Monday, 25 May 2026
Source: Egypt’s Ministry of Culture
Egypt inaugurates revitalized square at historic Sidi Ibrahim El-Desouki Mosque
Damanhur — In a significant stride for Egyptian heritage and religious tourism, the first phase of a landmark project to revitalize the public square around the revered Sidi Ibrahim El-Desouki Mosque in the city of Desouk, Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, was officially inaugurated on Friday.
The event brought together leading government officials, religious leaders, and cultural figures in a collaborative celebration of Egypt’s rich spiritual and architectural legacy.
The project is a partnership between Egypt’s Ministry of Culture, represented by the National Organization for Urban Harmony, and the Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate. It forms part of the national “Your Heritage is Your Legacy” initiative, launched by Minister of Culture Dr. Ahmed Fouad Henno, which seeks to revitalize and beautify important public spaces across the nation’s cities.
The newly developed square covers 5,000 square meters surrounding the Sidi Ibrahim El-Desouki Mosque—one of Egypt’s most prominent Sufi landmarks. The restoration not only enhances the mosque’s spiritual and visual presence, but also aims to create a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly environment, aligning with the government’s vision to make historic religious sites accessible, safe, and vibrant community hubs.
Minister of Religious Endowments (Awqaf), Osama Al-Azhari, highlighted the project as an example of Egypt’s ongoing commitment to preserving its sacred sites, turning them into beacons of knowledge, moderation, and community spirit. “By nurturing the heritage and environment of our great mosques, we ensure they remain at the heart of Egypt’s spiritual and cultural life,” he said.
Egypt’s Grand Mufti, Nazir Ayyad added that the development strengthens the mosque’s role as a symbol of Islamic tolerance and Egypt’s broad legacy of religious coexistence, noting, “Enhancing our heritage sites tells the story of a nation rooted in values of peace, tolerance, and spiritual richness.”
Kafr El-Sheikh’s Governor, Alaa Abdel-Moaty, underscored that improving the public space around the mosque dovetails with broader efforts to stimulate religious tourism. The project includes rerouting vehicle and pedestrian flows, redesigning gardens and squares, and strengthening connections with local communities as well as visitors from across Egypt and beyond.
This initiative stands as a testament to the collective spirit and unity of Egyptian institutions, answering President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s call for preserving heritage districts and revitalizing historic mosque precincts. It not only draws attention to Egypt’s vibrant Islamic and architectural history but also paves the way for increased tourism and dynamic community engagement in Desouk.