Medieval context

The HCRP has issued many plans, which have been met with resistance from some citizens of Cairo. For example, plans to create gardens and walkways are seen by some as an assault on the original, dense medieval design and "urban fabric" of Fatimid Cairo that diminishes the historical value of the sites. The reasoning is that in medieval Cairo, the context of a building was determined by its relationship to neighboring buildings. Important buildings and monuments were intentionally built adjacent to conventional ones, to convey and enhance their high level and prestige. It is this urban grouping and juxtaposition that truly gives the iconic buildings authentic context and meaning for visitors to experience. Some citizens think that by removing this context from buildings, the HCRP is diminishing the value and historical understanding of their heritage sites.[3]​[3]​.

Some architectural conservation experts have claimed that the HCRP has used incorrect building materials in its conservation work.[2] Other conservation experts claim that the massive and immediate intervention of landmarks, despite inevitable errors, has stopped the threat of many simply disappearing.[2][3]​.

Financing

Some residents of historic Cairo have also become suspicious of the HCRP's motives, questioning whether the project actually has historic preservation and interpretation as its true primary intent. Some believe that tourism and commerce are instead the primary reason for the project's creation and funding.[3]​ The large amount of expenditure required for the planned project has also become a point of controversy, with some estimates as high as $350 million.[3]​ Some residents believe that the massive cost of creating an open-air museum and restoring its landmarks would be better spent on other local public social and economic needs.[2]​.

Medieval context

The HCRP has issued many plans, which have been met with resistance from some citizens of Cairo. For example, plans to create gardens and walkways are seen by some as an assault on the original, dense medieval design and "urban fabric" of Fatimid Cairo that diminishes the historical value of the sites. The reasoning is that in medieval Cairo, the context of a building was determined by its relationship to neighboring buildings. Important buildings and monuments were intentionally built adjacent to conventional ones, to convey and enhance their high level and prestige. It is this urban grouping and juxtaposition that truly gives the iconic buildings authentic context and meaning for visitors to experience. Some citizens think that by removing this context from buildings, the HCRP is diminishing the value and historical understanding of their heritage sites.[3]​[3]​.

Some architectural conservation experts have claimed that the HCRP has used incorrect building materials in its conservation work.[2] Other conservation experts claim that the massive and immediate intervention of landmarks, despite inevitable errors, has stopped the threat of many simply disappearing.[2][3]​.

Financing

Some residents of historic Cairo have also become suspicious of the HCRP's motives, questioning whether the project actually has historic preservation and interpretation as its true primary intent. Some believe that tourism and commerce are instead the primary reason for the project's creation and funding.[3]​ The large amount of expenditure required for the planned project has also become a point of controversy, with some estimates as high as $350 million.[3]​ Some residents believe that the massive cost of creating an open-air museum and restoring its landmarks would be better spent on other local public social and economic needs.[2]​.