The Egyptian government has demolished the historic Mahmoud Pasha Al-Falaki Mosque, located within the Imam Shafi‘i cemetery in Old Cairo. The mosque, with a history spanning nearly two centuries, was considered a significant cultural and religious heritage site.
According to sources, the mosque, renowned for its distinctive architectural style and spiritual importance, was demolished unexpectedly during the night. This sudden action has sparked deep concern and strong reactions from heritage experts and local residents.
Meanwhile, a group of researchers who have been gathering documents from Cairo’s disappearing cemeteries reported that the demolition took place in the middle of the night. They were not given prior notice, nor were they provided any opportunity to prevent the demolition.
The researchers also emphasized that the destruction violated all established guidelines, with no regard for the preservation or relocation of the site’s historical value.
The mosque was part of the expansive Imam Shafi‘i cemetery and was considered a key 19th-century historical monument. It also housed the tomb of the famous geographer Mahmoud Pasha Al-Falaki.
