Traditional Building Crafts and their Role in the Revitalisation of Historic Cairo

The research is concerned with the link between craftsmanship and the conservation of the built heritage. Traditional crafts and local production activities are recognized as living heritage that can revitalize the livelihood of the local community,[1] and the integration of craftsmen’s skills into building activities as a tool for the rehabilitation of historic sites.

Investigations are carried out on traditional building crafts including stonemasonry, brickwork, woodwork, metalwork, stuccowork, tilework and glasswork. Special reference is given to building crafts in Historic Cairo World Heritage property.[2]

Attempts aiming at the protection of Historic Cairo’s heritage values are deficient.[3] The lack of maintenance is affecting the built heritage, many monuments are in a bad state of conservation, and living traditions are facing challenges. Within this context, practical and sensitive solutions are needed to revitalize the site.

Limited academic research is found in literature on craftsmanship in Historic Cairo. References describe the evolution of the city, its art and architecture, and cultural traditions. Few contemporary studies provide information on traditional building crafts in the site. The research seeks to fill the gap and link between theoretical studies and practical applications of building crafts based on a holistic approach and a multilevel analysis.

The potentials of craftsmanship for the conservation and maintenance of buildings of heritage value[4] that are in a bad state of conservation, lack protection measures, and represent a major part of Historic Cairo’s urban fabric[5] are explored.

Best practices in the revival of craftsmanship for the conservation of heritage buildings are analyzed based on regional and European experiences. In-depth investigations will be carried out on European case studies and findings will be reflected on Historic Cairo.

A conservation strategy will be developed for the revival of traditional building skills in Historic Cairo, which can contribute to sustainable development and ensure the transmission of knowledge to future generations. Guidelines supporting the use of craftsmen’s practices for the conservation of heritage buildings and traditional houses in the site will be elaborated on a technical level.[6]

[1] Craftsmanship is part of the Intangible Heritage protected by the UNSECO 2003 Convention for Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage ratified by Egypt as a member state.

[2] Inscribed in1979 on the World Heritage List, according to selection criteria (i), (v), (vi)

[3] See WHC/17/’&.COM/7B, p.159-161 and URHC Report of Activities 2014, Chapter I

[4] The architectural heritage of Historic Cairo includes listed and unlisted monuments, registered buildings of peculiar value, as well as unlisted historic houses and buildings of heritage value.

[5] See URHC Report of Activities 2014

[6] With reference to well-established European guidelines