Historic Houses as Pillars of Memory: Cases from Cairo, Egypt

Historic houses in Cairo, Egypt, can serve as pillars of memory for their surrounding communities when conservation efforts extend beyond physical restoration to include social and moral dimensions. This study reveals that while preserving the built environment is crucial, it alone does not guarantee the continuation of urban memory. Instead, a comprehensive approach—incorporating spatial, social, and cultural aspects—is necessary to stimulate and consolidate collective memory. The research investigates two historic houses in Cairo, highlighting the distinction between restoration and conservation, and underscores the importance of capturing urban memory for current and future generations. Findings suggest that local conservation approaches often overlook this critical aspect, emphasizing the need for a more holistic strategy.

AlSadaty, A. (2018). Historic Houses as Pillars of Memory: Cases from Cairo, Egypt. Open House International, 43(3), 5–13. https://doi.org/10.1108/ohi-03-2018-b0002