UNESCO Registers Cairo, Giza & Aswan as Heritage Cities
The recognition highlights the cultural character of the three Egyptian cities and their links to living heritage and creative industries.
UNESCO has registered Cairo, Giza and Aswan as heritage cities of cultural character, according to Egypt’s National Commission for UNESCO. The recognition was highlighted during the conference 'Intangible Cultural Heritage Forward… Opportunities and Challenges', held at the Supreme Council of Culture to mark UNESCO’s World Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The three-day conference brings together more than 160 researchers and examines how living heritage can be documented and safeguarded across Egypt. Its programme includes presentations on storytelling, folk arts, music, traditional crafts and knowledge connected to nature and the environment, alongside displays from governorates including Luxor, Monufiya, the Oases and Shalateen.
Speakers also reviewed Egypt’s recent registrations on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage lists, including Al Sira Al Hilaliya, Al Aragoz, Al Tahteeb, Arabic calligraphy, practices linked to the date palm, celebrations connected to the Holy Family’s journey in Egypt, henna and the simsimiyya instrument jointly with Saudi Arabia. Egyptian koshari was cited as the latest addition.
Conference organisers said the new city registrations reflect the breadth of cultural and creative activity across Cairo, Giza and Aswan, from cinema and crafts to music and other heritage industries. Research presented during the event is also expected to inform future nominations, with work under way on a submission for the Egyptian oud covering both its craftsmanship and musical traditions.
