English
Certainly! The Tomb of Saad Zaghloul is a significant historical and architectural landmark in Cairo, Egypt. Here’s a more detailed description:
- Location: It is situated in Downtown Cairo, near Saad Zaghloul’s old residence, known as Beit El-Umma or the "House of the Nation"1.
- Design: The mausoleum was designed by architect Mustafa Fahmy and completed in 1936. It is built partly of granite and features a neo-Pharaonic style reminiscent of ancient Egyptian temples1.
- Architectural Features: The design includes an outward-curving cornice and an entrance flanked by two large lotus pillars. A pylon gate leads to the interior, which houses an unmarked sarcophagus1.
- Historical Significance: Saad Zaghloul was a prominent Egyptian nationalist leader and the mausoleum was built following his death in 1927. However, his interment did not occur until June 1936 due to disagreements over the mausoleum’s design and political disputes1.
- Controversies: The initial proposal for an Arabo-Islamic style and the construction of a mosque were rejected because Zaghloul was considered a national leader rather than a religious figure. The final design choice of a neo-Pharaonic motif was subject to political debate and attributed to various influences1.
- Construction Delays: Budgetary concerns and political changes led to delays in the construction and the transfer of Zaghloul’s body. The mausoleum was completed by 1931, but the body transfer was delayed until the Wafd Party returned to power in 19361.
- Final Resting Place: Upon the Wafd’s return to power, mummies that had been temporarily placed in the mausoleum were removed, and Zaghloul’s body was finally laid to rest1.
The Tomb of Saad Zaghloul stands as a testament to Egypt’s 1919 revolution and its quest for independence, reflecting the complex interplay of national identity, culture, and politics in Egyptian history.
