The Random and gross violations in restoring the architectural elements of Zaghloul Mosque in Rosetta, (Analytical study)

Abstract

The Islamic and Coptic Antiquities Sector of the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Egypt restored Zaghloul Mosque in Rosetta, which is the largest mosque in the city and dates back to the Mamluk era, and it was expanded and renewed several times in the Ottoman era.

During the restoration, several intentional errors occurred that caused the change of the monuments of the mosque, especially in the mihrab and the western minaret, as their architectural and artistic elements were changed, and all the archaeological marble and granite columns were dispensed with, and replaced by modern-style columns that do not belong to the monuments in any connection. These violations represent clear violations of the articles of the Egyptian Antiquities Protection Law, as well as a violation of the principles of preserving monuments.

Therefore, this research will deal with a scientific response to these violations with scientific evidence that does not accept doubt, as it begins with an introduction about the mosque, and then provides a scientific account of each of the three elements: the mihrab, the minaret, and the columns.

Whereas, before my appointment at the University of Minia, I was the Director of the Archeology of the Rashid District, and when I took over the work in Rashid in 1977, the mosque was in good condition and open to prayer, and I saw all the elements of the mosque in the opinion of the eye, so this research will be based on purely scientific insights, where there are photographs. And that denies all attempts to legalize works that violate the architectural elements of the mosque.

Key words:Zaghloul Mosque, Rosetta, restoration, mihrab, minaret, monumental columns, Mamluk era, Ottoman era.