The USAID, the US Embassy in Cairo, and the Ministry of Antiquities celebrated their successful cooperation in the Integrated Management of Cultural Tourism (IMCT) project.
The project included a significant innovation and restoration project for several sites in Old Cairo and Fatimid Cairo, such as Bimaristan Al-Muayyad Sheikh and Takiyet Taqi El-Din El-Bastami.
The event was attended by the US Ambassador to Cairo, Herro Mustafa Garg, the Minister of Culture, Dr. Ahmed Hanu, the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Yomna El Bahar, Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber, and US Aid officials.
During her speech, the US Ambassador briefed the long history of cooperation between Egypt and the US, especially in cultural, heritage, and antiquities domains. She said: “The American people through USAID have invested significant resources to restore and rehabilitate sites throughout Egypt, to promote Egypt’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. And we have been proud investors in this effort since 1995.”
She mentioned that the US Embassy and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities collaborated to identify properties that could be invested in to help revitalize neighborhoods and make them more sustainable for tourism through restoration and conservation efforts. From what I saw today, this partnership has been very successful in the restoration process.
Garg also highlighted several positive aspects of the innovation process, including the excellent cooperation with local communities near the restoration sites, the removal of over 20,000 tons of debris and waste from the area around one of Cairo’s historic gates, and the 50% participation of women in the project.
In the same context, Al Bahar emphasized that the IMCT’s goal is to preserve Egypt’s heritage, a treasure for all of humanity, not just Egyptians. She stressed that this project is the result of collective efforts and a shared vision between Egypt and the US, and the support and involvement of the audience will ensure the success of this endeavor, offering an exceptional historical and tourist experience.
She asserted that using these cultural and historical sites as models for sustainable development and economic purposes will help to develop tourism in Egypt and the tourism sector.
Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber appreciated the project’s efforts to preserve Cairo’s history and heritage and looked forward to more cooperation in such domains. He also asserted that celebrating such cooperation will fulfill the means of development and sustainability, as these landmarks can play a significant role in developing more art, cultural, social, and economic activities.
