Nestled within the bustling modernity of Cairo lies Historic Cairo, one of the world’s oldest Islamic cities, renowned for its iconic mosques, madrasas, hammams, and fountains. Its maze-like ancient alleyways are a treasure trove of traditional craftsmanship and skilled artisans. However, many of these rich expressions of living heritage have been at risk of disappearing due to a decline in their practice and transmission. To address this, the Egyptian Society for Folk Traditions (ESFT) partnered with the Cairo Governorate to engage artisans and young people in gathering testimonies and interviews, creating an inventory of living heritage in Historic Cairo. This effort documented thirty distinct crafts, including the artistry of glassblowers, copperworkers, woodcarvers, calligraphers, bookbinders, leatherworkers, ‘khayamiya’ tentmakers, and much more. To further raise awareness, the ESFT organized exhibitions, highlighting the vital importance of safeguarding these enduring traditions.
© Egyptian Society for Folk Traditions, 2022
What was the need?
In the historic areas of Cairo, the lack of apprenticeship programs and limited job opportunities for youth has gradually diminished transmission and accelerated loss of traditional knowledge and craftmaking skills. This decline also posed a serious threat to the cultural identity and authenticity of Historic Cairo, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979. Without effective safeguarding measures, these invaluable traditions faced the risk of disappearing.
‘We do not celebrate the craft, but rather the hand that created it and the human being who carries the knowledge and produces it.’
Dr. Ahmed Bahi El Din, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Egyptian Society for Folk Traditions
© Egyptian Society for Folk Traditions, 2022
What approaches were implemented?
Safeguarding the traditional handicrafts of Historic Cairo involved training 46 craftspeople and 15 young volunteers in inventory methods and the use of multimedia tools, such as video and audio recordings. The Egyptian Society for Folk Traditions (ESFT) organized trainings on Sundays, when the workshops were closed, to maximize artisan participation without impacting their income. The programme exceeded its initial target - 46 artisans participated, representing various specialized crafts. This resulted in the documentation of 30 traditional crafts, such as glassblowing, carpentry, marble engraving, leather dyeing, calligraphy, bookbinding, upholstery, tentmaking, crafting of khayamiya (cotton appliqués), fanous (typical Ramadan lanterns), tarboosh (hats), aqada (ornamental trimmings), and many more.
To ensure the continued practice of the inventoried traditional crafts, the 15 young participants were also enrolled in apprenticeship workshops with experienced craft makers. These workshops included storytelling sessions, hands-on sessions and artistic activities. Moreover, artisans were able to promote their products in six exhibitions organised over 2022 and 2023 in the premises of the Cairo Governorate, which also contributed to their livelihoods and raised further awareness among civil society, youth, and national officials about the importance of safeguarding their traditional artistry.
This process was supported by the International Assistance from the 2003 Convention’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund (2021-2023).
‘Inventorying traditional crafts in Historic Cairo provided a gateway to understand the city’s rich living heritage. It opened up avenues for cooperation with skilled artisans, who were key partners in the inventory process, building the capacities of a new generation of artisans, (…) it has created a constructive dialogue around heritage and built a new bridge of communication.’
Dr. Ahmed Bahi El Din, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Egyptian Society for Folk Traditions
© Egyptian Society for Folk Traditions, 2022
How did it work?
The initiative included the production of a book and a bilingual website showcasing the inventoried traditional crafts (see below). It also successfully contributed to establishing a network among young and experienced crafts makers, local organizations and city authorities. With increased awareness of the value of these crafts, the Cairo Governorate is now committed to organizing permanent exhibitions to showcase the artistry of traditional craft makers. Building on this experience, several ideas for safeguarding traditional crafts have emerged, including the establishment of a craft school aimed at engaging youth.
© Egyptian Society for Folk Traditions, 2022
How was the community involved?
A key takeaway from this initiative is that the artisan community is uniquely positioned to propose effective strategies for safeguarding their heritage. They were involved not only as beneficiaries, but as primary guides.
From the outset, three craft representatives were appointed to an executive committee overseeing the inventorying, alongside the ESFT and Cairo Governorate. During the documentation phase, artisans co-produced the primary information about their crafts and provided their consent for the use of photos and videos recording their skills and knowledge in their workshops. They also played a pivotal role in passing down their artistry to the apprentice/young participants. The craft exhibitions further reinforced their pride, providing a platform to showcase their skills to the public and demonstrate the intricate processes behind their work. These events also allowed artisans to voice their concerns, needs, and aspirations for safeguarding traditional crafts in Historic Cairo, ensuring their perspectives were considered throughout the process.
Contactos para compartir experiencias
Egyptian Society of Folk Traditions (ESFT)
47 Soliman Gohar st., Giza, Cairo, Egypt
+ 2037624409
Languages for contact: Arabic and English
+ 2037624409
gadelmola@hotmail.com
Para saber más
- Book ‘National capacity building on inventorying ICH in the Arab Republic of Egypt’
© UNESCO
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