About the event
This talk investigates the philosophical and practical questions surrounding our relationship with archaeological heritage within the deeply layered fabric of selected Egyptian cities, including Alexandria, Cairo, Luxor, Esna, and Abu Simbel. It critiques the systematic isolation of ancient monuments from their contemporary surroundings, examining the ethical and existential tensions of preserving material remains within living urban landscapes. The discussion contrasts the protective invisibility of backfilling with the decontextualization inherent in relocating artifacts to distant mega-museums. As a vital alternative, the presentation explores the potential of revealing remains in situ, allowing modern communities to actively coexist with their material history. By analyzing urban accumulation through the dual lenses of vertical and horizontal archaeology, this inquiry argues that Egypt’s ruins must not be treated merely as passive historical traces. Instead, it proposes re-conceptualizing these multi-layered sites as active, dynamic spaces that directly intersect with, and enrich contemporary Egyptian identity and lived experiences. About the guestAlaa el-Habashi is an Egyptian professor of architecture and heritage conservation in the Department of Architecture at Menoufia University. He received his MS and Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. His research and praxis focus on establishing a preservation framework that respects the specificities of local histories and cultural traditions. Over the past 25 years of active practice across Egypt and several Arab countries, he has developed tailored architectural and urban conservation approaches designed to protect diverse historic structures, environmental values, and local heritage. Additionally, Dr. el-Habashi has extensive experience assisting in the nomination, management, and evaluation of World Heritage sites. He serves on the editorial advisory board of the Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development. Driven by a commitment to community-led preservation, he established Bayt al-Yakaniya in Al-Darb al-Ahmar—an initiative that leverages local heritage to achieve sustainable development within Historic Cairo. This event is organized by Lector Steffen Kjær Johansen (Faculty of Engineering, Department of Technology and Innovation) with support from DIAS Chair Aglae Pizzone.
This talk investigates the philosophical and practical questions surrounding our relationship with archaeological heritage within the deeply layered fabric of selected Egyptian cities, including Alexandria, Cairo, Luxor, Esna, and Abu Simbel. It critiques the systematic isolation of ancient monuments from their contemporary surroundings, examining the ethical and existential tensions of preserving material remains within living urban landscapes. The discussion contrasts the protective invisibility of backfilling with the decontextualization inherent in relocating artifacts to distant mega-museums. As a vital alternative, the presentation explores the potential of revealing remains in situ, allowing modern communities to actively coexist with their material history. By analyzing urban accumulation through the dual lenses of vertical and horizontal archaeology, this inquiry argues that Egypt’s ruins must not be treated merely as passive historical traces. Instead, it proposes re-conceptualizing these multi-layered sites as active, dynamic spaces that directly intersect with, and enrich contemporary Egyptian identity and lived experiences. About the guestAlaa el-Habashi is an Egyptian professor of architecture and heritage conservation in the Department of Architecture at Menoufia University. He received his MS and Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. His research and praxis focus on establishing a preservation framework that respects the specificities of local histories and cultural traditions. Over the past 25 years of active practice across Egypt and several Arab countries, he has developed tailored architectural and urban conservation approaches designed to protect diverse historic structures, environmental values, and local heritage. Additionally, Dr. el-Habashi has extensive experience assisting in the nomination, management, and evaluation of World Heritage sites. He serves on the editorial advisory board of the Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development. Driven by a commitment to community-led preservation, he established Bayt al-Yakaniya in Al-Darb al-Ahmar—an initiative that leverages local heritage to achieve sustainable development within Historic Cairo. This event is organized by Lector Steffen Kjær Johansen (Faculty of Engineering, Department of Technology and Innovation) with support from DIAS Chair Aglae Pizzone.
- Organizer: DIAS & Department of Technology and Innovation
- Address: Fioniavej 34, 5230 Odense M
- Contact Email: danish-IAS@sdu.dk
- Add to your calendar: https://eom.sdu.dk:443/events/ical/2a91ee6a-6643-4f6a-a3fa-bb254eb39736