Antiquities Min, US CDA Ambassador Open Mausoleum of Imam Al Shafi’s Visitor Center at the

On Tuesday, the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Ahmed Essa, and US CDA Ambassador Beth Jones opened the Visitor Center at The Mausoleum of Imam al-Shafi in Cairo.

The opening was attended by a number of senior officials like the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Dr. Mostafa Waziri, and the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy at the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Rafik Mansour. 

Both Essa and Jones initiated the event by touring the historical site and visiting the Dome of the iconic Imam.

After that, they listened to a brief about the history of the site, and the journey of restoring the dome and mausoleum and opening the visitor center. 

Jones said: "At this site, the commitment to understanding, respecting, and contributing to the development of each other’s cultural heritage is on full display, a real testament to the U.S.-Egypt partnership.

This marks the first time since the mausoleum was originally erected in 1211 C.E. that there is a visitor center on this site. Our implementing partner, Megawra, envisioned this center as a location for the community: a space for children and adults to come and to learn first-hand about the history and legacy of a man whose contributions are so beautifully captured in the historic architecture of this mausoleum."

She added: "This visitor center’s focus on youth – and instilling a respect and passion for history and cultural preservation among young people, tourists, and the faithful alike – is very much in keeping with the spirit and ethos of Imam al-Shafi’I and his worldview."

During her speech, she thanked Megawra Foundation, and its initiative to restore Cairo's landmarks.

Jones highlighted: "I am very proud that, through this mechanism, we were able to support Megawra Foundation’s five-year effort to restore and preserve the mausoleum and its dome. This project represents the largest single site in Egypt that the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation project has sponsored.

We are honored to partner with the Egyptian government to ensure that this magnificent piece of history – a testament to such a celebrated religious figure – was successfully restored to its full glory."

On his side, Essa said: "I am pleased to be here with you today to inaugurate the Imam Al-Shafi'i Visitor Center, which represents the continuation of the fruitful cooperation between the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of State."

He added: "Since the inauguration, the place has received a large number of visitors and tourists. The place welcomes 700 visitors during the week and 1,000 during holidays and religious seasons. This is where the idea of establishing the Imam Al-Shafi Visitor Center came to serve visitors and tourists and spread awareness among the people of the surrounding area."

Essa continued: "The Ministry aims to work on improving the side of the show for the purpose of Egyptian tourism, as it is the main determining factor for the number of tourists, despite the increasing demand for a visit to Egypt. Improving the tourist experience has a direct impact on improving the side of the show, with the implementation of the four main touristic products that Egypt enjoys as a competitive advantage." 

The Minister expressed: "All these efforts will make Cairo a unique tourist destination, especially in the framework of promoting the new cultural heritage of Cairo, which includes ancient Cairo, its historical buildings, the Giza pyramids, the ancient Egyptian area, ancient Cairo, and its historical landmarks.

This gives tourists the opportunity to discover the magic of Cairo and its diverse history, its ancient Egyptian, Jewish, Coptic, and Islamic monuments, and contributes to the increase in the number of tourists."