Over millennia Egypt was a source of civilization, arts and culture. Throughout history, each era; Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, Christian and Islamic, witnessed unique distinction of multi-cultures, from which Egypt's modern revival emanated, coping with the development of other cultures of modern world.

 

In 1952, the Revolution government gave special attention to culture and established the National Guidance Ministry, comprising departments concerned with culture. The first Ministry of Culture, also concerned with national guidance was established in 1958. In 1965, it was renamed the Ministry of Culture. During the 1980s, a draft cultural policy was laid down, due to a wide-spread practice of democracy. Cairo has become a beacon of thinking, literature and arts and the cultural capital of the Arab world. Its creative elites have become laureates for successive generations and laid down the bases of development and cultural revival in the Arab world. Thus, Egypt is coping with progress and the making of better future.

 In the following lines, we shed light on the singularities of the Egyptian culture:

Antiquities are Egypt's national heritage, as it embraces more than one third of the word's antiquities. The Egyptian antiquities are divided into: the Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, Coptic and Islamic eras. Salient of which are: Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx, Saqqara, Dahshour, Luxor and Aswan, churches, Islamic mosques, citadels, gates and walls.

The archeological works in 2004/2005 focused on planning archeological and historical sites in accordance with their architectural characteristic and historical value, most of which are:

- Devloping Tel el-Amarna and the Royal tomb in Menya, Tel Basta in Sharqeya, the Pyramids plateau, Edfu museum, reinstalling and equipping Amazis Temple and Phila Island, as well as establishing a center for documenting antiquities and heritage at Al Shallal in Aswan and developing the Avenue of Headed Sphinxes Rams between Luxor and Karnak temples.

Greater Cairo houses historical Cairo with its unique religious, architectural and cultural features. Hence, it had to be demarcated, restructured and rejuvenated, against the oversweeping tide of contemporary civilization with its technological means.

The number of documented antiquities in historical Cairo accounts for 313, in addition to other antiquities of historical value outside it. To revive historical Cairo, Studies Center of Developing Historical Cairo was established and is the cornerstone of work in these projects. In this field, 2004/2005 witnessed completing the restoration of 39 Islamic antiquities; including:

Qani Bay el-Rammah Mosque-Al Saleh Tale'a Mosque, Sultan Qaitbay Sabil and Kutab, Al-Ghouri Dome, Al Selhdar khan, Al Zaher Babars School, Ahmed Ben Toloun Mosque, Al Gohari Mosque, Magra el A'youn Wall, Muhammad Ali Palace.

These museums house the great Egyptian heritage that ranks highly all over the world, including: Luxor Museum and its extension, Ikhnatoun Museum, Sharm el Sheikh Museum, Rashid Natioanl Museum, developing Nubia Museum.

It is located in Tahrir Square in Cairo. It was opened in 1901 and comprises more than 501,000 archeological pieces, the most important of which is the collection found in the tombs of kings and the royal retinue of the Middle Dynasty found in Dahshour in 1894. It houses the greatest archeological collection in the world representing all the eras of the ancient Egyptian history, such as the Old Kingdom where it comprises the statues of Cheops, Mankaryus Ragotheb, Sheikh el Balad and the funeral furniture found in Hoteb Horus tomb. It also houses collections dating back to the Middle and New Kingdoms. The north wing of the upper floor is exclusive for displaying Tut Ankh Amoun treasures comprising more than 3500 pieces, as well as acquisitions dating back to the reign of Akhnatoun and his dynasty.

The centennial of the museum was celebrated in a remarkable ceremony.

It costs LE 200 million financed by the Nubia Antiquities salvage Fund on an area of 25 feddans to house 50.000 archeological pieces, representing the achievements of the Egyptian man in the various walks of life.

It is one of the new museums. It costed LE 6 million and comprises all the antiquities found since beginning of the excavation works in the past century.

Established on an area of 1910 metres in north Sinai, with the view of displaying the history and antiquities of Sinai throughout ancient eras, foremost of them are the statues of Ozoris and Isis.

All these museums are crowned by the establishment of the “Grand Egyptian Museum” on an area of 117 feddans nearby the Cairo-Alexandria desert highway. It will comprise 100,000 archeological pieces, representing the Pharaonic eras at a cost of LE 300 million. The museum will be run using the-state-of the-art technology.

Alexandria embraces a national museum and the Antiquities Museum in Alexandria library which comprises pieces dating back to the old library era.

