Minbar of Sultan Qaytbay ©

Egyptian Heritage Rescue Foundation

We are pleased to award the Rescuing the Mamluk Minbars of Cairo project £99,713

This year-long project focusses on the research, documentation and conservation of Mamluk minbars in Historic Cairo. 

Ancient pulpits adorned with intricate carvings 

Mamluk Minbars are stepped pulpits, made in the period from 1250 to 1517. Found in mosques, they are traditionally used by imams to deliver sermons and lectures. Minbars are ornate examples of Islamic art and architecture. Generally made from wood, they are adorned and densely decorated with complex geometrical patterns and calligraphic texts, typically made with ivory, ebony and camel bone inlay. 

Islamic monuments are under threat of looting and destruction across the Arab world. Since 2011, there has been an increase in the number of monuments which have been stolen in Egypt. Minbars are particularly at risk due to the high market value of the intricate carved elements, and the lack of detailed documentation of these portable items. 

Recording, preserving and conserving Cairo’s Minbars 

In this project, research will be conducted on Cairo’s minbars, and a new comprehensive database will be created which can be used to aid future restoration. During the research phase, the condition of the minbars will be assessed, and a priority list of four minbars will be produced for subsequent conservation work to be carried out. 

The restored minbars will be studied in depth by local craftsmen, examining how their complex patterns are constructed, to encourage understanding and appreciation of traditional arts and crafts in the area.  The local craftsmen will go on to design a number of new prototypes inspired by the geometry of minbars, which will then be sold in the local market. A series of thematic workshops and training sessions will be delivered for local professionals, volunteers, teachers and children.

About Egyptian Heritage Rescue Foundation

Egyptian Heritage Rescue Foundation, EHRF, was founded in 2013 to promote and safeguard Egyptian Cultural Heritage. Its first mission was to deliver and design courses on Disaster and Risk Preparedness and First Aid to Cultural Heritage (in collaboration with ICCROM). EHRF safeguards heritage at risk in museums, libraries, archive, monuments, historic sites as well as urban and rural contexts. This includes documenting and digitizing collections, training in risk assessment, mitigation and rehabilitation, and reuse of historic buildings. EHRF has delivered training to professionals from Egypt, Iraq, Tunis, Jordan and the UAE.

Project partners:

  • Historic Cairo Project (HCP)
  • School of Islamic and Geometric design (SIGD) 
  • Egyptian European Organization for Training and Development (EEOTD)