Egypt has officially reopened the historic Mosque-Mausoleum of Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaytbay in Cairo following an extensive two-year restoration project aimed at preserving one of the finest examples of Mamluk architecture. The reopening ceremony on Monday was attended by Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Robert Silverman, and Agnieszka Dobrowolska, founder of Cairo-based Archinos Architecture, which led the restoration work. The conservation project, carried out between October 2022 and November 2024, focused on restoring the monument’s external stonework, repairing its iconic dome and undertaking comprehensive cleaning of both the exterior and interior. The work revealed many of the building’s original decorative colors, intricate carvings and architectural details that had been hidden by centuries of weathering and accumulated dirt.
The restoration was funded through a grant awarded in August 2022 by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, which supports the protection of significant cultural heritage sites around the world. The mosque-mausoleum forms part of the Qaytbay Complex, an architectural masterpiece completed in 1474 during the reign of Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaytbay, one of the most influential rulers of the Mamluk Sultanate. The complex includes a mosque, mausoleum, madrasa and other religious structures and is widely regarded as one of the greatest surviving monuments of Islamic architecture in Egypt.
Located in Cairo’s historic City of the Dead necropolis, the monument is celebrated for its elegant stone dome, richly carved façades and finely crafted interior decoration, making it a major attraction for historians, architects and tourists. Egyptian authorities said the restoration reflects the country’s ongoing commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage while enhancing tourism. Officials hope the renewed monument will attract more local and international visitors as Egypt continues investing in the conservation of its archaeological and historical landmarks. The reopening adds another restored treasure to Cairo’s historic landscape and reinforces efforts to protect Egypt’s centuries-old Islamic architectural legacy for future generations.