Building on that Egypt participates in international exhibitions by displaying outstanding and rare monuments, aiming at extending bridges of friendship and peace between Egypt and the world countries. The first exhibition was in 1960, followed by others, which led to the spread of Egyptian archeological reproductions trade.

The last exhibition is in 2005 entitled “Immortal Egypt” which is touring North America, displaying 114 archedogical pieces.

- (Other Dimensions of Egypt's History and Masterpieces of Heritage) was the biggest Egyptian cultural Exhibition held in L.A., the United States of America, in the mid of 2005, to display 1200 pieces of Tut Ankh Amoun. The same year witnessed the shooting of a picture on King Tut Ankh Amoun” entitled “The Last Secrets of Tut A'nkh Amoun” and was screened on the world's Tvs.

It has been carried out to document Egypt's antiquities by scientific means, so as to curb dealing in antiquities whether inside or outside Egypt. There is another project for documenting the archeological sites on maps for the organs responsible for registering ownerships, lands, infrastructure and the projects of expansion in ownerships, so as to avoid trespasses.

It undertakes the publication of intellectual, scientific and literary creative works, in form of:

Encyclopedias and dictionaries, books for children, books on arts and antiquities, Arabic heritage and Islamic studies, human knowledge and masterpieces of great writers.

Arabic Creative Works, World Creative Works, Literary Studies, Philosophical Texts, The Cultural Literary Studies, Philosophical Texts, The Cultural Library, Arab Outstanding Figures, Science for All, Egypt's Renaissance.

In addition to a number of periodical and seasonal magazines in the various types of knowledge. The Organization also undertakes the national project for translation that led the issuance of 630 titles in the various domains.

In 2004/05, 84 books were published, salient of which was a new edition of “Iliad”.

It held the 37^th round in which 25 world countries participated represented by 516 publishers, in addition to about 200 publishers in outdoor stands.

It held the 21^st round in which 37 counties took part and on the sidelines of its activities, scientific seminars and artistic shows were held.

It started in 1991 in response to Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak's call for developing the reading habit with children and adults. Efforts of various ministries and authorities were collaborated with the Integrated Care Society to make it a success. In 2005, its 15^th anniversary was celebrated, since its inception in Arab Al Mohamadi Library until Alexandria Library.

It embarked upon providing the biggest number of public libraries for all family members as well as moving and beaches libraries. A number of programmes for the same purpose were carried out such as the 21^st Century Club, the Green Corner, Read for Your Child and others. Other branches of Mubarak Public Library were established in Egypt's governorates, within the context of a national programme to be completed over the coming years.

Another enterprise emanated from the festival entitled “Family Library”. It issued 3100 titles, at a total of 37 million copies. In 2004/05, new series were issued on the (100^th anniversaries), such as that of Imam Mohammad A'bdou and Mahmoud Sami Al Baroudi, adding 12 new books to the family library.

The state adopts a policy aiming at spreading libraries all over Egypt. In 1995, Greater Cairo Library and Mubarak Public Library were opened, followed by 52 libraries in villages and hamlets within the Ministry's plan to establish 5-10 libraries annually. In 2004/05 9 new libraries were established.

 

In 2005, Egypt took part in the ceremony held by UNESCO and in which more than 100 countries participated to celebrate the Book Day on April 23^rd.

Egypt has a big assest of various literary works over the various eras. Since the beginning of the 20^th century, there was a development in the literary and artistic creative movement, starting with Eissa ben Hisham Hadith by Al Mowlhi, followed in 1914 by Zeinab by Dr Muhammad Hussein Heikal as a novel. The literature arena surged with many men-of-letter and intellectuals such as: Tawfiq el Hakim, Taha Hussein, Al A'kkad, Ihssan Abdel Kodous, Youssef Edris and Naguib Mahfouz.

He won Noble Prize for Literature in 1988 for his novel “Awlad Haretna” (Sons of Our Alley), and in November of the same year, he was accorded the Nile Medale by President Mubarak.

One of the most remarkable cultural edifices. BA was opened in 2002 to be Egypt's window to the world and the world's window to Egypt. It is a digital institution and a forum for dialogue, learning and understanding. It has become a gate of interaction between Egypt and the world approached by scholars and foreigners to communicate with Egypt.

