In a vibrant celebration of shared heritage and artistic exchange, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC) on February 4 collaborated with the Embassy of Slovakia in Cairo to host an extraordinary cultural event: “From the Nile to the Tatras: A Cultural Exchange.”
This unique initiative brought Slovakia’s rich traditions to the banks of the Nile, creating a platform for mutual appreciation of how art and heritage can connect people across continents. The event highlighted the power of cultural diplomacy and underscored the timeless role of art in preserving and reimagining traditions.
A fusion of fashion and heritage
Held at NMEC, a venue renowned for its dedication to storytelling through history, the evening opened with a stunning fashion show by Egyptian designer Mohamed Sami. Known for his ability to blend traditional Egyptian craftsmanship with modern design, Sami presented a collection that celebrated Egypt’s artistic legacy while drawing inspiration from Slovakia’s cultural traditions.
Sami’s designs paid homage to tally, an iconic heritage of Upper Egypt. This intricate embroidery technique, which uses flattened metallic threads to create shimmering geometric patterns, has been practiced by artisans in the region for centuries. By incorporating tally into his designs, Sami not only showcased the richness of Egypt’s cultural heritage but also positioned it within a contemporary, global context.
“Egypt and Slovakia may be worlds apart geographically,” Sami remarked during his speech, “but we are deeply united by a shared reverence for the past and our commitment to preserving it. From tally embroidery to intricate wood carving, Egypt possesses a legacy of craftsmanship that is unmatched. Sharing that spirit and learning from Slovakia’s own traditions was a journey of mutual appreciation.”
The highlight of the event, however, was the unveiling of the art exhibition ”Parta in the 21st Century,” which runs until February 20. This exhibition invites Egyptian audiences to step into the vibrant world of Slovak culture, offering a glimpse into the traditions, emotions, and artistry of another land.
Reviving Slovakia’s Parta through art and science
At the heart of the exhibition is the parta — an ornate headband historically worn by unmarried young women in Slovakia. Once a symbol of youth, beauty, and regional identity in the 19th and 20th centuries, the parta has been reimagined for modern audiences through an innovative art project led by photographers Ľubomír Sabo and Zuzana Sénásiová, ethnologist Katarína Sabová, and painters Sarah I. Avni and Ivana Mintálová.
“What makes this exhibition extraordinary is the rare fusion of science and art,” explains Katarína Sabová, who conceptualised the project. The team delved into historical archives, folk traditions, and oral histories to recover nearly forgotten styles and regional designs.
The result is a breathtaking collection of 58 original works that blend photography, artistic face painting, and symbolic acrylic backgrounds. Each piece features Slovak actresses, singers, and models adorned in traditional wedding attire and party (plural of parta) unique to their regions. The paintings, created over the past decade, serve as a vivid reminder that ancestral craftsmanship can thrive even in the digital age.
The emotional depth of the works is striking. Each painting tells a story of joy, identity, and the sacred rituals that once shaped the lives of Slovak women. From serene humbleness to youthful vibrance, the collection transcends cultural boundaries, inviting viewers to reflect on their own heritage and traditions.
A global journey to Egypt
The “Parta in the 21st Century” exhibition has travelled the world, captivating audiences in cities such as Shanghai, Brussels, Istanbul, Beijing, Dubai, Vienna, Berlin, Prague, Moscow, Ottawa, New York, Frankfurt, and Washington. Its arrival in Cairo marks its debut on African soil, with plans to bring the exhibition to Alexandria in the near future.
“Egypt is often regarded as the gateway to Africa,” said Lenka Miháliková, Ambassador of Slovakia to Egypt.
“This exhibition not only connects Slovakia and Egypt—it connects the past and the present. It celebrates heritage as living, breathing, and constantly evolving,” she told The Egyptian Gazette.
“We are also planning to bring this exhibition to Alexandria, pending the necessary approvals and scheduling availability,” she added.
Ambassador Miháliková emphasised the importance of cultural diplomacy in fostering meaningful connections between nations. “Previously, we hosted a wonderful concert at the Opera House last September, and from time to time, we organize film screenings and other events. We hope to expand these initiatives further and collaborate with talented artists from both countries.”
The evening’s events demonstrated how two cultures, seemingly worlds apart, can find common ground in their shared appreciation for history, art, and craftsmanship. While Slovakia’s parta reflects its regional traditions, Egypt’s own legacy of artistry – from tally embroidery to intricate wood carving – resonates deeply with similar themes of identity and heritage.
