The historic houses of Rashid (recently listed as a heritage site by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization "ISESCO") are distinguished by their facades adorned with intricate wooden mashrabiyas and their use of "manjur bricks" in red and black.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO)
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) is a specialized international organization affiliated with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). It was established in 1979. Its aim is to promote cooperation among member states in the fields of education, science, and culture, with a focus on safeguarding cultural heritage and fostering innovation. Its headquarters are located in Rabat, Morocco.
What is terracotta, and why was it used in the historical buildings of Rashid?
It is a type of fired and finely finished clay brick used in architecture and decoration. It is available in red and black and is prominently featured in historical buildings, as it was widely used during the Ottoman and Muhammad Ali periods.
The city contains 22 historical houses, among the most prominent of which are.
Arab Kili House - which became the Rashid National Museum
The Arab Kili House is one of the most prominent historical houses in the city of Rashid. Its construction dates back to the first half of the 18th century AD. It was built by Hussein Arab Kili, who was the governor of Rashid at that time. This unique historical house was converted into the Rashid National Museum to house artifacts that chronicle the struggles and heroism of the city.
When and why was it transformed into the Rashid National Museum?
The Reason
The Architectural Value
It is considered one of the largest, most beautiful, and most unique houses in Rashid, possessing four facades and multiple floors that reflect the Ottoman style.
The Importance of its Owner
It was owned by Hussein Arab Kili, the governor and consul of the city, giving it a prominent historical and administrative status
The National Commemoration
To commemorate the victory of the people of Rashid over the British Fraser Expedition in 1807, it was officially opened as a museum in 1959 during the presidency of Gamal Abdel Nasser to preserve the history of the struggle of the people of Rashid and their archaeological artifacts. The opening day (September 19) became a national holiday for the Beheira Governorate..
The Exhibits
The museum displays 700 artifacts, most notably gold and bronze coins from the Umayyad and Ottoman periods, a collection of Qur'ans and pottery, and photographs depicting the battles of the people of Rosetta against the Fraser Campaign and the French. The museum also houses a replica of the Rosetta Stone (a gift from the British Museum), a collection of edged weapons and firearms, Ottoman swords, and historical documents such as the document of the British withdrawal and the marriage certificate of the French General Menou.
The Architectural Design
The house is distinguished by its unique Islamic architecture and dynamic design, and consists of four floors.
The Ground Floor
This floor was used for commercial activities and features cross vaults, along with a cistern room with a wooden roof.
The First Floor
This floor was designated for men and for receiving guests (the selamlik). It contains rooms with windows featuring iron grilles and skylights made of turned wooden panels.
The Second Floor
This floor includes turned wooden windows, a hall with a wooden iwan (a vaulted hall), a skylight for lighting and ventilation, and a bathroom with a shallow domed glass ceiling and a marble basin. Adjacent to the bathroom is the bedroom.
Third (Summer) Floor
This floor was used during the summer and includes a small room, a toilet, and an open-air relaxation area.
The facades
The building was constructed using red and black bricks with white mortar, a distinctive feature of Rashid architecture. The house is unique in having four independent facades overlooking different streets, setting it apart from other existing historical houses in Rashid.
The Al-Amsili Complex
(Including the Al-Amsili House, Abu Shahin Mill, and Hasiba Ghazal House)
Al-Amsili House: One of the most luxurious and famous historical houses in the city, thanks to its intricate decorative details and colorful wooden ceilings. It was built in 1223 AH / 1808 AD by Othman Agha Al-Tobji, a commander in the Ottoman army and artillery at that time. The house was later attributed to Ahmed Al-Amsili, who purchased the building. His family originated from the city of Amasya in Turkey.
The Architectural Design
The Ground Floor
Includes a reception room, a granary, a stable, servants' quarters, a water cistern, and a bathhouse with a massage platform.
The Second Floor (Selamlik)
Dedicated to the men's quarters and reception area
The Third Floor (Harem)
Dedicated to the women's quarters and harem to ensure privacy
The Serving Cabinet
One of the most prominent wooden artifacts in the house, it is a rotating cabinet built into the wall for serving food and drinks to guests without any confrontation between servants and guests. Some rooms also contain wall cabinets and intricate woodwork, the most famous of which is the music cabinet inlaid with ivory and mother-of-pearl.
The Ceilings
The house utilizes multi-level wooden ceilings, supported by wooden beams and rafters, along with rich wooden and artistic decorations.
The Facades
The house is situated at the intersection of two streets and features a distinctive facade of red and black brickwork with white grout between the courses, creating a clear decorative rhythm. The northern facade is characterized by a prominent entrance with a central arch. Above the door is a wooden lintel bearing Arabic inscriptions. Stucco decorations and Kufic script inscriptions surround the entrance.
The Mashrabiyas and Windows
The wooden mashrabiyas are among the most important design elements, serving multiple functions:
The Providing privacy
controlling the amount of light entering the house.
Improving natural ventilation.
Reducing direct views from the outside into the house.
Abu Shahin Mill
Abu Shahin Mill is one of the most famous and oldest surviving mills in Egypt from the Ottoman era.
