ARC401_F24_Kanzi_A3 Binder

THE NEGLECTED

PROF. IGOR PERAZA

KANZI TARAHONY

NARRATIVE

INFORMAL SETTLEMENT

SELECTIVE PRESERVATION

WHAT IS WORTH PERSERVING?

The preservation of cultural heritage requires a shift from conventional approaches that prioritize iconic structures to strategies that value the ordinary and everyday.

In some cases, insignificant buildings are meaningful to the individuals that live there or visit them. The issue lies with the government’s way of defining what is significant and then deciding to demolish whatever isn’t, often privileging the iconic when left to their own devices. There has been some progress in broadening conventional interpretations of preservation values through UNESCO.

Applying a strategy, such as creating a single insertion that aggregates to have a larger impact on the neighborhood is particularly fascinating, as it becomes part of a transformative initiative that imagines an incremental evolution of the neighborhood over time. This aligns with UNESCO’s efforts to broaden the scope of preservation.

This perspective values the ordinary, the vernacular, and the everyday conditions within which the majority experience life, making the practices of daily life something worth preserving.

ARCHIAM

HERITAGE PRESERVATION EXPERTS

ARCHIAM (Architectural and Cultural Heritage of the Islamic World) is a research center dedicated to studying, documenting, and preserving the architectural and cultural heritage of Islamic societies. With a focus on endangered sites across the Middle East, North Africa, and Central and South Asia, ARCHIAM integrates interdisciplinary approaches from architecture, anthropology, and archaeology to explore sustainable practices and traditional knowledge systems. Through fieldwork, academic research, and community collaboration, it seeks to safeguard heritage while promoting its relevance in contemporary urban and cultural contexts.

PROPOSED SITE

MAQAAD MAMAI

LOCATION

CAIRO, EGYPT

Region: Khan El Khalili

Street: Beet Al Qadi

Historical Building Name: Maqaad Mamai

Khan el-Khalili is a historic bazaar in Cairo dating back to the 14th century, is a vibrant hub of Islamic and medieval architecture, traditional crafts, and cultural heritage. Established during the Mamluk era, it offers a lively atmosphere with narrow alleys, artisan workshops, and bustling markets filled with jewelry, spices, textiles, and antiques. Home to iconic cafés like El Fishawy and near landmarks such as Al-Azhar Mosque, it is a living testament to Cairo›s rich history and traditions.