# Controversy Over Demolishing Historic Tombs in Egypt The planned removal of Ali Pasha Mubarak's tomb sparks intense public debate. - **Source:** [Asharq Al-Awsat](https://aawsat.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-05 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/1828680d-3779-44ff-b580-da5c46b67d00 ## Historic Tomb Faces Demolition The planned removal of the tomb belonging to Ali Pasha Mubarak, the father of modern Egyptian education, has reignited a heated national debate. Located near the Sayyida Nafisa mosque, the site is now marked for demolition. The family is actively seeking to halt this decision, citing the tomb's immense historical and cultural significance. ## Family Appeals Against Removal Jaber Ramadan, the grandson of Ali Pasha Mubarak, is leading efforts to cancel the demolition order. He argues that the tomb does not obstruct road expansion or urban improvements in the area. The family emphasizes that the site is a memorial to a national icon who played a crucial role in planning Cairo. ## Previous Stays of Execution The family previously faced a similar threat four years ago, which was successfully averted through official communications. They were reassured after the street in front of the tomb was paved, but were shocked by a new demolition notice. Officials from the Cairo Governorate recently placed a new identification number on the tomb's walls. ## Architectural and Cultural Value Ali Pasha Mubarak personally designed his tomb, reflecting his background as a prominent engineer. The site serves as a final resting place for his children and grandchildren as well. He had dedicated 31 feddans as a charitable endowment to ensure the ongoing maintenance and care of the burial site after his passing. ## Expert Archaeological Perspective Researcher Ibrahim Tayeh, who inspected the site, confirms the tomb is over 130 years old. It houses the remains of the Pasha, his son, and his son-in-law, Suleiman Bey Nagati. The structure is situated near the Abbasid Caliphs' Dome and the Maqam of Muwaffaq al-Din, forming a significant cluster of historical heritage. ## Legacy of Ali Pasha Ali Pasha Mubarak was a pivotal figure in 19th-century Egypt, serving in the first Council of Ministers under Nubar Pasha. He held key positions in the Ministries of Endowments, Education, and Public Works. His contributions include the design of railway stations and the renovation of the Qanater al-Khayriya, marking him as a national builder. ## Broader Urban Development Context This incident follows a series of controversial demolitions of historic cemeteries in the Imam al-Shafi'i and Sayyida Aisha districts. These actions are part of a broader government project to develop historic Cairo near the Saladin Citadel. The state aims to construct new roads, often requiring the removal of older, non-registered burial structures. ## Public Sentiment and Heritage The Egyptian public remains deeply divided over the balance between modern urban infrastructure and the preservation of historical sites. Many citizens view the destruction of these tombs as a loss of identity and modern history. The case of Ali Pasha Mubarak has become a focal point for activists advocating for heritage protection. ## Legal and Administrative Challenges Families of the deceased often find themselves in complex legal battles to protect ancestral burial sites from state-led development projects. The process of marking tombs for demolition is often perceived as opaque, leaving families with little recourse. The family of Ali Pasha Mubarak explicitly rejects any offer of a new, compensatory burial site. ## The Role of Civil Society Archaeologists and historians are increasingly vocal about the need to document and preserve Cairo's architectural legacy. They argue that urban planning should integrate existing historical landmarks rather than erase them. The ongoing pressure from civil society groups is essential in forcing authorities to reconsider demolition plans for sites of significant cultural value. ## Comparison to Previous Cases The family draws hope from the successful preservation of the tomb of the renowned Quran reciter Sheikh Mohamed Refaat. That case demonstrated that public outcry and high-level intervention could effectively save historical monuments from destruction. They hope that the national stature of Ali Pasha Mubarak will similarly compel authorities to reverse their decision. ## Future of Historic Cairo The fate of Ali Pasha Mubarak's tomb remains uncertain as negotiations continue between the family and the Cairo Governorate. This case underscores the ongoing tension between rapid urban modernization and the conservation of Egypt's rich, layered history. The final outcome will likely set a precedent for how the state handles other historic sites. ## Sources covering this story - https://aawsat.com/node/5338025 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._