Umar Makram

Pioneered Cairo's urban development through architectural innovation and cultural preservation

Umar Makram (1795-1844) was an Egyptian architect and urban planner whose visionary projects reshaped Cairo's skyline during the Ottoman era. His most notable achievement was the construction of the Al-Nasr Mosque (1830), which blended Islamic architectural traditions with contemporary engineering innovations. This landmark became a symbol of cultural continuity amid rapid modernization.

Makram's work on the Muizz Street renovation project (1828-1835) preserved historic structures while integrating new commercial spaces, creating Cairo's first pedestrian-friendly district. His Al-Nasr Mosque incorporated earthquake-resistant designs using interlocking stone techniques, influencing regional building practices for decades.

He also established Cairo's first public botanical gardens (1832) which introduced over 200 plant species from around the Ottoman Empire. This initiative laid groundwork for Egypt's agricultural advancements. His writings on urban planning, including The Principles of City Beautification, remain archived at the Egyptian National Library.