Preserving Cairo’s Rich History
Omniya Abdel Barr
Omniya by Ahmed Radi
Omniya Abdel Barr is an architect whose work on architectural cultural heritage focuses on the Mamluk period in Cairo. She is involved in several projects, including the restoration of Bayt al-Razzaz in the old city with the Egyptian Heritage Rescue Foundation, and researching architectural and artistic collections related to Egypt at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. DIVAZ asked Abdel Barr several questions to learn more about her love for architecture and history in general.
Why did you choose to study architecture at the Faculty of Fine Arts?
I have loved drawing since childhood, and many of Egypt’s great artists graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts. Later, I pursued a master’s degree in Belgium, focusing on restoring historical buildings and cities at the Raymond Lemaire International Centre for Conservation in Leuven, Belgium.
How has your cultural background influenced your work?
I love history, and this is thanks to my father, who took me to visit museums and historic sites. We traveled to Luxor and Aswan when I was just three, and I returned fascinated with our rich history. From that early age, I wanted to work on something related to history and heritage and to become an archaeologist. However, I ended up studying architecture and specializing in the conservation of architectural heritage.
What is your philosophy towards working on heritage?
I believe heritage is not just buildings or artifacts; it is stories and profound human experiences. When we preserve a place, we preserve its memory and stories, presenting it to future generations in a way that highlights its significance.
What are the most significant milestones in your heritage journey?
I started working on Bayt al-Razzaz from 2004 to 2006 as part of the restoration led by the American Research Centre in Egypt. Then, I returned in 2018 with the Egyptian Heritage Rescue Foundation (EHRF) to rehabilitate this historic palace and restore the remaining parts. I hope I can expand the work and restore heritage buildings in the surroundings of this monument, and maybe also elsewhere in Egypt. At EHRF, we also work on architectural documentation, and we have delivered a very successful project to rescue all Mamluk minbars in Cairo and protect them from theft and vandalism. We have created a specialized database and have conducted maintenance and restoration. In London, I am researching and cataloguing the sketchbooks of James Wild, an English architect who worked in Egypt from 1842 to 1847. He left numerous drawings highlighting the unique details of the city at that time. What stands out about his work is that he recognized the rapid changes happening in the city and felt that the present moment was crucial for documenting the remarkable details of the city.
How have your studies in history influenced your work?
I have learned how to read old documents and benefit from historians’ sources like Al-Maqrizi, Ibn Iyas, and Taghri Birdi, who described the city, its people, buildings, and layout during the Mamluk period. My doctoral research focused on construction sites during the Mamluk period, how the land was selected, the workmen sourced, and the building designed and funded. These historians left us many details, including the description of the opening ceremonies once the site of these religious foundations was complete.
What is your dream and what are you aiming for in the coming period?
My dream is to create a creative district in al-Darb al-Ahmar, which is already an area housing many craftspeople and traditional workshops. It still has a few historic buildings with interesting stories. I dream that these dilapidated structures can be converted into vibrant workshops, creating an educational and artistic environment where people from Cairo and beyond can come to work and learn, to build strong connections between makers and creatives.
Who is your diva?
Azza Fahmy has been and continues to be a great source of inspiration for me. Her life journey and how she handles everything around her, especially her work, have inspired me tremendously. She is not just a friend but also a mentor. She has always encouraged me to develop myself and pushed me to bring out the best in me. I always turn to her when I need advice, and she constantly reminds me of the importance of education for future generations, which I consider a priority at the Egyptian Heritage Rescue Foundation.
Photo by Iason Athanasiadis