The chief archaeologist comments on the crisis of the marriage contract of Mufida Sheha’s daughter in a courtyard

11:58 AM

Sunday, June 30, 2024

Books – Muhammad Abu Bakr:

Magdy Shaker, chief archaeologist at the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, commented on the circulation of a video of the marriage of the daughter of the prominent media personality, Mufida Shiha, in the courtyard of the Muhammad Ali Pasha Mosque in the Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi Citadel.
Shaker said in exclusive statements to Masrawy that holding parties in the courtyard of Muhammad Ali Pasha Mosque is not new, as some believe, and has been around for some time and is organized frequently.
The chief archaeologist at the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities explained that the courtyard is part of the mosque, noting that the mosque consists of two parts: the first is a covered section designated for prayer and includes the dome of Muhammad Ali, while the second is the courtyard or square where prayers were performed in the past.
Shaker stressed: “I agree to hold parties in the courtyard of the mosque, but with specific conditions and controls. Famous mosques have strict rules for their visitors, and this place is part of the mosque, and what happened is not right. For tourists to enter in the morning, they must take off their shoes, wear a bag, and sometimes an abaya, because at the end “The matter is a mosque in which prayers are still held to this day.”
Shaker explained that he is not opposed to exploiting archaeological areas for investment purposes, provided that this does not harm the archaeological value of the place, as happens with the theater of the Sariyat al-Jabal Mosque, “Suleiman al-Khadim Mosque,” ​​which hosts the annual singing and music festival. He stressed: “If you want to work, you can work.” “In this place, especially since it is equipped for performances and has lighting and allows that.”