The Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities celebrated the completion of years of restoration work on the Mosque of Prince Tumbaga Al-Mardani in historic Cairo. Al-Mardani, one of the Mamluks of Al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qalawun, built the mosque in the 14th century, between 1338 and 1340, on Bab Al-Wazir Street in the Darb Al-Ahmar area. The main entrance of the mosque is adorned with geometric decorations and marble pieces.
The first phase of restoration, which began in 2018 and ended in 2021, focused on the external part of the mosque and its minaret, while the second phase, lasting nearly 18 months, concentrated on the interior. This second phase included the restoration of the remaining three arcades of the mosque and its courtyard, completing the efficiency enhancement work for the ablution fountain in the courtyard, restoring the plaster decorations that adorn the inner facades of the arcades, among other tasks.
The European Union and the Aga Khan Foundation for Cultural Services contributed to the project's funding. The cost of the second phase was 32 million Egyptian pounds. The mosque underwent significant restoration between 1895 and 1903.
The inauguration on Tuesday was attended by Egyptian officials, including the Deputy Governor of Cairo, as well as representatives from the European Union and the Aga Khan Foundation. This is the first event of its kind since the appointment of Mohamed Ismail Khaled as the new Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities in March.
