A tour of Islamic Cairo cemeteries
Egypt’s (modern) history is packed with figures who have affected the country’s history in different ways, and perhaps the best way to remember them and their accomplishments is to visit their tombs.
The Al-Ghafeer (guard) cemetery in Cairo is famous for hosting the tombs of many of Egypt’s former royal family, though these are sometimes not well kept.
A short distance from the Al-Ghafeer is the Martyrs’ Cemetery, which is built in a modern style with tombs in marble and works of art interspersed among the graves.
Returning to Al-Ghafeer, there are some outstanding Islamic-style buildings to be seen despite the poor condition of the area. The most famous tomb complex in the area, that of Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay, figures on the Egyptian one pound note.
A visit to the cemetery area takes a couple of hours on foot, though this is not necessarily enough to see all the tombs of interest in the area.
While a trip to the cemetery area is an extraordinary experience, there is a need for a well-paved road to facilitate movement and better transportation. Many of the tombs are in urgent need of restoration, and the streets should be cleaned and the political banners taken down.
A walk in the area would be improved if interpretation materials and signs could be provided, locating the entrances of the tombs of famous figures and explaining their accomplishments.
Excerpted from an article by Ahmed Abu Ghazala for Al-Ahram. Be sure to read the entire article to find about the notable Egyptians who are buried and honored in these cemeteries.
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