Renovating the Azbakiya park

The Azbakiya Garden Rehabilitation Project is a heritage-led urban renewal initiative focused at revitalizing one of Cairo’s most iconic green spaces . Originally established in the mid-19th century by Khedive Ismail and designed with French and European influences, Azbakiya Garden is located between historic and modern Cairo. It seeks to restore the garden’s architectural landscape heritage while re-establishing its cultural, social, and ecological functions within the city.
The project envisions Azbakiya Garden as a “welcoming, accessible, and inclusive public space”. The objectives include the conservation of heritage elements, such as the historic trees, architectural structures, and iconic areas, while reviving the garden’s socio-urban and cultural role , , . The project is part of Egypt’s broader initiative to conserve and develop historic Cairo, while contributing to national heritage preservation efforts.

To implement this vision, a comprehensive site rehabilitation plan was adopted for the Azbakiya Garden Rehabilitation Project, spanning an area of approximately 60,702 square meters. Restoration efforts include key heritage elements such as the crown top pergola, archaeological fountain, and Souq Al-Selah Club, lake, and wooden bridge. , New infrastructure includes walkways, shaded seating, book kiosks, and a dedicated space for musical performances. Visitor amenities, including food outlets and cafeterias, are designed in a 19th-century architectural style to reflect the garden’s origins. Additionally, mobility is pedestrian-oriented, with accessible paths linking urban pedestrian networks and public transport nodes.

Employing a layer-approach plan, the Azbakiya Garden Rehabilitation Project integrates the values of heritage conservation, environmental sustainability, inclusive public access, and urban cultural revival. It combines sensitive restoration and adaptive reuse with sustainable design principles, ensuring that the garden retains historical authenticity while meeting contemporary needs.

The Azbakiya Garden Rehabilitation Project is led by the Ministry of Housing, in collaboration with Cairo Governorate. Design and consulting services provided by Sites International. , Oversight of heritage preservation is managed by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the National Organization for Urban Harmony, while research and technical support is contributed by the Development Research & Studies Organization.

As of 2024, the project is approximately 93% completed. Key achievements include the restoration of the administrative building, restaurant, Roman theater, and lake. Ongoing work includes in finalizing gates, water and fire tanks, pergolas, landscaping, and the historic marble fountain. A notable component is the revival of the historic Azbakiya Book Market tradition through newly installed book kiosks along the garden’s outer edge. ,
Being delivered in multiple phases, the final project’s vision is enhance the overall cultural, recreational, and educational role of Cairo’s urban landscape landmark, with final completion anticipated in the near term.