada Mustafa