In a landmark achievement for Egyptian heritage and architecture, Egypt has been awarded the Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2025 for the Historic Revival of Esna, during a grand ceremony organized by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.
Dr. Manal Awad, Egypt’s Minister of Local Development, and Eng. Abdel Muttalib Mamdouh Emara, Governor of Luxor, accepted the award on behalf of the Egyptian government and the project’s implementing team. The Esna project is one of only seven winning entries globally selected by the award’s master jury for their architectural excellence, cultural sensitivity, and sustainable community impact.
Community, and Sustainable Urbanism
The award ceremony brought together Prince Rahim Aga Khan, Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network, alongside a distinguished gathering of global architectural leaders, urban development experts, cultural policymakers, and international dignitaries.
The Esna Historic Revival Project, designed and executed by Takween Integrated Community Development. Project Director Karim Ibrahim, Design Unit Director Nevine Akl, and Tourism & Economic Development Lead Sherine Zaghlool joined the Egyptian delegation at the ceremony.
“This is not just a recognition of architectural excellence,” said Dr. Manal Awad in her keynote remarks. “It is a celebration of Egypt’s enduring legacy as a cradle of civilization, where history and modernity can coexist through visionary urban development. Egypt will continue to lead in preserving heritage while innovating for the future.”
Egypt Returns to Global Spotlight After Two-Decade Hiatus
This marks Egypt’s first win in over 21 years at the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. The last Egyptian project to receive the honor was the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in 2004. The return of Egypt to the Aga Khan Award’s winners’ list underscores the nation’s revitalized commitment to cultural preservation, sustainable development, and architectural innovation.
Dr. Awad expressed deep appreciation to the Aga Khan Trust for Culture for its unwavering support to heritage-driven development initiatives, and welcomed future collaborations to implement similar projects across Egyptian cities.
Revitalizing Esna
Luxor Governor Abdel Muttalib Emara emphasized the award’s impact on local and national development strategies. “This award validates Egypt’s strategic vision for sustainable tourism and inclusive urban development in Upper Egypt. The Esna project is not only restoring a historic city but transforming it into a vibrant cultural and economic hub.”
He highlighted an ongoing government-led initiative to modernize Esna’s Nile Corniche, including the creation of a riverside promenade, public gardens, open-air theatre, and artisanal bazaars. Additional works include upgrading public spaces and infrastructure, restoring heritage facades, and enhancing the visitor experience around the Temple of Khnum, a key archaeological site in Esna.
Honoring Architecture with a Purpose
Founded in 1977, the Aga Khan Award for Architecture is one of the most prestigious accolades in the field. It celebrates architectural projects that not only demonstrate design excellence but also meaningfully improve the quality of life in the Muslim world and beyond.
In its 16th triennial cycle, the award jury praised the Esna project for “its innovative approach to urban regeneration through participatory planning, cultural sensitivity, and sustainable economic activation.”
A Global Model for Heritage-Led Development
The Esna project now stands as a global model for how urban heritage can serve as a catalyst for community-led development. It showcases how architecture can balance preservation with progress, and how local empowerment can drive meaningful transformation.
