The most important historic buildings facing destruction
More than 20 historic buildings and monuments in Khartoum are at risk of destruction due to the ongoing fighting. Buildings such as the old palaces, the University of Khartoum, museums, the old republican palace, the post office and others remained; It is the most important monument in Khartoum and reflects its history of more than 200 years. Due to their strategic location close to combat zones in central Khartoum, most of these buildings have been exposed over the past four weeks to mutual air and ground strikes between the two sides, and in many cases, some of them were used as military barracks. or shelters. In addition to its historical value and unique architectural style; Some of these buildings contain goods of great material, scientific and historical value, such as the House of Archives and Museums. The Sudan Library also contains everything that has been written about Sudan since the colonial period, as well as manuscripts and rare books. Also at risk in the city of Omdurman, west of the capital, Khartoum, are buildings that have long been associated with Sudan’s history, including the “Tawabi” and the “Abdul Qayyum Gate”, the Dar Al-Riyad, the Mahdi Palace dome, and others.
Mosques and churches are in danger
The list of endangered buildings also includes ancient churches and mosques dating back hundreds of years; Like the Farouk Mosque and the Grand Mosque in the heart of the commercial district of the Arab market area in central Khartoum.
Warning from an archaeologist
History and archeology expert Noha Abdel Hafez told Sky News Arabia:
“It is necessary to stop attacks directed against historic areas, based on the International Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in Time of War.” “There is great danger that could result from exposing historic buildings to destruction or vandalism during the fighting. These buildings have become an essential pillar of Sudan’s cultural identity and modern history; every building has a story to tell. “The old buildings are important historical landmarks, and they greatly express the identity of Sudan. How can the Sudanese, for example, talk about their struggles against the colonialists without going through the battle of Al-Nahr and Al-Tawabi? Or the siege of Khartoum and the assassination of Gordon on the stairs of the Republican Palace, or going beyond the Mahdist period and the dome of its leader, Imam Al-Mahdi.”
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