The Location
It is located in the Amseili House and stands as a unique historical testament to the economic and architectural systems of the 18th century.
The Founder
It was established by Othman Agha al-Tobji (the artillery commander of the Ottoman army in Rosetta) in the second half of the 18th century.
The Affiliation
It was attached to the famous historical "Al-Amsili House" to meet the needs of grain milling.
The Ecstasy of the Name
It was named after Abu Shahin, the last miller who managed and operated it before it ceased to exist and became a historical site.
The Architectural Design and Mechanism of Operation
The Building Materials
It was built of black and red brick, a unique architectural style characteristic of Ottoman-era Rosetta.
The Power
It was powered by animals (such as mules and horses), a feature that distinguished the "mills of the wealthy" during that era, compared to the hand mills of the poor.
The Production Capacity
It was distinguished by the presence of two separate, opposing hoppers, allowing for the simultaneous grinding of two different types of grain, with precise control over the degree of fineness.
The Internal Facilities
The mill includes a designated area for the operator, consisting of two arched openings, each supported by two marble columns; a room for the miller; a stable for housing animals; water troughs and feed troughs; and a raised area called the "mastah" where grain was collected and ventilated.
The Tourism Development
The Al-Amsili House and the Abu Shahin Mill underwent comprehensive restoration and development under state supervision to reflect their historical value and transform them into prominent tourist destinations. An Italian mission, in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, also restored and maintained the Al-Amsili House to showcase the traditional crafts and handicrafts of the people of Rashid, highlighting the artistic diversity of the city's talented artisans, thus transforming the historical rooms into a living art gallery.
Hasiba Ghazal's House
Also built in 1808, this house was originally intended for servants. It consists of three stories constructed of dressed brick. The house is distinguished by its architectural connection to the Amseili House, and together with the Abu Shahin Mill, they form a complete historical architectural ensemble reflecting the style of residential architecture in Rashid during the Ottoman era.
The Architectural Design
The Facade and Entrance
The house features a central door decorated with dressed brick in the form of six-pointed stars, decorative motifs, and stepped designs. The facade also includes a public fountain window and delicate wooden mashrabiya screens.
The Ground Floor
This floor contains the public fountain room, a cistern for storing water, and a spacious storage room (shader). A small room is located midway between the ground and first floors.
The first floor
It was designated for men (the selamlik), and included rooms with windows made of turned wood, a hall, and an attached closet.
The second floor
was designated for women (the harem), and was distinguished by its projecting mashrabiyas (latticework screens). It contained rooms, a kitchen, and a toilet, in addition to a square opening in the hall's ceiling for ventilation and light.
Al-Mizouni House
(Ghada Rashid's House)
The Historical Significance
The house gained widespread historical renown due to its connection with the French campaign in Egypt. It was here that Zubayda al-Mizouni (daughter of Muhammad ibn Abd al-Rahman al-Mizouni) was born. She later married the French General Abdullah Menou (Jacques François Menou), the third commander of the French campaign.
The Story of Their Marriage
Zubayda was born and lived with her parents in the al-Mizouni house, built by her grandfather, Abd al-Rahman al-Bawab al-Mizouni, in 1740. This house is one of the most beautiful and luxurious in Rosetta and reflects the splendor of Islamic architecture during the Ottoman era. After the assassination of Kléber, General Jacques Menou assumed command of the French campaign in Egypt and expressed his desire to marry an Egyptian woman. Menou chose Zubayda, the daughter of Abd al-Rahman al-Bawab al-Mizouni, a prominent figure in Rosetta. Zubayda was divorced from Salim Agha, a wealthy Mamluk. General Menou waited until her waiting period (iddah) was over before marrying her on the 25th of Ramadan, 1213 AH (1895 CE).
The Menou's Marriage Certificate to Zubayda
This document, found in the register of the Rashid Sharia Court and now preserved in the National Archives (a copy of which is also held in the Rashid Museum), states that the marriage was solemnized in the presence of several dignitaries, the head of the Ashraf (descendants of the Prophet), and imams representing the three Sunni schools of thought: Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali. Menou recited the Shahada (declaration of faith) before them to embrace Islam. Menou was captivated by the beauty of his wife, Zubayda, as evidenced by a letter he sent to one of his friends, a general in the French campaign. They had a son, Sulayman.
His Escape to Cairo
Zubaida's days of happiness were short-lived. Menou was besieged in Alexandria, and the English fleet forced the French to withdraw. This prompted Zubaida to flee with her brother Ali and her child Suleiman from Rosetta to Rahmaniya, and from there to Cairo. She stayed at the Al-Alfi house in Azbakia before hiding in the Citadel.
Zubayda's Life in France
Many historians have not addressed Zubayda's fate after she chose to accompany her husband to France with the departure of the French campaign. Perhaps the most prominent account is that of Rifa'a al-Tahtawi in his book "A Summary of Paris," where he states that "Menou returned to Christianity upon arriving in France, while Zubayda remained steadfast in her faith. When she gave birth to her second son, he wanted to baptize him according to Western custom, but she refused."
