Egypt demolishes historic Mahmoud Pasha Al-Falaky Mosque in Old Cairo

Egyptian authorities have demolished the historic Mahmoud Pasha Al-Falaky Mosque, a culturally significant landmark located within the Imam al-Shafei cemetery in Old Cairo.

The overnight destruction of the mosque, renowned for its architectural heritage and spiritual legacy, has sparked widespread grief and condemnation among heritage experts and local residents.

According to researchers documenting Cairo’s endangered cemeteries, the demolition occurred after midnight without any prior public notice or chance for intervention.

"Bulldozers carried out the removal. There were no scaffolds around the dome, so how could it have been dismantled and relocated in a scientific manner?" a heritage researcher told Mada Masr.

The site, part of a broader 19th-century funerary complex that included the tomb of famed geographer Mahmoud Pasha Al-Falaky, is the latest casualty in a wave of demolitions targeting Cairo’s historic cemeteries.

The Egyptian state has been carrying out large-scale urban development projects across the capital, many of which have come at the cost of invaluable heritage sites.

The Imam al-Shafei cemetery, also known as the "cemetery of the pashas", has faced repeated demolitions despite its historical importance and its role as the final resting place for many elite and intellectual figures.

Researchers working at the site said that shortly after Eid al-Fitr, government officials informed residents that their graves, homes, and nearby businesses were marked for removal.

"They marked many tombs, homes, workshops, and cafes for demolition and told us, 'You'll be relocated and compensated'," a cemetery guard said.

The designated relocation site is Robaiky Cemetery in 10th of Ramadan City, far from the historic and spiritual heart of Cairo.

Bab al-Nasr: A vanishing pluralist legacy

The Imam al-Shafei complex is not the only site under threat. The Bab al-Nasr cemetery, considered Cairo's oldest community burial ground, has also been affected. Authorities have begun clearing 120 square meters along Banhawy Street, despite previous promises that no further demolitions would occur.

Last year, 130 square meters were razed to construct a parking structure adjacent to a new hotel built by the Bohra sect. Now, additional removals have targeted burial plots belonging to Sufi families, working-class residents of historic Cairo, and migrant communities.

"This is the main burial ground for the people of historic Cairo since the 10th century," said historian Sally Soliman. "It contains the tombs of Levantine traders, Sufi mystics, the harafish, and countless other historic figures."

"We're watching history disappear in real time," one archaeologist told Mada Masr, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Restricted access, silent erasure

Security forces have now imposed strict control over these burial grounds. Researchers say they are barred from photographing or even entering cemetery sites, while guards have reportedly been threatened with legal action if they speak to the press.

Residents report that most demolitions take place late at night under floodlights, away from public scrutiny. Heritage activists and archaeologists have turned to social media to document what remains of these vanishing sites—from the dome of Mahmoud Pasha Al-Falaky to the tombs of Badrawy Pasha, Abdel Rahim Sabry Pasha, and other figures tied to Egypt’s royal and cultural history.

The sweeping demolitions have raised serious concerns over the state’s commitment to cultural preservation and the long-term consequences of Cairo’s rapid redevelopment.