The family of the late Egyptian artist Abdel Halim Hafez has decided to permanently close his historic apartment in the Zamalek area of Cairo to visitors, following a wave of controversy sparked by a circulated image of a visitor.
The visitor, who held Kuwaiti nationality, was seen during his visit to Abdel Halim Hafez's home lying on the iconic singer's bed inside his bedroom, a scene that the family considered a violation of the place's privacy and its artistic legacy.
The family confirmed in an official statement that the decision was made to preserve the late artist's belongings and to protect the sanctity of his home, explaining that the apartment will only be available in the future to family members and close friends, with all visits and reservations planned for the coming period being canceled.
They clarified that the aim of the decision is to protect the home, which represents significant historical and artistic value, and to prevent the recurrence of any practices that may dishonor the memory of one of the most prominent icons of Arab singing.
The family emphasized that the house contains rare personal belongings, documents, photographs, and memorabilia associated with Abdel Halim Hafez's artistic journey, necessitating that it be treated as part of the cultural and artistic heritage, not just an open site for everyone.
Abdel Halim Hafez's house in the Zamalek neighborhood is one of the most visited places by fans of the "dark nightingale" from inside and outside Egypt, as it has preserved many of its original possessions, including his personal furniture, bedroom, clothes, and musical instruments, as well as a large number of awards, honors, and photos documenting his extensive artistic career.
Abdel Halim Hafez, who passed away on March 30, 1977, at the age of 47, remains one of the most important stars of Arab singing in the twentieth century, having presented dozens of timeless songs and films that continue to enjoy wide popularity, making his home a testament to an extraordinary artistic journey that left a lasting mark on the history of Arab art.