Al-Tahtawi further notes
Menou became governor of Florence and left his wife and second son in complete isolation. He stripped her of the money and jewels she had taken with her, while entrusting the first child, Sulayman, to a French family for proper upbringing. He lived a life of debauchery, taking numerous mistresses, which led to him accumulating debts due to his extravagance and wastefulness. The only one who remained by Zubayda's side was her servant, Surur, who devoted himself to her service and continued to work in many degrading jobs to provide for her after Menou abandoned her and she had no other means of support. A livelihood to live on.
And accounts differ regarding the end of Zubaida.
But what is certain from history is that Zubaida lived through difficult days, her sun set, her shadow receded, and her nights grew long in exile, while her father's house remained standing tall, telling the story of the beautiful Ghada Rashid, who married the French general.
The Architectural Description
The house consists of four floors and features a facade made of black and red brick, decorated with ceramic tiles.
The Ground Floor
Includes a covered market (wakala), storage rooms, and a cistern.
The First Floor (Salamlik)
Dedicated to receiving men and merchants, it contains rooms with iron-barred windows.
The Second Floor (Harem)
Dedicated to women, it is distinguished by its projecting mashrabiyas (latticework screens) made of Maimunite wood.
The third Floor
Contains rooms with wooden windows, a music room equipped with decorative cabinets, a square skylight, and a domed bathroom with stained-glass windows or openings that create a tranquil atmosphere for bathing. The house also features a conical chimney for venting cooking smoke. On the southern facade, there is a room on the roof containing the chimney, which begins on the first floor and extends to the roof. The house includes several exquisite mashrabiyas and wooden cabinets decorated with intricate carvings and arabesque designs. Its facade is clad in black and brick-colored brickwork, adorned with tiles. "The tile
Alwan House
It's located on Dehliz El-Malik Street, Alwan House dates back to the 18th century AD. It bears the name of its owner and builder, Muhammad Agha Alwan, a prominent merchant in the city at the time.
The Historical Significance
The house holds significant national importance, as it was the site of a meeting between the leader Ahmed Orabi and the notables of Rashid in 1881 AD. Orabi sought their support for the Orabi Revolt against Khedive Tawfiq. The conflict between Khedive Tawfiq and the Minister of War, Ahmed Orabi, intensified after the British bombardment of Alexandria and the former's subsequent alliance with the British, who then sought their protection. Orabi aimed to form a popular resistance front to confront the Khedive's actions and resist the occupation. Rashid was among the first cities Orabi visited, given its importance as a cultural and commercial center, its role as Egypt's gateway to the Mediterranean Sea, and the presence of a large number of prominent figures. The house of the merchant chief, Alwan, had the honor of hosting the Egyptian leader, and its unique architectural heritage remains a testament to the events of this important period in Egyptian history.
The Architectural Design
The house consists of three floors and is distinguished by its Ottoman Islamic architectural style.
The Exterior Facade
Constructed entirely of dressed brick, it features a prominent southern entrance leading to the caravanserai (a commercial agency), and another entrance leading to the staircase.
The Ground Floor (Caravanserai)
This floor includes an attached commercial agency to serve the homeowner's business. It consists of an open courtyard surrounded by covered storage rooms with cross vaults, which were used for storing goods.
The Upper Floors
The facade is divided into projecting and set-back sections, supported by skylights and delicate wooden windows to provide light and ventilation. Some of the interior rooms are distinguished by their walls covered with decorative glazed tiles. After falling into disrepair, the Alwan House recently underwent restoration as part of the project to restore historic houses and mosques in Rashid, thus saving this monument that bears witness to an important era in the history of Egypt and the city of Rashid.
Thabet House
(Zaki Thabet House)
Dating back to 1709 AD, it is considered the oldest house belonging to an Ottoman merchant in the city.
The Thabet House is one of the most prominent historical civic buildings in Rashid
The house's historical significance lies in
its unique architectural style dating back to the first half of the 18th century AD, reflecting the Islamic architectural style and the Ottoman era in Egypt.
The Location
The house is located specifically on Sheikh Qandil Street, branching off from the famous Al-Amsili Street in the historic city.
The Architectural Design
The Main Facade
The house has two entrances; the first leads to the storeroom, and the second leads to the staircase.
The First Entrance
A prominent entrance with a double wooden door in the center, decorated with geometric stucco motifs in the form of six-pointed stars and hexagonal shapes. This entrance leads to the storeroom.
The Second Entrance
An arched entrance (in the shape of an arch) decorated with six-pointed stars leads directly to the house's staircase.
The Interior Layout
The house consists of four successive floors built with distinctive carved brick.
The Ground Floor
This floor includes a storage room consisting of a passageway opening onto storage rooms, ending on the western side with an open courtyard.
The First Floor (Selamlik)
Reserved for men, it features windows with iron grilles for security and privacy.
The Upper Floors (Haremlik)
These are for women and the family, and are characterized by privacy through intricate wooden mashrabiyas and skylights that allow light and air to enter.
The Interior Layout
A central hall is a recurring feature on the upper floors, surrounded by rooms, in accordance with the layout of traditional Rashidi houses.
The Wooden Elements
The house utilizes carved wood for doors and windows, with a clear presence of woodwork and mashrabiyas.
