The Egyptian government’s decision to demolish the museum and a part of the residence of the late artist Nabil Darwish has stirred significant controversy. Dr. Maha Abdel Nasser, a Member of Parliament representing the Egyptian Democratic Party, filed an urgent inquiry directed at the Prime Minister, the Minister of Transport, and the Minister of Culture.

She questioned the rationale behind the demolition order for the museum located on the Saqqara Tourist Road in Giza. The demolition is intended to make way for the expansion of the Maryotia ring road.

According to Dr. Abdel Nasser, the heirs of Nabil Darwish received a notice to vacate the museum and residence within two weeks, following a demolition order for road expansion. The notice was issued by the Abu al-Nimras City Council in Giza to expand and develop the road from Mansouria to Maryotia over a stretch of 3.5 km.

The museum is a significant cultural and artistic landmark, containing over 3,000 unique ceramic pieces. It was established by the late Nabil Darwish, a prominent ceramic artist in Egypt and the Middle East. The museum has been a vital resource for art students and enthusiasts, offering free admission since 1983.

Who Was Nabil Darwish?

Nabil Darwish was a highly respected Egyptian ceramic artist, known for his contributions to the field of ceramics not only in Egypt but across the Middle East. Born in 1936, Darwish graduated from the Faculty of Applied Arts with a degree in Ceramics in 1962.

His academic journey culminated in 1981 with a doctoral thesis exploring the ancient Egyptian techniques for creating black-topped pottery. This significant study positioned him as a pioneering figure in ceramic art.

Over the years, Darwish’s innovative work in ceramics garnered both national and international recognition. His pieces were exhibited in numerous countries, and he received various accolades, including the Grand Prize at the Amman Biennale in 1992 and the Grand Prize at the Sharjah International Biennale in 1993.

Besides his artistic achievements, he also served as a professor at Helwan University’s Faculty of Applied Arts, where he influenced a generation of artists.

Government Response and Public Outcry

Despite the growing public outcry and formal inquiry, the government remains adamant about proceeding with the demolition. According to official responses, the expansion project is deemed a national priority, and stopping it would be difficult. The Ministry of Culture‘s response to the Darwish family was that the project is a national initiative, reinforcing the notion that demolitions for infrastructural projects can take precedence over cultural heritage.

Impact and Concerns

The planned demolition has raised concerns about the preservation of cultural heritage in Egypt. The museum is not just a repository of Nabil Darwish’s work but also an educational resource for students and a site that contributes to Egypt’s artistic legacy. Its destruction would mean the loss of a unique cultural and artistic asset.

Moreover, international organizations like the International Academy of Ceramics, affiliated with UNESCO, have sent official letters urging Egyptian authorities to reconsider the demolition due to the museum’s significant cultural and artistic value. However, these appeals have so far failed to sway the government’s decision.

The ongoing debate highlights a broader issue regarding the balance between infrastructure development and cultural preservation. The demolition of the Nabil Darwish Museum raises questions about how cultural heritage is valued in Egypt and whether the country’s historical sites and artistic landmarks are at risk due to ongoing urban development projects.