Cairo, Egypt, 30 May 2024 – The magnificent al-Maridani Mosque, fully rehabilitated, was unveiled to the public this week. Funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) – the cultural agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) – the project aims to enhance access to an important part of Cairo’s rich Islamic history and boost cultural tourism for local economic growth.

Constructed in 1340 by Amir al-Maridani, son-in-law and advisor to the Sultan, the mosque is a remarkable example of Mamluk architecture in Cairo, located in the historic neighbourhood of al-Darb al-Ahmar.

The historic links between Cairo and His Highness the Aga Khan, the founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network, go back to the 10th century CE, when his ancestor, the Fatimid Caliph al-Mui'zz, laid the foundations of the city in 969 CE. This rehabilitation continues nearly three decades of work undertaken by AKDN in Cairo.

“The restoration of Maridani Mosque is part of a strategy designed by His Highness the Aga Khan, which started with the construction of Al-Azhar Park and the implementation of a socio-economic plan for al-Darb al-Ahmar, based on the rich historical heritage of this neighbourhood,” explains Mr Luis Monreal, AKTC General Manager.

Efforts began in 1997 to create Al-Azhar Park and the socio-economic programmes in the adjacent al-Darb al-Ahmar quarter. In this historic neighbourhood, AKTC has restored seven important monuments, upgraded streets, homes and urban spaces, and provided access to vocational training, microcredit programmes, a healthcare centre, literacy classes and adult education. Thousands have gained employment through these initiatives.

Generous support from multiple partners including the Ford Foundation, Caritas, the Goethe Institute, the United Nations Development Programme, the Drosos Foundation and the World Monuments Fund has made these activities possible.

Tuesday’s opening ceremony began with a concert at Al-Azhar Park, performed by students and graduates of the Darb Al Ahmar Arts School, part of the Aga Khan Music Programme. Attendees included Major General Ibrahim Abdel Hadi, Deputy Governor of Cairo, Mr Mohamed Ismail, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Ambassador Christian Berger, EU Ambassador to Cairo, and Mr Luis Monreal, AKTC General Manager.

“You can see that the surrounding community is happy with this change and development and with this integration between the community and Egypt’s heritage and old civilization,” said Mr Mohamed Ismail, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities. He expressed being “grateful for the scientific approach to dealing with and preserving the antiquity.”

The 1.5 million visitors who come through Al-Azhar Park each year can now explore the historic riches of al-Darb al-Ahmar. Thanks to the EU-funded project, an official touristic route managed by AKTC offers electric vehicle tours and guided visits through some of these stunning buildings – including Maridani Mosque.

More on the mosque

Alongside Maridani Mosque, many imposing buildings and architectural treasures emerged in al-Darb al-Ahmar, as it became a thoroughfare used by the Sultan from his Citadel to the old Fatimid city. Al-Amir al-Maridani became a powerful prince in early Mamluk Cairo, serving as an adviser and son-in law to Sultan Al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qala’un. This relationship explains the lavishness and status that his mosque represents. Built in the hypostyle layout, comparable to the Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque at the Citadel of Cairo, it was at the time one of the city’s most extravagantly adorned mosques. It also boasted several architectural innovations, including the first fully octagonal minaret and a large dome.

About AKTC

The Aga Khan Trust for Culture – the cultural agency of the Aga Khan Development Network – leverages the transformative power of culture to improve the socio-economic conditions and quality of life of people around the world. We promote debate about the built environment, cultural heritage and importance of historic memory. We propose exemplars and solutions for preservation of cultural heritage and contemporary design problems; engage in the physical and social revitalisation of communities; advance music and musical education; and connect cultures through material and intangible arts.