“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.
It’s known that Al-Nassir Muhammad ibn Qalawoon built four wheels of water in 712 AH to connect the water of the Nile to Salah El-Din Citadel.
Six wheels were installed in the reign of “Sultan El-Ghouri” and water flowed through the aqueduct as far as the Citadel of Salah El- Din.
The main wheel was operated by animals and through their driving force water was lifted 10 metres high to continue it’s journey. The aqueduct remained an integral part of the Cairo water system until the mid of 19th century.
“Magra El-Oyoun”
It holds a historical significance for the French, who used it at the time of the French campaign in Egypt as a wall of defense. Currently, the wall extends from Fom El-Khalig area all the way to Al-Sayeda Aiesha Gate near Qaitbay Mosque, making its total length 3 k/ms.
In the early 1990s, the ”SCA” firm began restoration work on the aqueduct, with the aim of turning it into a tourist site. The work involved cleaning the stones, replacing those that were damaged, demolishing houses and workshops that had encroached on the structure, and clearing away refuse in the surrounding area.
The aim of the project is to reinforce the foundation of the aqueduct and protect it from leakage by using the micro- pile system, which special columns are installed beneath the base of the aqueduct.
“Magra El-Oyoun’Wheels”
The structure itself, including blocks, ceiling, and the actual water channel, will be cleaned and restored.
The first phase of developing will stretch from Ain El-Sira on the Nile banks to Fumm El-Khalig Bridge, as well as the six waterwheels will run mechanically.
After this project is completed, the area as a whole will be upgraded and become a great tourist attraction.
El-Oyoun Fence”
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