Meet Five Egyptian Artisans Keeping Their Country’s Ancient Crafts | Still Standing
Business Insider・2 minutes read
Egypt's ancient civilization is renowned for crafts like Papyrus and Fez hats, with artisans like Nasser Abdelbassad and Syed Hussein keeping these traditional crafts alive despite challenges from market shifts and historical bans. Ahmad, a skilled craftsman, perseveres through economic downturns and political upheavals, dedicating himself to the intricate process of creating unique pieces like vases using traditional techniques and materials.
Insights
- The traditional crafts of Papyrus, Fez hats, and cement tiles in Egypt are deeply intertwined with the country's rich history and cultural heritage, with artisans like Nasser Abdelbassad and Syed Hussein playing crucial roles in preserving these ancient traditions despite facing challenges such as market shifts and bans on certain products.
- Artisans like Ahmad demonstrate exceptional skill and dedication in creating intricate handmade items like vases using traditional techniques passed down through generations, showcasing the resilience of Egypt's craft industry in the face of socio-political upheavals and economic downturns caused by events like the Egyptian revolution and the global pandemic.
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Recent questions
What are some iconic crafts from Egypt?
Papyrus and Fez hats
Where are cement tiles handmade in Egypt?
Cairo
What impact did the ban on Fez hats have in Egypt?
Decline in the industry
How has the decline in tourism affected the Papyrus industry in Egypt?
Impacted negatively
What challenges has Ahmad faced in continuing his craft?
2011 Egyptian revolution and the pandemic
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Summary
00:00
"Crafts of Egypt: Papyrus, Fez, Cement"
- Egypt's civilization is one of the oldest globally, known for iconic crafts like Papyrus and Fez hats.
- Papyrus, an early form of paper, is made in one village in Egypt using traditional methods.
- Fez hats, once a symbol of the Ottoman Empire, are crafted by Nasser Abdelbassad in Cairo.
- Cement tiles, a craft since the 1800s, are handmade by Syed Hussein in Egypt.
- Syed's workshop in Cairo showcases the meticulous process of making cement tiles.
- The decline of cement tiles in Europe led to a shift in the market, impacting Syed's business.
- Nasser and his son are among the few Fez makers left in Cairo, preserving a dying craft.
- The ban on Fez hats in Egypt in the 1950s led to a decline in the industry.
- Papyrus paper, invented by Egyptians 5,000 years ago, is still made in El Karamus village.
- The decline in tourism due to events like the Arab Spring and the pandemic has impacted the Papyrus industry in Egypt.
31:03
Ahmad crafts high-end vases with dedication.
- It takes Ahmad 10 days to make one vase, with larger items potentially taking months; these pieces can sell for $300 to $1,000. Foreign she then Sands the vase with a softer sander for finishing, cleans it with water, and works with stones like Egyptian Alabaster, granite, and basalt, some of which go through a burning process using cow dung as a base. Despite challenges from the 2011 Egyptian revolution and the pandemic, he continues his craft, aiming to pass on his skills to the next generation.
