Cultural Event Celebrates Queen Shajar al-Durr at NMEC

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Fustat hosted a cultural and educational event titled "Shajar al-Durr: Stories from Our Heritage," celebrating one of Egypt's most prominent female historical figures, Queen Shajar al-Durr.

The event, held in collaboration with a selection of Egyptian institutions and artists, aimed to revive Egypt’s rich cultural heritage and further the museum’s educational role.

Tayeb Abbas, CEO of the museum, emphasized that the event was part of ongoing efforts to enhance awareness of Egyptian history by highlighting influential figures who left a lasting imprint on the nation's heritage.

He noted that the event blended various activities, including art exhibitions, cultural displays, and interactive workshops, offering an innovative way of presenting Egypt's heritage by combining art, culture, and history.

By partnering with artists and institutions, the museum presented a comprehensive experience featuring exhibitions, live performances, and hands-on workshops. This interactive approach allowed visitors to engage with Egyptian heritage in unique and meaningful ways.

Abbas also shared that this event was part of a broader strategy to pass down Egypt's cultural legacy to future generations and to strengthen the museum’s standing as a cultural beacon both locally and internationally.

The event featured a collection of photographs and paintings that depicted the life and legacy of Queen Shajar al-Durr, alongside artwork by Mohamed Gomaa showcasing Mamluk architectural arts. Additionally, film and television scenes portraying the Queen’s story added cultural depth to the program.

Highlighting traditional Arabic calligraphy, Dr. Saleh Al-Anbari presented a live demonstration of Mamluk-style Thuluth script in collaboration with the Qalam School of Arabic Calligraphy. Interactive workshops included miniature models of Shajar al-Durr’s dome, gypsum window carving ("Shababik al-Jiss"), and heritage jewelry, including a replica of the Queen's necklace.

Visitors also participated in workshops on copper engraving, clog-making, decoupage, and even a historical fashion show inspired by the attire of Mamluk royals, creating a vibrant atmosphere that invited photo opportunities.

At the conclusion of the event, the museum honored all participating artists with certificates of appreciation for their invaluable contributions to the success of the celebration.