Egypt’s culture min. launches 'Memory of the City' initiative

CAIRO – 7 July 2020: Egypt’s Minister of Culture Inas Abdel Dayem launched the “Memory of the City” initiative aimed at documenting the architectural identity of ancient areas in Egypt and monitoring the social conditions of its past inhabitants.

This will be made possible through the National Organization for Civilizational Coordination headed by Mohamed Abu Saada. It begins in ​​Zamalek Island, which carries a distinct historical value.

Abdel Dayem said that the architectural heritage represents a significant aspect of the previous civilizations and forms the features of the development of urban life. She added that Egypt abounds with various architectural treasures from multiple eras that form the distinctive and unique heritage of the country. 

Abdel Dayem further pointed out that the “Memory of the City” Initiative is a humanitarian and historical message that aims at preserving the features of the nation's civilization.

For his part, Abu Saada said that Egypt's historic areas are like the jewels of the country's crown. These areas show with evidence that Egyptians were able to embrace all cultures and architectural schools. 

He added that the National Organization for Civilization Coordination strives to preserve the architectural identity that distinguishes the country through several steps, including setting modern building standards in historic areas and defining the building densities, external colors, and other measures that guarantee the protection of these areas' identity.

It is noteworthy that the “Memory of the City” initiative includes launching a series of books that sheds light on areas that bear a historical value and sets boundaries and foundations for their preservation. The series tells multiple stories of buildings, their residents, and the surrounding community, and reviews the efforts of the Ministry of Culture to preserve the identity of these areas as an important part of the Egyptian cultural heritage.