The Temple, located in el-Gamalia, Old Cairo, had been the subject of one year of study before the restoration work itself began in June this year. Due to the high water table, and the need to wait until the sewage system in the area had been improved, restoration work could not be conducted until this time. Since work began, the walls and ceilings have been reinforced, the floor has been isolated from the water table, and all cement -the product of previous bad quality restoration work - has been removed. The doors, windows and chairs of the temple have also been restored, and the dirt and debris that had built up within has been removed. 

The synagogue was declared an antiquity in 1986 due to its historical architecture and religious importance. It is dedicated to the important Jewish scientist Moses Ben Maimon, who was born in 1135 AD in Cordoba, Spain, but who died in Egypt in 1204. This man was very influential in the study of mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy, and acted as private physician to Saladin.

The Temple is divided into three sections; one area dedicated to prayer and rituals; one for the tomb of Moses Ben Maimon himself - although his remains were subsequently moved to Palestine –which includes a small area for people to come and pray for cures to diseases, as well as a shaft for purification; and a third section that consisted of rooms for supervisors, and for women to observe prayers.

At a press conference, held at the Temple today, Dr. Hawass also addressed recent accusations of neglect made against the SCA, ‘recently, many rumours have been spread on the internet regarding the lack of attention paid to this mosque, stating that it is full of dirt and becoming completely destroyed. I believe these rumours were started to hurt Farouk Hosni’s bid to become the next Director General of UNESCO. Much restoration work is being carried out, here and all over Egypt. It is clear for all to see that the internet rumours are wrong, and I believe that the people who wrote these comments should come forward and see what has been done.’