Skip to main content

Cairo’s ancient Bassatine Jewish cemetery completes first-of-its-kind restoration project

The restoration project of Cairo’s Bassatine Jewish Cemetery, believed to be the second-oldest in the world, mainly aims at attracting tourism while at the same time shedding light on Egypt’s dwindling Jewish community.
A picture taken on April 18, 2013 shows a general view of the Jewish cemetery in the Egyptian capital Cairo.  AFP PHOTO/KHALED DESOUKI        (Photo credit should read KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images)

The American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE) and the Drop of Milk association have recently completed a small but significant conservation project in the ancient Bassatine Cemetery of Cairo, believed to be the second-oldest Jewish cemetery in the world. The work, funded by the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), also includes the documentation and mapping of what remains of the site.

The project aspires to be the first remarkable step to ensure the long-term sustainability of the site, and is part of the ongoing efforts of Egypt’s tiny Jewish community to preserve and rethink its heritage and highlight the country’s historical and cultural diversity.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.