Asalet el Hara: (Originality of the Alley) Ecomuseums as a Model for Community Regeneration and Heritage Preservation in Cairo

Abstract: Egypt has world famous heritage that is coveted and protected internationally; however, much of the local ʻdistinctivenessʼ is deteriorating and the communities living amongst this heritage are impoverished. This dissertation discusses the potential for ecomuseums in Cairo to utilize local ʻdistinctivenessʼ as a tool for social and economic development, heritage preservation and community empowerment. In this paper, I review the definition of ecomuseums and its deeper theoretical concepts in landscape, heritage, place and memory, and community empowerment. I then focus on social and economic development, which is one of the practical applications of ecomuseums. I provide definitions for social and economic development in heritage projects and show evidence of the successful integration of heritage and development from fieldwork conducted in Italy where some of the most successful ecomuseums of this nature can be found. After reviewing these concepts, I return the focus to Cairo to develop an appropriate model for an ecomuseum in the Egyptian cultural and political context. Through a case study, I show the impact that a restoration project in Darb el Asfar, one of Cairoʼs historic districts, had on the local community to illustrate the value of linking heritage preservation and development. Furthermore, in order to formulate the best methods for approaching a future ecomuseum, I look deeper in to the history, structure and legislation of the cultural sector, which would impact a project in its development, organization and funding sources. In conclusion, I visualize a Cairean ecomuseum project, show the challenges but argue its potential benefits in sustainable social and economic development in Egypt.