Bridges over bodies: Cairo’s City of the Dead threatened by ‘development plan’

Bridges over bodies: Cairo’s City of the Dead threatened by ‘development plan’

 

Since the beginning of May, numerous residents of Cairo have been shocked by a letter from the local authorities requesting the transfer of their family members' remains from an ancient Cairo cemetery commonly known as the “City of the Dead”, in order for the area to be cleared for new development. However, this cemetery holds significant cultural, architectural and spiritual importance, making it one of the most iconic spots in Egypt.

 

Once upon a time, they rested here

The cemetery is the final resting place of eminent Egyptian sheikhs, esteemed Islamic scholars, and revered holy men, including Imam Warsh, Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti, and Mohammed Rifat, whose burial sites have become a place of pilgrimage for countless individuals around the world. It also houses the graves of notable writers, intellectuals, poets, and scientists such as Hafez Ibrahim, Mahmoud Sami El-Baroudi, and Yehia Haqqi. Furthermore, the cemetery is adorned with ancient Mamlouk mausoleums that have stood strong for almost a thousand years.

A qur'anic verse reads

A qur'anic verse reads " O satisfied soul, return to your Lord wellpleased, wellpleasing." found engraved on grave remains

Jusoor Post visited the City of the Dead and witnessed the demolishing of mausoleums and graves. It was a heartbreaking moment for everyone to see people collecting the remains of their loved ones and the bulldozer demolishing the place where the dead had been peacefully resting for hundreds of years. All the burial sites surrounding Al-Sayeda Nafissa Mosque were either demolished or labeled with the word “demolition” in Arabic.

A graveyard  labeled with the word “demolition” in Arabic

Kareema, who came to transfer the remains of her mother and grandfather, told Jusoor Post, “I received the letter from the cemetery guard, who struggled to find the right words to inform me that I had to relocate my dear mother's body, who had passed away just two months ago. This is the most devastating moment of my life. My mom loves the place here and she always told me that my grandfather bought this burial site to be laid near to our beloved Lady Nafissa, the granddaughter of our prophet Muhammad. Now I’m really sorry to be forced to take them away from their favorite place.”

The grave of Sheikh Mohammed Rifat, a highly revered Quran reciter whose recitals have reached a global audience, is now facing a threat from the state's bulldozers. His burial site has attracted visitors from around the world who come to pay their respects to one of the most influential figures in modern Islamic history. Hanaa Rifat, Sheikh Mohammed Rifat's granddaughter, has made an emotional appeal to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi through the Kalema Akhira TV show, urging him to intervene and protect her grandfather's sacred resting place. She emphasized the importance of preserving the graveyard, which holds great historical and spiritual value, not only for the family but also for countless individuals around the world. 

Sheik Mohmmed Rifaat's graveyard

 

‘Development plan’ or ‘exhumation of graves’

Jusoor Post tried to talk with the local authorities that were carrying out the operation of labeling the mausoleums and graves but received no comment. However, the government has issued a “development plan” for the area surrounding the Saladin Citadel, including Al-Sayeda Aisha and Al-Sayeda Nafissa squares. The local authorities announced that the plan includes building a bridge to connect the historical place with the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.

Construction works near Saladin Citadel

Construction works near Saladin Citadel

Many Egyptians on social media expressed their discontent of the “development plan”, considering it to be the “exhumation of graves”, which is haram (forbidden) in Islamic Sharia law, while others consider it to be allowed, as it will be a step for smoother traffic and creating a more beautiful city for the living. 

Sheikh Yaseen Barakat, an Islamic scholar, told Jusoor Post that the demolition of graves is not haram, explaining, “If the dead body was transferred with dignity and this demolition was in favor of a public interest, then it wouldn’t be haram. But we need the experts to measure and define this interest. In Sharia, the human body must be dignified and respected in every situation, and when it comes to people with great spiritual and historical value it needs more caution and sensitivity.”

Demolished graves, Al-Sayeda Nafissa area

Demolished graves, Al-Sayeda Nafissa area

 

Compensation for the dead, murky futures for the living

The government is compensating the people whose family members’ graves were demolished with new graves in 10th of Ramadan City or 15th of May City. 

However, the City of the Dead is also a city of the living, as many poor people in Cairo live in a room with a bathroom attached to every graveyard or mausoleum. Ali Abou Doaa, a resident who lives with his family in one of these graveyards, shared with Jusoor Post that no local authority official informed them about their fate amidst the demolition plans. He expressed his concern, saying, “Where shall I go? This is the only place I have. I hope the government considers our situation. I have medical conditions that prevent me from working, and I have legally rented this space from the owner. They compensated the deceased, but what about the living?”