The halls of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC) in southern Cairo resonated with colour, music, and the aroma of traditional foods during the Qena: Memory of the Southexhibition.
This captivating, large-scale cultural showcase,which was held on August 30 and 31, was part of the NMEC’s ongoing Egypt’s Governoratesinitiative.
It threw sharp light on the heart and the soul of Qena, a southern Egyptian governorate celebrated for its deep cultural and historical roots.
The event gave the chance to attendees from all parts of Egypt, along with tourists, to wade deep into Qena’s enchanting tapestry of heritage.
Organized by the Economic Clusters Unit, an affiliate of Qena Governorate, the exhibition was designed to help visitors immerse themselves in the rich traditions, crafts, and cuisine that define Qena’s identity.
CEO of the NMEC, A-Tayeb Abbas, articulated this vision during the event’s inauguration by describing Qena’s cultural and historical legacy as a “cornerstone” of Egypt’s broader heritage.
“Celebrating and documenting these traditions not only preserves them for future generations but also boosts domestic tourism and boosts national pride,” he told a host of dignitaries, artisans, and families attending the opening of the exhibition.
The event unfolded like a living museum of Qena’s artistry. Farka weaving, a centuries-old tradition in Upper Egypt, took centre stage, with skilled artisans working manual looms in real-time demonstrations.
Visitors marvelled at vibrant, patterned fabrics used for ceremonial décor, weddings, and everyday apparel.
Artisans explained how distinct motifs carry symbolic meanings, some believed to offer blessings and protection to their owners.
Qena’s pottery heritage was similarly showcased. Onlookers gathered to watch potters shape smooth clay into elegant vessels, using time-honoured methods passed down through generations.
These pots, ranging from robust kitchenware to intricate decorative pieces, provided a tangible connection to ancient Egyptian craft.
The kilim rug-weavers also drew admiration, spinning bold geometric patterns in dazzling colours, a testament to the enduring vibrancy of Upper Egyptian design.
Leatherwork, gleaming copper goods, and ornate jewellery further underscored Qena’s depth of artisanal expertise.
Many artisans proudly explained how entire families or villages engage in these crafts, with workshops supporting local economies and keeping traditions alive amid modern pressures.
It is widely known that celebrations of Qenacannot be complete without its signature flavours.
The scent of shamsi bread, a sun-baked, slightly tangy flatbread, filled the air as bakers demonstrated ancient preparation techniques.
Fayesh, pillowy round loaves cherished in Qena’shouseholds, and flaky, buttery feteer were served warm, delighting both children and adults.
Sweet-toothed visitors revelled in agamia, a sticky, dough-based delight infused with blackstrap molasses, a staple sweetener in the region.
Local chefs eagerly discussed the origins and stories behind each dish, emphasising the vital role food plays in family life and community celebrations across Qena.
This culinary journey not only satisfied appetites but also brought attendees closer to the everyday rhythms of Upper Egyptian life.
Beyond its artistry and cuisine, Qena’s spiritual and historic stature was respectfully chronicled. Crowds gathered for documentaries about the Dendera Temple Complex, a Ptolemaic marvel known for its majestically preserved astronomical ceiling and captivating wall reliefs.
These films traced the temple’s evolution as a centre for worshiping the goddess Hathor and underscored its role as a bridge between ancient and modern Egypt.
One highlight was the focus on the mawlid(birthday) of Sayyid Abdel Rahim el-Qenawi, a revered Sufi celebration that brings together thousands of people each year for music, dance, and communal worship.
Through multimedia exhibits and traditional musical performances, visitors experienced the unique blend of devotion and festivity that marks this Qena tradition.
Photographic exhibits by local artists, including Ahmed Mustafa and Ahmed Saudi, captured breath-taking landscapes, bustling markets, and moments of daily joy in Qena. Live fashion shows offered a glimpse into the region’s distinctive attirewhere embroidery, vibrant fabrics, and jewellery reflect both heritage and contemporary flair.
Energetic folk performances, drumming, singing, and spirited traditional dances, electrified the audience, fostering a joyful atmosphere and highlighting the dynamic nature of Upper Egypt’s intangible heritage.
Interactive workshops for all ages allowed attendees to try their hand at weaving, pottery, and even traditional bread-making.
Educational panels and displays detailed not only the techniques but also the stories and community networks sustaining these crafts in Qena today.
The event concluded with a touching ceremony where each artisan, chef, and contributor received a certificate of appreciation from NMEC, reinforcing the value of their role as guardians of living heritage.
