Announcing the project, the SCA Secretary-General, Zahi Hawass, explained that the name "Azab" is attributed to a group of soldiers who inhabited the Citadel during the Ottoman era. He also noted that restoring and then reusing historical structures are important because experience has proved that restoration is not confined to technical aspects but should try to utilize historical structures in modern activities, prolonging the lifespan of buildings. Islamic monuments in particular -such as mosques, palaces, citadels and sabils (public water fountains) - were originally built to serve the people in their daily life. The reutilization of monuments has therefore become a science taught at restoration institutes.

    Hawass added that the SCA has successful experience in this respect with the transforming of Zeinab Khaton and Abdul Rahman Al Harawi mansions at Al Azhar into creative cultural centers.

    Dr Hawass said that the Bab Al Azab project will include the establishment of a school for restoration and a museum with post- Pharaonic era displays. These will be located on a site used as army barracks until 1984. Under the project, Bab Al Azab will also enjoy a research centre, a convention hall, workshops for craftsmen and retail outlets.

    Bab Al Azab is the gate overlooking the Citadel square which was built by Emir Radwan Katakhda, leader of the Azab soldiers in l754AD (1168 Hajira). Among the area’s landmarks is the Ahmed Katakhda mosque which was allocated to soldiers stationed at the southern side of the Citadel wall. There are also remains of Al Ablaq Palace, built by Mohamed Ibn Qallawoun in l313AD, Al Rafraf Tower, and the armament work- shops of Bab Al Azab which were built by Mohamed Ali Pasha in the 19th century and renovated under Khedive Ismail.

    Abdallah Al Attar, adviser to the SCA, said that given the site’s panoramic view of the Citadel and with the square abounding in its unique monuments of the Sultan Hassan and Al Refaie mosques, and the Mahmoudia Medrassa, the project is bound to turn the area into a major tourist attraction.