Cultural Debates

The 7th Cultural Debate - “The Culture of Upper Egypt: A Rediscovery for the Future”

Within the framework of the program Support to Cultural Diversity and Creativity in Egypt, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is organizing a cultural debate under the theme of “The Culture of Upper Egypt: A Rediscovery for the Future”. The debate is to be held on Thursday the 5^th of March at Assiut University.

The event is implemented under the theme of Cultural Debates; a project fostered by the program Support to Cultural Diversity and Creativity in Egypt. The project holds several events at which important issues and topics related to improving the cultural sector in Egypt are raised, and where experts and policy makers are invited to discuss and make recommendations regarding drafting a national cultural policy for Egypt.

The 7^th debate seeks to shed light on the culture of Upper Egypt, which represents a significant element in the Egyptian culture as a whole, that confirms the latter’s depth and power. Being marginalized by the media, there is not a proper exposure for writers and poets from Upper Egypt who did not leave to Cairo in search for fame. Furthermore, there are many cultural expressions associated with Upper Egypt, such as popular storytelling and Tahtib, that are in danger of disappearing as a result of urbanization and the lack of encouragement for these types of art.

On the whole, the debate aims to connect and bring to light the culture of Upper Egypt. Significantly, developing the Egyptian culture is intertwined with promoting diversity, contrasts and integration. This will only be achieved through exploring the cultural geography of Egypt.