For safeguarding one of the world’s most historically rich urban fabrics, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, launched the “Historic Cairo Forum – An Integrated Vision for a Sustainable Future”, in cooperation with UNESCO’s Regional Office in Cairo. The forum aims to consolidate proposals and projects developed during the recent Heritage Universities Forum, with a focus on the sustainable rehabilitation of Historic Cairo.
Held in Cairo and attended by senior governmental officials, heritage experts, UNESCO representatives, and tourism sector stakeholders, the forum marked a significant push toward implementing actionable projects to revitalize Cairo’s historical core while preserving its unique urban identity.
A Platform for Strategic Dialogue
In his opening remarks, Minister Fathy emphasized the forum’s role as a strategic platform to discuss, align, and prioritize heritage development proposals. He stated that “This forum reflects our commitment to translating ideas into concrete projects. We are setting the stage for a comprehensive approach to restore Historic Cairo’s architectural and cultural grandeur, in line with sustainable urban and tourism development goals.”
The minister highlighted the need for collaborative action between the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Cairo Governorate, and the Urban Development Fund, with an emphasis on establishing clear mechanisms for execution based on priority.
Reviving Heritage Through Innovation and Inclusion
A major theme of the forum centered around empowering traditional crafts and integrating local communities. Minister Fathy revealed plans to designate dedicated areas within Historic Cairo for artisans to showcase and sell their products rent-free.
“This initiative will not only sustain heritage craftsmanship but will also connect it directly with the tourism economy,” the minister noted, reinforcing the government’s support for creative economies rooted in tradition.
He also proposed the creation of a comprehensive archaeological site map, along with a centralized visitor center, to enhance the tourist experience and highlight the immense historical value of the district.
UNESCO’s Endorsement and Continued Partnership
Dr. Nuria Sanz, Director of UNESCO’s Cairo Office, praised the ministry’s efforts and reaffirmed the organization’s support for the proposed initiatives.
“These projects are the culmination of two years of rigorous work. They offer a blueprint for preserving Cairo’s extraordinary heritage while ensuring sustainable integration with modern urban life,” she stated.
Key Projects Unveiled
Seven transformative projects were presented during the forum, each targeting a specific heritage zone within Historic Cairo. These include:
- Citadel Archaeological Zone – Energy Efficiency and Digital Engagement
- Introducing renewable energy systems and immersive technologies like augmented and virtual reality to reduce environmental impact while enhancing historical awareness.
- Fustat Zone – Green and Inclusive Urbanism
- Reinventing the urban fabric through community-engaged design and expanded green spaces to support social, economic, and environmental resilience.
- Al-Gamaleya District – Creative Economies and Intangible Heritage
- Merging intangible heritage with urban planning to support traditional industries and reimagine the visitor experience. The ministry has proposed a visitor center and a permanent artisan exhibition to support this vision.
- Al-Darb Al-Ahmar Zone – Adaptive Reuse and Heritage Finance
- Proposes the re-use of heritage buildings as cultural and community centers, aligned with eco-mobility plans and alternative financing mechanisms to promote economic revitalization.
- East Cairo Heritage Trail – Documentation and Urban Memory
- Mapping a heritage trail from the Mamluk-era Ben Barquq complex to significant unregistered sites, with a multimedia-equipped visitor hub and craft revival workshops.
- Imam Shafi’i Area – Climate Resilience and Historical Landscapes
- Tackling climate threats and groundwater issues by introducing a green buffer zone, urban agriculture, and a community park.
- Al-Azhar and Al-Ghouri Complex – Living Heritage and Social Policy
- Revitalizing heritage sites for local use, including vocational training centers for craftspeople and cultural spaces that reflect the social fabric of Historic Cairo.
Toward a Unified Tourism Experience
Representatives from Egypt’s tourism industry applauded the initiatives, expressing interest in curating defined visitor itineraries through Historic Cairo. The Egyptian Tourism Promotion Board is set to coordinate field visits and route familiarization tours for tour operators and guides.
In parallel, the ministry announced that summaries of the discussed projects will soon be available on its newly launched digital training platform, allowing broader participation from tourism and heritage professionals.
A Vision for Preservation and Prosperity
In closing, Minister Fathy expressed his confidence that the outcomes of the forum will foster “a new era for Historic Cairo – one that honors its past, supports its present communities, and secures a sustainable future.”
As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Cairo’s historic quarters represent a living museum of heritage. The ministry’s integrated development strategy, grounded in community participation, digital innovation, and environmental stewardship, signals a meaningful shift in how Egypt is reimagining its cultural legacy for the 21st century.
