20th century courthouse in Alexandria makes Egypt's antiquities list

Ahram Online (Nevine El-Aref)

The distinguished Court of First Instance courthouse in downtown Mahatet Raml, Alexandria made Egypt’s Antiquities list. Accordingly, it will be subject to restoration.

The court building was inaugurated in 1937 by King Farouq as a court complex for the Mixed Courts at the time. The two-story building houses various first instance courtrooms, a library and a basement, which is used as a prison for criminals and suspects.

The Minister of State for Antiquities Affairs, Zahi Hawass and Minister of Justice Mohamed Abdel Aziz el Gendy embarked on an inspection tour today of the courthouse.

Hawass concluded that the building is suffering serious decay. Its foundation is highly impacted by subterranean water and cracks are spread all over its walls. He noted it is impossible to pump the whole building at once, so it will have to be done in phases. The first maintenance phase alone is expected to cost LE 40 million (roughly $6.8m).