Dr. Ibrahim Saber, the Governor of Cairo, attended the activities of "First Cairo art studio" alongside Deputy Cairo Governor Ibrahim Abdel Hadi, President of Helwan University Dr. Said Qandil, and the Head of the National Organization for Urban Harmony. The event took place on Sharifain Street in Downtown Cairo and aims to restore the artistic and cultural characteristics of the area.
The event was attended by Prof. Dr. Sherin Abdel-Latif, Dean of the Faculty of Music Education; Prof. Dr. Amr Sami, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts; Prof. Dr. Sherif Abdel-Salam, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Arts; and Prof. Dr. Ahmed Hatem, Dean of the Faculty of Art Education, along with a large number of professors from Helwan University. More than 200 students from the faculties of Applied Arts, Fine Arts, Art, and Music Education participated, presenting numerous distinguished artworks about Khedive Cairo, as well as pieces of Arabic music that reflect the grandeur of the place.
Saber said these activities come as part of the state's commitment to preserving heritage and coincide with the start of the third phase of Khedivial Cairo restoration, where there are many buildings of distinctive architectural style.
Saber stated that the restoration of Khedivial Cairo aligns with the political leadership's directives to rapidly revitalize the area, with the goal of preserving and restoring its vital role in showcasing the region's architectural and urban characteristics. This initiative also follows the instructions of Dr. Mustafa Madbouli, the Prime Minister, to designate specific streets in the area for pedestrian use only.
Moreover, Saber commended Helwan University for its collaboration with the executive bodies of the governorate in organizing the event. He noted that there are plans to hold it regularly and to expand its implementation to other neighborhoods, such as Maadi and New Cairo.
Saber also emphasized the governorate's commitment to developing the Khedivial Cairo area and preserving it, urging the executive bodies to remove any encroachments, improve its visual appearance, and coordinate the public spaces around it.
Saber stated that the Cairo Governorate and the National Organization for Urban Harmony are collaborating to finalize the comprehensive plan for the historic Cairo development project. The goal is to maximize the benefits of assets and fully capitalize on investment opportunities in the heart of the capital. This initiative includes the development of pathways, which are crucial to the structure and character of historic Cairo. It also aims to optimize their use, as they serve as a vital nucleus and a fundamental step in the ongoing development project. Additionally, there will be more recreational and tourism activities to preserve the area's heritage and distinctive identity, as well as to promote its cultural and artistic significance in a manner that reflects its importance.
This exhibition marks the beginning of artistic activities at the Khedivial Cairo Art Studio, which aims to revive the artistic and cultural movement in the historic downtown area and restore its role as a center of cultural and artistic radiance in the heart of the capital.
Al-Sharifain Street, which spans 190 meters and is designated exclusively for pedestrians, features several properties with distinctive architectural styles, including the renowned radio building and the stock exchange buildings. The street has previously been developed and repaved with durable tiles to withstand pedestrian traffic while complementing the urban character of the area. Efforts have been made to preserve the trees, increase green spaces, enhance the efficiency of the streetlights, and maintain and repaint them, redistributing them along the street. Currently, work is underway to improve the efficiency of the triangular area in the street and its branches to further enhance its designation for pedestrians.
Source: Media Department, Cairo Governorate
