Parts of the walls were cracked, most of the frescoes and inscriptions were faded, and a number of ornaments were crumbling. But this seems to be changing fast. To an ordinary observer, the new extension is dazzling. Even the puddles, scaffolding and piles of cement do little to dispel its aura of grandeur. The extension features mashrabiya, frescoes, inscriptions and architecture similar to the older portion.
Many people are equally satisfied.
Many worshippers come to visit her tomb, hoping to receive her blessings. Every year, droves of people inundate the mosque and its surroundings for a week to celebrate the moulid of Sayeda Zeinab. The renovation of the mosque is just one project in a wave of restoration. The Arab Contractors' firm is in charge of all these projects, which makes many restoration experts sceptical as to the quality of work and the future of Cairo's Islamic heritage. The restoration of Al-Azhar mosque, for instance, was severely criticised, and it remains uncertain whether the same fuss will be made about Sayeda Zeinab.