The decrees, of course, are not foolproof. Measures like the recent military order, therefore, are essential if preservation is to be enforced. Urban planning expert Milad Hanna, however, is not optimistic. We should study the laws of countries like Italy and France. If detailed legislation is not formed, demolition will continue.
Funds also constitute a challenge.
According to many historians and architects, the committee also lacks the professional experience to judge architectural and historical value. The reason, Abul-Amayem explains, is that contemporary history and modern architecture are largely ignored in the syllabus of the Faculty of Archaeology. For example, they approve the demolition of a building simply because its exterior is not decorated. The owners of villas or palaces, of course, stand to gain millions, explains Hanna. A residential block is a temptation few can resist.