The symposium, part of the master’s programme at the Department of Architecture, celebrated inspiring projects that revitalized historic districts in several Egyptian cities.
Coordinated by renowned architect and urbanist Professor Galal Abada, the symposium emphasized the architectural concept of combining the requirements of the modern age with cultural values.
It opened with a review of the immense efforts of the VISIT-Esna project, which won the 2025 Agha Khan award for Architecture.
This is the first Egyptian project to win the prestigious award in 21 years.
The project was carried out by architect Kareem Ibrahim, CEO and partner of Takween Integrated Community Development Company, in partnership with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MoTA).
It also received support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The VISIT-ESNA project was celebrated for fostering innovation among the people of Esna and manifesting their relationship with their architectural and intangible cultural heritage.
Moreover, the symposium celebrated a similar initiative in Cairo, where architect Alaa El-Habashy renovated and revitalized Beit Yakan— a 17th-century architectural gem that El-Habashy transformed into a cultural hub for the local community of the El-Darb El-Ahmar district in Islamic Cairo.
The symposium also honoured architect May El-Ibrashy’s Athar Lina community initiative.
El-Ibrashy won the Prince Claus Impact Award in 2022 for her community engagement in the Al-Khalifa district for the past 10 years.
Renowned Professor Shahira Mehrez was also among the honourees.
The symposium celebrated her unique initiative to revive the craft of traditional building in Sakna Pasha’s house in the same historic district of Al-Khalifa.
Sakna Pasha was a singer and artist who was given the title Pasha for her excellence. Her house, which still exists today, was built in 1846.
During the symposium, architect Mohamed El-Khatib showcased his efforts to revitalize the Hakem and Bab Zewyla district in Historic Cairo.
Similarly, Professor Maher Stino showcased the efforts underway to revitalize Azbakia garden, one of the green gems of the downtown area.
He was followed by Professor Mouaz Abu Zeid, who presented the ongoing efforts to revitalize the historic therapeutic Helwan Capritage Garden.
Architect Nairy Hampikian showcased the restoration work in Darb Al Labbana in Islamic Cairo.
The area also hosts the Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifaai mosques, and the House of Architecture.
Conservation architect and author Agnieszka Dobrowolska showcased her inspiring initiative of engaging the local community through the Ma’qad of Sultan Qaitbey Centre for Culture and Arts, located in the Mamluk Desert Region in Cairo.
The symposium also spotlighted several other projects beyond Greater Cairo and Helwan.
These included Professors Mohamed Abu Shousha and Ziad El Saiad’s immense project to transform Al-Nabi Danial Street in Alexandria, famous for cultural centres and the largest used-book market in the governorate, into a pedestrian area.
The project also includes a significant upgrade in the display of books.
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