Under the auspices of Egypt’s Minister of Culture, Dr. Ahmed Heno, and Governor of Damietta, Dr. Ayman El-Shehabi, the General Authority for Cultural Palaces continued its dynamic participation in the national cultural initiative “Egypt Speaks for Herself”, focusing on the July theme “Your Heritage is Your Legacy”. A wide array of events and workshops were organized by the Damietta branch, led by Ms. Nagwa Kiwan, celebrating the region’s rich historical, artistic, and social identity.
Unearthing the Past: The Legacy of Tell El-Barashiya
Among the highlights was an educational lecture on the archaeological site of Tell El-Barashiya, located east of the city of Faraskour. The session explored the tell’s roots in Ancient Egyptian civilization and its development through the Greco-Roman era, during which it was known as “Pra-She”. It was noted that the area flourished economically due to its agricultural activity, trade, and unique architectural features—including a rare Roman bath complex, residential quarters, burial sites, and remnants of olive oil and wine presses—indicating a vibrant, thriving community in the eastern Delta.
“Stories Through Paintings”: A Tribute to Damietta’s Artisanal Soul
As part of the visual arts segment, the “Stories Through Paintings” exhibition at the New Damietta Culture Palace paid homage to the city’s enduring cultural identity. The exhibit featured handcrafted art that portrayed iconic scenes from local life—such as fishing, traditional woodworking (notably “awima” carving), and natural landscapes from the Mediterranean coastline and the Nile River. The exhibition also included hand-crafted items such as khayamiya textiles, beadwork, leather crafts, and crochet pieces.
The artists and craftspeople participating in the exhibit were honored with certificates of appreciation by Ms. Nagwa Kiwan and Ms. Jihan Abdel Samie, Director of the New Damietta Culture Palace.
Creative Programming for Children and Youth
As part of its summer cultural programming, the East Delta Cultural Region—under the supervision of writer Ahmed Sami Khater—hosted a series of creative workshops and performances aimed at engaging children across Damietta. Activities included art sessions at Candy Nursery and the Early Learning Center, where children created drawings inspired by garden themes and crafted keychains from clay and foam.
A special performance by the Children’s Performing Arts and Movement Theater Troupe was held at the Roman Amphitheatre in the central park of New Damietta. The showcase included segments such as “Generation to Generation,” “Ship of Dreams,” “Cheer for My Country,” “The Teapot,” “It’s Cold Outside,” “Beauty is Ethics,” “Zombie,” “Mirror,” “Sinuhe,” “Ya Ma‘afir,” and “Six in the Morning,” among others.
Social Awareness and Public Education
In conjunction with World Population Day, Damietta’s Cultural Palace organized a public lecture titled “Family Planning from a Social Perspective” at the Azbet El-Burj Youth Center. The session addressed critical issues such as the distinction between family planning and population control, the social and economic rationale for family size, and the importance of maternal health. Speakers emphasized that national prosperity is closely tied to both income levels and population growth, framing family planning as a vital strategy for improving healthcare, education, and economic well-being.
