Converted into an administrative building for Ain Shams University in Cairo, Al-Zaafaran Palace hosted King Abdulaziz for 12 days and witnessed the signing of a famous treaty between Egypt and Britain.
Among the distinguished architectural landmarks that have witnessed major historical events is the Zaafaran Palace in Cairo. It is renowned for its European architectural style and unique aesthetic, which drew inspiration from the modern building trends of the late 19th century. One of the most notable events hosted at the palace was the twelve-day stay of King Abdulaziz during his historic visit to Egypt—an event that took place over 80 years ago. King Abdulaziz Al Saud—may God have mercy on him—visited Egypt from January 10 to 22, 1946, where he was welcomed by King Farouk and the Egyptian people. The journey began with his departure from Saudi Arabia aboard the royal yacht bound for Egypt; King Farouk traveled from Cairo to Suez to personally lead the welcoming party for King Abdulaziz, after which the group proceeded to the Zaafaran Palace for celebrations marking this historic occasion. King Abdulaziz Al Saud’s visit to Egypt was made in return for King Farouk’s visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1945. **Stay at Al-Zaafaran Palace:** According to the King Farouk website, Al-Zaafaran Palace was prepared to host King Abdulaziz. Railway stations were decorated, routes for the royal procession were readied, government buildings were illuminated, and necessary security measures were implemented—including the deployment of army troops alongside the police to maintain order. Venues on the King's itinerary were also prepared in accordance with the visit schedule published in detail in daily newspapers. King Abdulaziz Al Saud stayed at Al-Zaafaran Palace in Cairo, where he received delegations of scholars, writers, and political figures; the palace served as the residence for him and his entourage for 12 days at the invitation of King Farouk. His stay was marked by warm hospitality and included public meetings and fraternal discussions aimed at strengthening Saudi-Egyptian relations. During the royal visit, King Abdulaziz toured several sites, including Abdeen Royal Palace, the seats of government and the Egyptian Parliament, Al-Azhar Mosque, the Arab League, military installations, scientific and industrial institutions, hospitals, Fuad I University (now Cairo University), archaeological landmarks, the Delta Barrages (Al-Qanater Al-Khayriya), the Agricultural Museum, and a juvenile reformatory. He also visited El Mahalla El Kubra—a major hub of Egyptian industry—as well as Anshas and the city of Alexandria, where he reviewed the Egyptian army, among other significant locations. Furthermore, he attended various events, such as horse races and ceremonies featuring speeches and poetry recitations. King Abdulaziz also visited the Egyptian Parliament, where he was welcomed by Dr. Mohamed Hussein Heikal Pasha, President of the Senate; in his welcoming address, Heikal Pasha praised King Abdulaziz’s role in supporting the Arab League, stating, "Your visit..." ...this blessed visit to our country was a harbinger of good, welcomed with optimism by all Arab nations; furthermore, it significantly strengthened the bonds of affection and friendship between Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. King Abdulaziz departed Cairo on Tuesday, 19 Safar 1365 AH (January 22, 1946), traveling from the Misr Station and boarding the yacht *Mahrousa* for his return to Jeddah. **Architectural Aesthetics:** Al-Zaafaran Palace is located in the Abbasiya district of Cairo and stands as an architectural masterpiece, built in the style of the French Palace of Versailles with Baroque and Gothic influences. The palace is distinguished by its stained-glass ceilings and marble columns topped with gilded capitals; it features spacious floors and massive wooden doors that reflect the grandeur of Khedivial architecture. **Interior and Exterior Architectural Design:** The palace’s exterior structure is built of limestone and comprises two stories and a large basement. Its facades are richly adorned with floral motifs, bouquets, and the monogram of Khedive Ismail, surmounted by the royal crown. The ceiling of the main entrance is embellished with leaded crystal glass that reflects the colors of the sky, while the ceilings were designed with soaring heights—reaching up to six meters—to help regulate the temperature. The first floor features Greco-Roman columns of green and yellow marble with gilded capitals, and the room walls are decorated with floral paintings and French gold leaf accents. Al-Zaafaran Palace was originally commissioned by Khedive Ismail in the late 19th century and was rebuilt in its current form by the Italian architect Antonio Lasciac between 1901 and 1902. Among the major historical events witnessed at the palace was the signing of... The "Zaafaran Treaty"—or the famous 1936 treaty between the Egyptian and British governments—was signed here; the signing table and the surrounding gilded chairs remain in their original place in the main hall. The palace is currently administered by Ain Shams University and is situated in the heart of its Abbasiya campus; its ground floor houses a museum that documents the history of the various eras.


