### **A Glimpse into Royal
Splendor: The Royal Jewelry Museum
of Alexandria
Nestled in the historic
Zizinia neighborhood of
### **A Glimpse into Royal Splendor: The Royal Jewelry Museum of Alexandria**
- the museum presents a dual marvel: the breathtaking architectural splendor of
- its setting and the priceless, story-laden collection of jewels and personal
- effects of
**The Palace A Jewel in Itself**
Before one even gazes upon
the diamonds and gold within, the museum building itself commands attention. The
palace, a masterpiece of early 20th-century architecture, was designed by the
renowned Italian-Austrian architect Antonio Lasciac, whose legacy in
- The interior is a symphony of artistic detail. Ceilings are adorned with rich
- Rococo-style paintings depicting angels and skies, while ornate decorations
- tell tales from Greek mythology. Perhaps most enchanting are the stained-
- glass windows
a hallmark of palaces from this period. Far from being simple decoration, the windows in Princess Fatma’s palace are crafted to narrate a continuous love story, with each pane revealing a new chapter.
Throughout the palace, the princess’s initials, "FH," are elegantly integrated into the design, a personal touch that grounds the regal space in the identity of its former owner.
- The story of the palace is as compelling as its design. Construction was
- initiated by Zainab Hanem Fahmy as a gift for her daughter, Princess Fatma,
- but she passed away before its completion. The princess undertook the task
- of finishing her home
creating the
architectural gem that stands today. She resided there until the 1952
revolution, after which she was permitted to remain for a time. In 1964, she
moved to
**The Genesis of a Royal Collection**
The museum’s existence is a direct consequence of a pivotal moment in Egyptian history. Following the July 1952 revolution that ended the monarchy, the vast assets of the royal family were confiscated. According to Islam Assem
- a professor of modern history and former head of the Alexandria Tourist
- Guides Syndicate, "The jewels of the Muhammad Ali family, which were in
- various palaces, were gathered and kept at the Central Bank." For decades
- these treasures remained out of public view. Eventually, the idea to display
- this incredible heritage for the Egyptian people took hold, and Princess
- Fatma Haidar's exquisite palace was chosen as the perfect venue.
**The Treasures Within A Narrative in Gold and Gems**
The collection spans 150 years of the dynasty's rule, from Muhammad Ali Pasha to King Farouk. It includes not only personal jewelry but also ceremonial objects, medals of honor, and luxurious gifts received from foreign dignitaries.
- A recent two-year restoration project culminated in the reopening of the
- museum's main hall, showcasing some of its most priceless pieces with an
- enhanced visitor experience.
Among the highlights are the adornments of the royal women. One cannot miss the staggering crown of Princess Shwikar, the first wife of King Fuad I. Made of platinum, it is encrusted with an astonishing 2,159 diamonds and delicate natural pearls.
Nearby, the "Floral
Tiara" of Queen Farida, King Farouk’s first wife, captivates visitors with
its design of white and yellow diamonds, accompanied by a matching bracelet and
earrings.
- The collection also offers a unique insight into the lives of the male rulers. On
- display is a magnificent chessboard studded with diamonds and precious
- stones, a gift from the Crown Prince of Iran to King Farouk upon his
- marriage to Princess Fawzia in 1939. More personal items include a solid
- gold rattle said to have belonged to King Farouk as an infant and his personal
- binoculars used for watching horse races.
Beyond personal jewelry, the museum showcases items of state and ceremony. The collection includes the "Order of Muhammad Ali," the highest honor of the kingdom, and the "Order of the Virtues" (Nishan al-Kamal), which was bestowed upon esteemed women.
Visitors can also see the King’s ceremonial marshal-staff, ornate swords, gold-plated desk sets, and even decorative candy boxes from royal weddings. This variety paints a comprehensive picture of royal life, from official duties to private pastimes.
The ongoing preservation
of
this legacy is a critical task. "This palace requires constant maintenance
due to its proximity to the sea and its vulnerability to humidity," notes
Islam Assem. Following a closure after the events of 2011, the museum was
meticulously restored and reopened in 2015, with the main hall’s recent
renovation marking the latest effort to safeguard this national heritage.
The Royal Jewelry Museum of
Alexandria is more than a display of wealth. It is a curated narrative of a
bygone era, where each glittering piece tells a story of power, romance, diplomacy,
and the intricate cultural tapestry of modern
It stands as a powerful
reminder that history is not just found in textbooks, but is also preserved in
the sparkle of a diamond and the majestic halls of a princess's palace.
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