Page 23 - Issue 72

V O L .1 E L I T E ISSUE 72

On the one hand, there are those who According to Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber,
emphasize the historical and heritage aspects, this project aims to restore the heritage
acknowledging that it is not just a building character of the area and eliminate forms of
made of stone. On the other hand, it represents unregulated occupation, in accordance with
the transition to the era of industrial and President Sissi's directives. Ramses Square,
technical modernity in New Egypt, where it both a major transportation hub and a
houses a number of prominent specialists and landmark in the economic, industrial, and
architects responsible for the maintenance and colonial history of New Egypt, suffers from
innovation of the network. Blending classic chronic congestion, which is exacerbated
European influences with local touches, this during rush hour. For this reason, a new station
building stands out for its ornate facade, tall for Upper Egypt trains is being opened in
windows, and imposing structure and solid Bachtile (Giza). In order to relieve congestion
construction, capable of housing engineering, at the station and traffic jams on the bridge, the
planning, and maintenance offices. From this, building must be demolished to make way for
we can conclude that for the majority of widening.
Egyptians, this building was and will never be
merely functional, but also a prestigious
monument, a testament to the alliance between
technical modernity and architectural
affirmation.
On the other hand, the logic of socio-economic
modernity and the need for change also come
into play. Indeed, despite its historical value,
this building is no longer functional today,
given technological progress and factors of
erosion that prevent its executive and planning
efficiency. From this perspective, the demolition
is no longer seen as erasing the originality of
This dichotomous and controversial mindset is
the square, but rather as a redevelopment for
reflected in the words of Taha Hussein: “We are
the collective well-being of the present and
part of the West, culturally and civilizational,
future population. All the current shops and
whether we like it or not; the path to progress lies
kiosks in the square will also be removed, but
in acquiring its sciences and arts, then
will be offered the opportunity to relocate to
reformulating them in harmony with our heritage
the complex's new premises.
and identity.” Therefore, we must be careful not
to blindly copy the actions of the West in the
name of development, but to rethink the very
meaning of these concepts. Some believe that
progress lies in drawing inspiration from the
Western model of development; however, it
quickly becomes apparent that, for some
Westerners themselves, in the context of
cultural development, “protecting heritage
means investing in the future.” These are the
words of Irina Bokova, the first woman and
first Eastern European to hold the position of 23
Director-General of UNESCO, a role she held