Egypt’s Intangible Heritage; Traditional Knowledge and Practices Worth Protecting
By Kenzy Fahmy
Egypt is a country that is blessed with an incredibly rich heritage and countless fascinating cultural traditions, and that’s not even including our ancient history. Everywhere you look you’ll find something special, something uniquely Egyptian, and this heritage is worth protecting at all costs.
As part of UNESCO’s mission to preserve these irreplaceable practices, certain traditions are being added to their list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in an effort to keep them from disappearing altogether in an increasingly fast-paced modern world. More have been nominated for a spot on the list, including traditional pottery and calligraphy, but for now, we have five invaluable practices that are considered essential forms of Egypt’s intangible heritage.
Al-Sirah Al-Hilaliyyah
Known as the Hilali epic, the Sirah Hilaliyyah is an oral poem passed down through the generations that tells the story of the Bani Hilal Bedouin tribe and their migration from Arabia into Africa. At one point the epic was performed across the Middle East but can now only be found in Egypt, and it’s one of the few remaining traditions of its kind. These special performances, which could sometimes go on for says, have been going on for over 600 years, with the verses sung to the music of the rabab, a relative of the fiddle, or a percussion instrument like the tabla. Unfortunately, the knowledge and skills required to perform the Hilali poem are quickly disappearing because of the rigorous training required and an increasingly profitable and rapidly changing tourism industry, and the poem is now usually only performed in short snippets.
Tahteeb
This impressive form of stick dancing originated in ancient Egypt as a martial art but has since become a symbolic performance and an expression of masculinity and strength. Tahteeb is now practiced primarily in Upper Egypt where it remains an integral part of Sa’idi culture until today. Almost like a game played between two opponents, Tahteeb has rules that are based on values like courage, strength, respect, pride and non-violence. It’s a practice that brings families and communities together, passing on sacred skills and values from generation to generation, spanning a period of more than two thousand years.
Al Aragoz - Traditional Egyptian Hand Puppetry
Theatrical performances have always been an important part of Egyptian culture, and the use of hand puppets in theatre is no exception. Aragoz shows are insightful, comedic and highly interactive, with stories that are often based on the daily lives and struggles of the Egyptian people. Like so many of our traditions, too many, those who have the skills, knowledge and desire to practice them are steadily dwindling, their crafts along with them.
The Date Palm - Knowledge, Skills and Practices
The date palm is so vital and so fundamental to Egyptian culture that no such list could exist without it. In fact, it could be argued that there are parts of Egypt that could not exist without it, from the essential nutrients it provides to the seemingly endless practical uses that can be derived from its trunk, leaves and fruit, the knowledge, skills and traditions that surround the date palm are incredibly rich and diverse. Thankfully, the deep connection people have with the date palm and its ancient cultural significance have kept the practices and traditions alive until now, with festivals taking place annually to celebrate the resilient, life-giving tree and everything related to it.
Upper Egyptian Hand Weaving
Sa’idi (Upper Egyptian) hand weaving is a delicate and complex process that requires a significant amount of time, patience and skill, as well as special tools and a space from which to work. Unfortunately all of these things are in short supply for most people these days, which means handmade weaving is becoming less and less profitable; what was once a common source of pride and an expression of identity is now becoming a dying art. But there are many who are working to revive the practice and preserve it for future generations, viewing it as a great way to educate and employ a growing population.
What can WE do to preserve these traditions?
One thing we can all do is to be aware of these beautiful and ancient practices, of the traditions that make up the culture of a country, and to protect them by appreciating their value, by remembering them. We can support the people and communities that are keeping these traditions alive whenever possible; attend one of the date festivals that take place annually all over Egypt, keep an eye out for hand puppet performances that might be taking place in Cairo, buy hand-woven tapestries from Upper Egypt, and most importantly, spread the word about all of these amazing art forms!