Author: Heba Moawad

How one initiative is turning Ancient food knowledge into economic opportunity

From temple rituals to church liturgy: Egypt’s unbroken musical thread

An architect turned Egyptologist argues for translating hieroglyphic texts directly into Arabic, bypassing European intermediaries.

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation showcases rare Christian artefacts and icons in a two-month exhibition highlighting Egypt’s religious diversity.

Telli (also spelled Talli or Telley) is a traditional form of Egyptian embroidery, distinguished by its use of shimmering metallic threads, typically silver or gold. Historically, these threads were made from real metal wire wound around silk or cotton, giving the embroidery its signature lustre. It is a meticulous braiding and knotting technique, worked on small handheld looms to create intricate bands of patterns that are then stitched onto garments. Its geographic heartland is Upper Egypt (Sa’id), particularly the city of Sohag. Bab Masr speaks with one designer determined to give handicraft a new lease on life.

CAIRO, Egypt – In the historic Al-Darb Al-Ahmar district, within the beautifully restored walls of the 18th-century Al-Razzaz House, an urgent conversation is taking place. It’s not just about preserving old stones; it’s about saving the living, breathing heritage of one of the world’s oldest cities. Last week, the Egyptian Heritage Rescue Foundation, in collaboration with the cultural platform “Bab Masr,” hosted a dialogue session titled “Heritage Between the Lines.” The discussion brought together journalists and community activists to tackle a critical question: What is the role of the media in protecting Egypt’s vast, and often vulnerable, cultural heritage?

From the very dawn of Egyptian civilisation, as people forged a new relationship with their environment, the long linen garment emerged as a cornerstone of their identity. More than mere clothing, this fabric was a testament to their ingenuity. The Egyptians mastered the cultivation of flax, weaving its fibers into lightweight linen perfect for the climate,a tangible symbol of their advanced agricultural knowledge. At the heart of this ancient wardrobe was the izar or shandit, a graceful wrap worn around the body. Its design was a marvel of both form and function, allowing for freedom of movement while simultaneously embodying the culture’s core…

Not all heroism is written in books; it lives on in stories that are told and novels that are passed down from generation to generation. The October 1973 victory was not just a military battle, but an event of great importance that transcended the boundaries of trenches and cannons. It became part of the Egyptian people’s consciousness, engraved in the hearts of every family, and recounted by grandparents and parents to their children and grandchildren. Alongside the official narratives documenting numbers, plans, and strategic movements, the people had their own stories, born from their experiences. The people had their own…

Fatema aspires to be a tour guide who presents Egyptian heritage in a contemporary spirit, while at the same time opening up to the Far East by learning Indonesian, driven by her passion for the values and ethics of that culture. Her goal is to be a bridge between Egypt’s ancient heritage and Indonesian society, emphasizing that determination and knowledge can create excellence no matter what the challenges. A journey with reading, heritage, and language Her experience was not formed solely through books, but also on the ground, as she contributed to community service at the Museum of Islamic Art…

Heritage is more than old buildings; it is the story of a society, the identity of a nation, and the memory of a city. In her book, “Untapped Cultural Heritage and Its Impact on Sustainable Tourism Development in Heliopolis,” Dr. Basma Selim shines a light on one of Cairo’s rarest urban gems: New Heliopolis. As the director of the Baron Empain Palace and a doctoral researcher in heritage and museum studies, Dr. Selim not only documents the history of this unique district but also reveals the missed opportunities to revive its heritage for cultural development. In this interview, we discuss the challenges…