Conservation Report on the Aqsunqur Mosque

The Aqsunqur Mosque (known as the Blue Mosque) Conservation Project was co-funded by the
World Monuments Fund and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. As part of the Al-Darb al-Ahmar
rehabilitation, the project was managed and coordinated by the Aga Khan Cultural Services-Egypt, the
local agency of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture in coordination with the Supreme Council of
Antiquities.
Located in the southern part of the historic city at the footsteps of the prominent Citadel built by Salah
ad-Din at the end of the 12th century, the district of Al-Darb al-Ahmar is an extension of the Fatimid
city consequent to the construction of the eastern City wall by Salah ad-Din. This City wall was
uncovered recently and is the eastern boundary of the district. Much of the dense urban fabric
constituted since the 13th century remains intact and important monuments act as major landmarks for
a still lively Community. The opening of the Al-Azhar Park in 2005 has drawn the local and
international attention to this specific area of the historical city and is acting as a catalyst for the
regeneration of the Al-Darb al-Ahmar district.