Magra El-Oyoun from Slum Area to Global Cultural Center

Salma Yassin

The Engineering Authority of the Armed Forces is currently demolishing Magra El-Oyoun Fence, located in ancient Egypt, to convert it to a global cultural center.

Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouli said that this project is taking place in line with a major scheme to convert Cairo to a city of art, heritage and tourist destination.

[caption id="attachment_54354" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Demolishing process[/caption]

The project includes moving tanneries to Rubiky international city of leather.This city has adopted the latest Italian technology in tanning process.

Moreover, there’s a plan to establish Chinese factories to convert raw leather to several products.

[caption id="attachment_54355" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Magra El-Oyoun region before renovation[/caption]

The project plan also aims at building parks from Abu al-Rish square till Magra El-Oyoun Fence, Magra El-Oyoun fence park and renovating "Salakhana" square.

Residential area for different social strata, sport grounds, 2 museums will be there in the southern region.

Furthermore, establishing a global cultural center, 3 and 5 stars hotels are within the scheme.

[caption id="attachment_54357" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Renovation works taking place at the region[/caption]

In the same context, the plan includes building main mall and other small mall with parking

Other services will be available like banks, theaters, cinemas, libraries, private hospitals, healing centers and travel agencies.

[caption id="attachment_54367" align="aligncenter" width="650"] The final design of the area after renovation[/caption]

It’ worth mentioning that “Magra El-Oyoun Fence” is a historical site filled with culture and rich history. It was built in the time of “Sultan Al-Ghoury” over 800 years ago.

The main purpose was to provide the Salah El-Din Citadel with pure drinking water straight from the Nile. It operated through wheels that brought up the water to the aqueduct, which then flowed all the way to the Citadel.

The aqueduct remained an integral part of the Cairo water system until the mid of 19th century.