 

- It joined the Libraries Federation as the first strategic partner outside the United States and Europe. The number of titles in the library totalled 400.000 in all fields. 

- Issuing the digital copy of the “Description of Egypt” book on DVD and documenting the era of President Abdul Nasser in a digital form.

- Opening Einestine Exhibition on the sidelines of Einestine Conference organized by the library on 4-6^th June 2005, as well as the exhibition of the History of Printing in Egypt and Arab World.

- The library hosted the Arab Reform Initiative Conference held in March 2004 and resulted into Alexandria Document that drew up the trends of reform in the Arab world and the establishment of the Arab Reform Forum for which the library laid down a quadrilateral programme to deepen and enhance the trend of reform in Egypt and the Arab world.

- The library has become a center for the national network of Euro-Mediterranean dialogue networks of Anna Linda Foundation for Inter-Cultures and Civilizations Dialogue.

The National Library and Documentation Authority

- It re-issues the intellectual and literary masterpieces of pioneers.

- The mechanization of documents and converting manuscripts into electronic media.

- Reviving the National Library at Bab El Khalq with a view to upgrading its role being the biggest national library.

The Opera House is the bridge of high class Egyptian culture to the cultures of modern world. The new Opera House was opened in 1988 comprising many troupes and hosts major world troupes. 2004/05 has witnessed the following: renovating and developing the opera museum that embraces the historical acquisitions rescused from the opera fire in 1972, in addition to the new ones. Within the context of the opera plan to spread sublime arts in new cities, the extension project of the National Cultural Centre (The Culture Oasis) will be completed in the 6^th of October  City.

It is a civilizational landmark distinguishing Alexandria City. It organizes Qait-Bey Citadel festival and various performances.

The Egyptians recognized forms of plastic art since ancient times, such as statues, paintings and engravings reflecting highly artistic concepts. Then, Egyptian arts were connected with architectural engineering over the various eras.

The plastic part sector is interested in local and international artistic events. It aimed at establishing artistic information technology clubs, so as to provide information on the plastic movement and its prominent figures and give those interested access to plastic creative works all over the world. The sector also modernizes and upgrade artistic and national museums.

It was opened in 2005 comprising handicrafts workshops aiming at reviving traditional handicrafts of dovetailled glass, arabesque, oyster engraved works, tent making, silver and copper engraving in addition to folkloric costumes and historical works.

The center is a nucleus for setting up an integrated city of traditional arts with a view to promoting handicrafts and training talented youth.

- International Aswan Day Symoposium on the Art of Sculpture.

- Alexandria Biennial of the Mediterranean Countries.

- The Egyptian International Graphics Triennial.

- Cairo International Porcelain Biennial.

- Youth Salon.

- National Exhibition for Plastic Arts.

-         Port Said Biennial for Plastic Arts.

Creativity centers provide for the public cultural performances, most prominent of which are:

Artistic Creativity Centre at the Opera House, Artistic Creativity Centre in Alexandria, Al Sawi Saqiah (waterwheel), Artistic Creativity Centre at Beit al Sehemi, Artistic Creativity Centre at Khatooun Al Harrawi and Suzanne Mubarak's Centre for Islamic Civilization at (Qait Bey Citadel and Sabil).

The history of cinema in Egypt dates back to more than one hundred years back, over which it produced more than 3000 films representing the big asset of the Arab cinema. The proper start of cinema was in 1927 by producing the famous silent movie “Zeinab” by Muhammad Karim.

- Studio Misr was established in 1935 as a new shift in the history of Egyptian cinema, where big movies were produced; salient of which was  “The Mummy” by the great director Shadi Abdel Salam, that won 12 awards in international festivals. His movie captured the world's admiration.

- In the 80s, a new generation of directors appeared. They directed films that formed a new important trend in the Egyptian cinema; such as: Atef el Tayeb, Ra'fat el Mehey, Khayri Beshara and Muhammad Khan.

- The Ministry of Culture enhances serious film-making and embarks upon its development, so as to cope with international spheres, by holding international and national film festivals and participating in some Arab and international festivals.

- Cairo International Film Festival. In 2005 it showed films of 49 countries, 15 of which competed for the Golden Pyramid Award, 3 of which were Egyptian.

- The National Festival for Narrative Films (9-27 April). In 2005 it celebrated its 10^th anniversary. The official competetion included 141 narrative, short, documentary and cartoon films.

