On the 90th anniversary of the birth of Gamal Abdel-Nasser, it has been announced that his house in Mansheyet Al-Bakri will be turned into a museum, reports Nevine El-Aref Late Egyptian president Gamal Abdel-Nasser, leader of the 1952 Revolution, is a symbol of pride throughout the Arab world. One of the 20th century's most important political leaders, his impact on the political direction of the developing world in the immediate post-liberation period was immense. His espousal of pan-Arabism won followers across the region and though his status as "the leader of the Arabs" was tarnished by the devastating defeat of Arab armies in the 1967 War he remains for many a symbol of Arab dignity and freedom. Following a decree issued by President Hosni Mubarak earlier this week, Nasser's house in Mansheyet Al-Bakri, where he lived until he died, is to be turned into a museum. Minister of Culture Farouk Hosni told Al-Ahram Weekly that the decision reflects the leading role Nasser played in Egypt and in the Arab and Islamic world. The museum will focus on Nasser's tenure as president from 1954 until his death in 1970, casting light on the struggle to free Egypt of foreign influence and the aid Egypt offered other Arab countries as they struggled to throw off the yoke of colonisation. In addition, the museum will showcase exhibits from Nasser's life since his birth in Alexandria, including family photographs and personal possessions. Among the latter will be suits and military uniforms, neck ties, cameras, sun glasses, radio, binoculars, pilgrimage robes and a number of belts and shoes. Documents relating to the nationalisation of the Suez Canal, the building of the High Dam, the Tripartite Aggression will also be displayed, alongside drafts of many of his most famous speeches. Letters and messages sent by Nasser to other leaders will form part of the museum's permanent collection, and visitors will be able to watch archive film from the period as well as wander through his office, bedroom and living quarters. This museum will be the third in Egypt dedicated to Nasser: the house in Bacous in Alexandria where he was born has been preserved and is open to the public, while the Pharaonic Village in Cairo has a permanent exhibition on the life of the late leader.
