In alignment with its leading role in enhancing Egypt's soft power and fostering cultural dialogue with the international community, the Zahi Hawass Foundation for Antiquities and Heritage organized a high-level archaeological tour for an extensive group of foreign ambassadors.
The tour showcased a collection of unique architectural gems within Historic Cairo and the ancient Al-Magharbelin district, culminating at one of the most prestigious Mamluk residences, the Amir Taz Palace.
The tour witnessed a significant diplomatic presence, led by H.E. Angelina Eichhorst, Head of the European Union Delegation to Egypt; H.E. Sergio Carranza, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain; and H.E. Dominic Goh, Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore. Also in attendance were H.E. Ingrid Amer, Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia, and H.E. Riikka Eela, Ambassador of the Republic of Finland to Cairo, alongside a distinguished group of cultural attachés and Mr. Ali Abu Dashish, Director of the Zahi Hawass Foundation for Antiquities and Heritage.
The tour was conducted by Dr. Tarek El Gendy, the prominent businessman and Secretary-General of the Zahi Hawass Foundation. Dr. El Gendy guided the delegation on a journey that commenced at the Al-Azhar archaeological area, leading into the heart of Al-Magharbelin, where he shared captivating narratives of old Egyptian street life. The itinerary included visits to the Wekalet Al-Ghouri, the Mosque of Sultan Al-Muayyad Shaykh, the iconic Bab Zuweila gate, and the Nafisa Al-Bayda complex.
A major highlight of the tour was the visit to Amir Taz Palace, where Dr. El Gendy showcased the grandeur of Mamluk architecture and the palace's role as a witness to significant political and social events in Egypt’s history. The tour concluded in the Tentmakers' district (Al-Khayamiya), where the ambassadors observed traditional handicrafts that continue to thrive as part of Egypt's living heritage.
During the tour, Dr. Tarek El Gendy** emphasized that these visits aim to introduce foreign ambassadors to the cultural depth of Egypt’s Islamic history, noting that Amir Taz Palace and its surrounding areas represent a unique human heritage. He further explained that the Foundation seeks to disseminate Egyptian culture and history globally, stressing that such tours serve as a direct promotional message for Egyptian tourism, highlighting Historic Cairo as a safe and enchanting world-class destination.
For their part, the ambassadors expressed their profound admiration for the monumental architecture of Amir Taz Palace and the intricate details of the Al-Magharbelin district. They praised the efforts of the Zahi Hawass Foundation in building cultural bridges, affirming that this visit provided them with a deeper understanding of the Egyptian identity and its enduring history throughout the ages.