- Cairo International Child Film Festival- (6 March). Its 15^th round activities were opened in 2005 at the Major Theatre in the Opera House, with the participation of 164 films by 46 countries.

- Ismailia Festival for Documentary, Narrative and Short Films. Its round was held on 8^th October, 2004.

The first beginnings of this art date back a century and half ago. Various theatrical troupes of the Modern Theatre were founded as early as the 1950s.

- The theatrical movement has witnessed remarkable development as to the number of new theatres or renovating the existing ones. In 2004/05, 28 theatrical shows were displayed, with a total number of 75,000 audience attended 843 performances. Theatres were fully operated, in addition to hosting foreign troupes participating in international theater festivals, as well as showing 107 performances by local theatrical troupes.

- Hanager Centre for Arts.

- Creativity Centre Theatre.

- Cairo Festival for Experimental Theatre.

- Modern Theatrical Dance Festival.

Oriental Music Institue was opened in 1929, and in the mid of the 20^th century the Concervatoir Institute was founded. It is specialized in westrn academic music and contributed to boosting the musical movement by graduating talented musicians and maestros. Then the Arab Music Troupe was formed in Cairo, followed by the National Troupe affiliated to the Opera House.

The Ministry of Culture takes a special interest in music through the Arab Music Festival organized by the Egyptian Opera House, as well as establishing new music foundations such as the International Center for Music at the Menesterly Palace, Arab Lute House at al Harrawi, focussing on folkloric music and keeping it from being forgotten.

The Authority seeks to invoke Egyptian cultural and artistic heritage, emphasizing the Egyptian identity and spiritual values as well as moral and human principles. It is the mission of the Authority to promote cultural awareness in the fields of cinema, theatre, folk arts, plastic arts, handicrafts and libraries in the governorates.

Al Nakhila Culture Palace (Assuit), Naga' Hammadi Culture Palace (Qena), Bourg Al-Arab Culture Palace (Alexandria), Public Library Culture Palace (Al Arish), Al Seba'eya Culture Palace, Kalah el Gabal Library Culture Palace (Aswan).

Cultural services have been delivered to popular districts and remote and disadvantageous areas, through cultural convoys equipped with tools and singularities of cultural work.

The Authority has organized artistic shows and intellectual meetings for about 1,200,00 beneficiaries.

 

To activate political participation of women and enhance their role in the society's sectors, the Cultural Forum for Women was organized in 27 branches affiliated to the Culture Palaces Authority.

The Authority is highly attentive to the Egyptian child through child libraries and clubs and folkloric and musical troupes. A specialized palace was established for child culture, in addition to effective participation in Reading for All Festival and International Child Book Fair.

It publishes youth works in the various fields of arts and literature through literary series totalling 17; such as, Popular Studies, Cinema Horizons, Creativities, Youth, Egyptology, Plastic Art Horizons, Writing Memory and Literary voices.

Folk arts are linked with the people, particularly with the name of Zakaria el-Hegawi, as well as many of folk singing stars. A Folk Arts Centre was set up in 1957, followed by Redha Troupe that was later affiliated to the Ministry of Culture.

 It embraces a group of remarkable troupes which participate in national and international festivals, salient of which are: Show Troupe, Youthful Tunes Band, Redha Troupe, National Troupe for Folk Arts and National Troupe for Folk Music.

The House troupes have performed 1377 theatrical shows in 2004/2005 for 579,000 audience, in addition to 5 musical shows. They also participated in Frankfurt International Book Fair.

It is an academic institution for graduating scientifically qualified artists to present serious creative works on developed scientific and intellectual bases.

It was expanded to include a bigger number of institutes, since its inception, and for the first time its shows are performed before the Sound and Light shows. The Academy includes the following institutes:

- Higher Cinema Institute.

- Conservatoir Institute.

- Higher Institute for Theatrical Arts.

- Higher Institute for Ballet.

- Higher Institute for Folk Arts.

- Higher Institute for Arab Music.

It aims at reviving the values of harmony and aesthetics in streets, squares, cities and villages and everywhere in Egypt. It was created under Presidential Decree No. 37 for 2001, and opened in 2004 at the Citadel.

The Organ embarks upon completing the civilizational coordination project of the surrounding area of Imbaba airport, as model of civilizational coordination of squatter areas. It also completed the civilizational coordination project of the tourist route, east and west of Luxor City, as model project in the archeological and tourist sites.