The mirrors and marble fire-places still bespeak past splendour, although the statues are now heaped behind the once magnificent abode. The palace, which was leased by Anisa's heirs to the government for LE45 a month, has never been restored. Built on a five-feddan plot, it has long been occupied by the National Democratic Party. A few months ago, however, the owner managed to sell it to the Agronomists' Syndicate for LE5 million. The syndicate had planned to build apartment blocks for its members on the site.
Witnesses say that apartments had already been sold.
According to those who attended the auction, the land was sold for LE62,000. The palace was not registered with the Supreme Council for Antiquities. Many preservationists, however, believe it deserves to be registered and preserved, and are thus overjoyed by the prime minister's timely intervention. But officials at the Fayoum Governorate still insist the palace is unsafe and not worth preserving. Officials claim the palace was built in 1920, although the date of its construction is inscribed on the gate.