13 - 19 September 2001
Issue No.551
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Al-Ahram Weekly Online 13 - 19 September 2001 Issue No.551 |
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 | Current issue | Previous issue | Site map | ||
To Cairo, with love
Sir- The members of the Committee for the Preservation of Islamic Monuments in Cairo (CPIMC) have asked me to respond to the article "Monumental discord" (Al-Ahram Weekly, 30 August - 5 September).
It is unfortunate that the Weekly did not publish the full text of the letter the CPIMC wrote, along with the names of those who signed it. The text published elsewhere was a draft informing specialists of the situation, and inviting their support. It included names of potential signatories, some of whom chose not to participate. No names were attached to the final letter without their owners' consent.
The spirit behind the letter was not one of "colonial protection" written by people "to serve personal interests." Twelve of the signatories are Egyptian and Arab authorities on Islamic art. Others are renowned specialists in Islamic art and architecture or in the Arab world, who have lived in Egypt, and love its past and present. Their signatures are evidence of genuine concern for the potential damage to a great architectural and urban heritage. The intention is not to "interfere in the private affairs of friends," but to clarify issues and avoid damaging consequences for those friends.
The CPIMC is happy that Egypt is anxious to refurbish its neglected Islamic heritage, and hopes that it will apply the same care and skill as it has to the Pharaonic monuments. Cairo's Islamic monuments are a unique treasure; their preservation is important to the whole world, not just Egypt.
Our concern is that the contracting companies engaged in the restoration work are not doing it well. The main problem of groundwater is not being addressed; and the historical and artistic value of this heritage is not being properly respected. We fear that work now being done will not survive. Already, six months after the opening of the Mosque of Sultan Al- Ghuri, there is evidence of cracking and salt efflorescence, due to groundwater that was not dealt with by the contracting company.
The article seems to imply that restoration projects would be better served if the letter had made positive suggestions. There is a long history of positive suggestions made to the antiquities authorities; none of these have been acted on.
On the other hand, there are many examples of conscientious, responsible restoration projects in Cairo carried out in cooperation with the SCA, which the contracting companies can and should consult. It seems, however, that what the minister of culture envisions is not preservation of the historical centre, but a fundamental change in its character: an open museum with trees along Al-Mu'izz Street, and buildings uniformly adorned with new panels of marble. This idea should be debated fully before it is too late to save the district's character.
The CPIMC is pleased that the minister will hold an international conference to discuss the restoration of Islamic monuments. We hope the attendees will be able to see for themselves what kind of work is being done.
Caroline Williams
(on behalf of the CPIMC)
Williamsburg, Virginia
US
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