هكذا حفظت 3 سيدات مصريات مقام أحد الأولياء وحولنه إلى "خان صديقة"

خان صديقة: A Legacy Preserved, A Community Revitalized

The Story of a Dream, a Shrine, and a Family

The journey to "Khan Sidiqa" in Cairo's Al-Qalaa district is one that intertwines the threads of dreams, heritage, and family. Three generations, all connected to an ancient home in "4 Darb al-Lubana," have played a part in this unique story.

Grandmother "Sidiqa," her daughter "Umm Majdi," and granddaughter "Azza Abdel Aziz" shared a connection to a house built on the ruins of a dilapidated shrine. The shrine's identity was unknown, and years ago, the government had planned its demolition. However, after a dream in which the shrine's owner appeared to Sidiqa and granted her permission to build, the family decided to preserve the shrine. The home at "4 Darb al-Lubana," overlooking Sultan Hassan Mosque, stood strong, becoming a witness to time and the changing seasons.

A Dream Realized

Azza Abdel Aziz, a graduate of the American University in Cairo, had always felt a deep connection to her grandmother's house. Despite years away, she nurtured the memories of her childhood spent within its walls, the aroma of incense, and the warmth that pervaded the home. Upon her mother's passing, Azza bought the family's shares in the house, intending to preserve its legacy. She spent years meticulously restoring the home, which had fallen into disrepair.

Unveiling a Hidden Story

Azza's childhood curiosity about the identity of the shrine's owner never faded. After seeking the help of a friend who specialized in researching the history of saints and shrines, she discovered that the shrine belonged to "Al-Sharif al-Mahdi," a Sufi who had arrived from Persia and settled near the Cairo Citadel, where he spent the remainder of his life in worship. This information was found in the historical writings of "Al-Maqrizi."

A Shrine Rebuilt

Azza's chosen contractor, a devout Muslim with a deep respect for the Prophet's family and Sufi heritage, began the restoration process by meticulously cleaning the shrine. The shrine, neglected for years, was filled with debris. Once the shrine was restored, Azza transformed the house into "Khan Sidiqa."

A Place of Joy and Tradition

"Khan Sidiqa" has become a hub of cultural activities, with its first event focusing on showcasing traditional Egyptian celebrations. The rooftop of the home transformed into a stage for authentic folk performances, followed by a series of community gatherings that embrace the home's historical and religious context. The house has hosted events like religious gatherings, lectures on Islamic topics, and traditional music performances.

Azza plans to utilize the home's vacant rooms to prepare and distribute meals to those in need and dedicate the rooftop to hosting cultural events. Her vision extends to empowering the community of Al-Qalaa, providing opportunities for local residents to participate in cultural and social initiatives.

Through "Khan Sidiqa," Azza hopes to preserve a rich heritage and contribute to the revitalization of the Al-Qalaa community, creating a space for celebration, learning, and community engagement.