From College to Mosque: Tabia in Aswan as an Egyptian Heritage

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Tourist Guidance Department, Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, Minia University, Egypt

Abstract

Aswan is one of the most strategic sites in Egypt. Muḥammad ʿAli recognized its importance, therefore he ordered on 8 August 1821 A.D. the construction of the second military school there. Many races fused there together to form a strong Egyptian army. The remains of the college were documented by the UNESCO in 1959 as an important part of the Egyptian heritage. In this place ordered president Nasser in 1969-70 to build Badr mosque – Tabia mosque – to commemorate the Battle of Badr. The removing of the remains of the old buildings and the construction of the new mosque reformed also the population in the area and formed new inhabited areas in Aswan. The mosque was opened by Sadat in 1974. Due to its importance, the governorate opened a new street to connect it directly with the Corniche. Since its construction, all religious festivals and occasions are to be celebrated there.