The influence of architectural history in finding our Egyptian identity as a landmark

Abstract EN

Egypt faces a great shortage in having a distinctive architectural identity, out of linkage ence with its inherited architectural legacy.

Throughout history, Egypt is not able to maintain a clear unity of style, due to the successive overlapping of different cultures that turn to be odd.

In light of the previous context, the researcher aim to answer the evolved questions: What is the suitable style to achieve a clear identity and aesthetical unity for modern Egyptian architecture? , how can we reuse our past in a compatible efficiently way without changing its identity features? , How can we save our heritage from being vanished, from its systematic misuse? , Can we apply a general methodology for the entire country to cope with all various conditions? , Taking into consideration that the criteria of the selected style is driven by revitalizing and appreciating past cultural tangible and intangible heritage.

The methodology of this research is based on analyzing specific case studies in Cairo and Alexandria, which have unity in its architectural style, presenting the link between past and present by reusing these inherited buildings.

Conclusion is classifying the percentage of both saved historical and new added modern features in our inherited buildings, inventing a descriptive methodology by showing the historical impact in a physical way, to preserve the past and create new architectural future visions.

As Anderson says, „what
let Egyptian cities unique by their culture, not just by their history but identified more by old suburbs, mosques, and churches‟.