Entrance of the monthly exhibition of Egypts Governorate initiative. Photo by Amira Noshokaty
Last week, NMEC celebrated one of Egypt's cultural gems, Qena governorate.
This event, part of the Egyptian Governorates programme, highlights the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of different regions of Egypt on a monthly basis.
Known for its deep ties to Egyptian heritage, Qena’s location between the Nile and the Red Sea made it a major centre for trade and pilgrimage throughout history.
It was also home to the prehistoric Naqada (Negadda) civilization. The village of Garagous is famous for its distinctive blue pottery, which reflects this ancient legacy.
Qena is also renowned for its traditional Ferka handwoven textiles and for preserving the Sirah Al-Hilaliya (Epic of Beni Helal) museum, the hometown of poets such as the late Am Said El Dawi. Both Ferka and Sirah were listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The celebration began with traditional folk music from Qena, accompanied by the Tahteeb (stick art) performance, a traditional art form that was listed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Visitors were welcomed by a gallery of photographs of Qena.
"Among them were scenes of Tahteeb performed during local religious festivals like Moulid, the guard of Dendera Temple, and the traditional Saqiffa, which was an architectural solution where a family extends their home by building a room bridging two buildings without blocking the street below," renowned photographer Ahmed Mostafa explained to Ahram Online.
Pigeon towers and ancient doors
The exhibition also shed light on Qena’s distinctive pigeon towers in Naqada. Once a resting place for wild pigeons cared for by local families, these towers closely resemble ancient Egyptian models seen in the museum’s permanent collection.
Naqada is also famous for pottery, particularly the zir, a large clay container for storing water.
The old wooden doors of Naqada, similar to those of Esna, often feature verses from the Quran, Christian crosses, or welcoming poetry, with star-like engravings reminiscent of ancient Egyptian motifs.
Garagous pottery
Garagous pottery was another highlight of the exhibition. Despite the closure of its main factory, this traditional craft continues to thrive.
Young artist Sandy Eshak Youssef, daughter of a master potter, displayed her latest creations of coffee and tea cups, keeping the craft alive for new generations.
Ferka
The exhibition also presented Ferka weaving, one of Qena’s most cherished crafts. Known for its fine handwoven fabrics, Ferka continues to be a proud symbol of the governorate’s living heritage.
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