Egypt’s Minister of Culture Inas Abdel Dayem opened the 13th annual Traditional Crafts Festival, on Sunday, at the Al Gezira Cinema Center near the Cairo Opera House.
The festival, which runs from 25-29 October, has been organised by Khaled Sorour, Director of the ministry’s Fine Arts Sector, in cooperation with a number of institutions and civil society associations.
This year’s edition carries the name of celebrated critic Abdel Qader Mokhtar, due to his efforts in preserving the Egyptian cultural identity.
Taking place under the theme of “Traditional Crafts in the Eyes of Islamic Cairo”, the festival will include a fashion show featuring traditional outfits.
Abdel Dayem said that traditional arts occupy an important place in Egyptian society, as it identifies the country’s personality. She added that there is a need to support traditional arts and crafts as an important tool to preserve the country’s ancient and pioneering personality.
She added that the festival provides an opportunity for new generations to become acquainted with creative elements that formed the Egyptian civilisation. She has also expressed the ministry’s interest in developing and supporting traditional crafts in Egypt.
The opening ceremony included a folkloric Tanoura show, a fashion show of traditional costumes, featuring about 25 outfits presented from many different heritage styles.
