The journey of writing in the land of pharaoh
Introduction
Hieroglyphic Inscriptions, Isis Chapel, Dendera Temple
Among many ancient societies, writing held a extremely special and important role. Writing provides a way of extending human memory by imprinting into media less fickle than the human brain. writing was a very useful invention for complex and high-population cultures. Writing was used for record keeping to correctly count agricultural products, for keeping the calendar to plant crops at the correct time, and writing was used for religious purpose (divination and communicating with the supernatural world) and socio-political functions (reinforcing the kingship).
Kufic-Gebel Alnakous-Al tor-SinaiA major object of the Calligraphy Center, in Bibliotheca Alexandrina is to put on display "the journey of writing in the land of pharaohs". The exhibition will put on display a collection of photographs, casts and original artifacts that chronologically and thematically speaks about the journey of writing in the land of the pharaohs from proto dynastic period up to the digital age, including inscribed tags from Naqada III, early dynastic labels, the development of hieroglyphs during the pharaonic Egypt. The various writings such hieratic, cursive hieratic, demotic and Coptic. Also Greek and roman writings together with foreign inscriptions known to come from Egypt will be displayed such as Aramaic, Syriac, Hebrew, Carian, Cuneiform, Armenian. writings in Islamic Egypt from early Arab conquest up to the End of ottoman period forms a major section of the exhibition writing in the 19 th century and 20 th century including some interesting comical English transcriptions of some Arabic inscriptions.
Objectives
Carian Stela, Egyptian Museum
The exhibition will explore how the writings developed in Egypt, displaying the different phases of inventing writing in Egypt. The exhibition is targeting different cohorts aiming to increase the culture awareness in the community. On the main objectives of this exhibition is to be able to tour schools and engage kids in the culture heritage dialogue and to make then aware of their past and its major contribution to humanity. In addition the exhibition is organizing workshop for writings for kids, aiming to improve their skills and make them aware of various writings known to come from Egypt. The exhibition catalogue will be a major reference for both layperson and student, as it will include articles written by high standard Egyptian and foreigner scholars. The exhibitions will be
Cuneiform Tablet, Egyptian Museum
digitalized placed on line to guarantee a universal access. Beside the electronic access in publication of the exhibition in the form of C.D will also appeared and it will include audible commentary on various artifacts participants into the exhibitions.
