NMEC Showcases the Cultural Diversity of Qena Through “Qena: Memory of the South”

As part of its “Governorates of Egypt” initiative, launched to highlight the cultural and civilizational identity of Egypt’s diverse regions, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) organized a two-day cultural and artistic event titled “Qena: Memory of the South”, in collaboration with Qena Governorate and the governorate’s Economic Clusters Unit, with the participation of a distinguished group of artists and craftsmen.

The event was attended by Dr. Khaled Abdel Halim, Governor of Qena; Dr. Hazem Omar, Deputy Governor; and Major General Ayman El-Sayed, Assistant Secretary General of the Governorate.

Dr. El-Tayeb Abbas, CEO of NMEC, emphasized that the event builds on the museum’s “Governorates of Egypt” series, stressing that Qena is rich in diverse cultural and historical heritage worthy of documentation and celebration. He added that such activities strengthen national belonging and support efforts to promote domestic tourism.

The program featured a wide variety of cultural and artistic activities, including exhibitions of traditional crafts such as Faraka weaving, pottery, leatherwork, handmade kilim, brassware, and jewelry. Live interactive workshops on Faraka looms and pottery wheels gave visitors the chance to engage in hands-on experiences. In addition, photography exhibitions by artists Ahmed Mostafa and Ahmed Saudi showcased Qena’s most prominent heritage and historical landmarks, alongside documentary films on Dendera Temple and the Mawlid of Sidi Abdel Rahim Al-Qenawi.

The event also highlighted traditional Qena costumes and offered visitors the chance to sample local culinary specialties such as Eish Shamsi, molasses, Faish bread, Feteer, and Agamiya, which were met with wide acclaim. Complementing the experience were vibrant folk performances that reflected Qena’s authentic heritage, along with artistic displays of traditional weaving tools and representations of local architecture and daily life.

The event concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation by NMEC to the participating artists and craftsmen, in recognition of their valuable contributions to the success of this cultural initiative aimed at celebrating Qena as a vital source of Egypt’s civilizational identity.