Whenever I read about developing an archaeological area, I feel worried and anxious since developing modern areas differs from developing archaeological ones. Unfortunately, we miss this concept in Egypt as some archaeological sites are subjected to modernization, not to restoration. This is not pessimism but a warning or anticipation of what might happen.
This thought has occupied my mind while I was following up the details of the plans for implementing Egypt's Vision 2030 within the beginning of the New Year.
Basing on our responsibility and duty as a guardian of peace, the artistic taste and the conscience of humanity, an important meeting was held under the directions of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to encourage cultural tourism; we can only encourage our archaeological sites through restoration that does not badly affect the monuments or the archaeological sites.
The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Mustafa Madbouly, in the presence of officials, experts and members of the Supreme Council for Planning and Urban Development. The meeting discussed ways to develop Al-Fustat area and the area surrounding the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization according to a comprehensive vision commensurate with its historical value.
It also aimed at declaring the countdown of the current form of El Gayarah areas, Hosh El Nakhil, and Al Sokar Wa Al Laymoun in old Cairo which will enter a new era of tourism development and cultural taste.
The pyramids area and the area surrounding the grand Museum will also be developed, to maximize the economic and heritage value of this promising area.
I felt pleasure when I knew that the development extended to embrace the charming city of Al-Fustat, established by Amr ibn al-'As, who built it in the wide space between the Nile and the hills of Mokattam, in AD 640.
Amr ibn al-'As built the first mosque in Egypt in Al-Fustat; hence, from Cairo, Islam and peace were launched to settle in the hearts of Africa.
Al Fustat city includes the most important archaeological and religious sites such as Amr ibn al-'As Mosque, the Coptic Museum, Abi Serja Church, and the Jewish Temple.
Throughout this development, Islamic Cairo will have a new tourism vision that will be added to the destinations, archaeological and historical sites, to attract tourism to the Fatimid area.
We should form a committee of prominent archaeologists at the level of Egypt and the world, with the participation of UNESCO, as the Egyptian monuments are the oldest antiquities in the world and represent a human heritage.
I know that the aim of the development is to achieve the principle of sustainable development, preserve the environment, and support the competitive position of the Egyptian tourism industry in the global tourism markets, but this will only be achieved by restoring the original shape of antiquities, as they represent the uniqueness and the true advantage of Egypt.
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