Egypt Launches ‘Memory of the City’ Mobile App to Explore Cairo Treasures
Egypt officially launched the "Memory of the City" mobile application on Monday, May 26, 2025, offering a new digital platform for users to explore the rich historical and architectural treasures of Cairo. The app provides interactive maps and engaging stories about the city's history, its distinctive architectural character, and its iconic streets.
A Digital Journey Through Cairo's Rich Heritage
The "Memory of the City" app serves as a comprehensive mobile-based guide designed to deepen users' understanding and appreciation of Cairo's urban fabric. It meticulously documents the places where many of Egypt’s cultural icons and pioneers lived and worked. Furthermore, the app highlights the historical origins of street names, complementing existing informational signage across various governorates, and provides detailed information about architecturally significant buildings.
Preserving Identity and Engaging New Generations
Minister of Culture Ahmed Hanno emphasized the app's significance beyond being just a digital project. "The application is an effective tool to preserve identity, document the collective memory of our cities, and present it to new generations through a contemporary lens that respects history and engages with the future," he explained. Minister Hanno added that the mobile application aims to protect the core components of the Egyptian personality and preserve the authentic spirit of its cities.
Collaborative Development and Project Evolution
The "Memory of the City" mobile application was developed by the National Organization for Urban Harmony (NOUH) in close cooperation with the Information and Decision Support Centre (IDSC). The launch of the app is described as a natural evolution of the broader "Memory of the City" project, which was initiated by the Ministry of Culture in 2017. This earlier project involved a series of activities aimed at documenting the origins of street names and providing information about Egyptian icons, pioneers, and the places they inhabited. The launch event for the app was held at the Small Hall of the Cairo Opera House.
Designed for User Engagement and Accessibility
Osama El-Gohary, the head of IDSC, who attended the launch with Mohamed Abu Saada, head of NOUH, stressed that the application is intentionally designed to be simple, rich in content, and highly interactive. The goal is to enable users, both residents and visitors, to see and experience their city with new eyes. The application also aims to make heritage and architecture projects more accessible to youth and enthusiasts, encouraging wider engagement with Egypt's cultural legacy.
About the Key Organizations
The National Organization for Urban Harmony (NOUH) is an Egyptian governmental body responsible for preserving the urban and architectural heritage of Egypt's cities. The Information and Decision Support Centre (IDSC) is affiliated with the Egyptian Cabinet and plays a crucial role in providing data and analytical support for policymaking. The Ministry of Culture spearheads initiatives to protect and promote Egypt's vast cultural heritage.
Looking Ahead: Connecting Youth with Heritage
The "Memory of the City" app is poised to become a valuable resource for education, cultural tourism, and citizen engagement. By leveraging modern technology, Egypt aims to foster a deeper connection between its younger generations and their rich urban history, ensuring that the stories and architectural beauty of Cairo are preserved and celebrated for years to come.
Source: Ahram Online