THE ROLE OF TRADITIONAL CRAFTS CENTERS IN MAINTAINING HERITAGE AND ITS IMPACT ON PROMOTING TOURISM (CASE STUDY: FOUSTAT TRADITIONAL CRAFTS CENTER – CAIRO, EGYPT)

Abstract

Traditional crafts are one of the most creative tools for tourism promotion and enhancement of the tourist flow to Egypt; also, it could be an important means for poverty reduction in some communities, through raising the economic level of these communities by selling these unique handicrafts. These crafts, might be made and sold by the individuals at some ethnic regions (Nubia, North & South Sinai...etc.), or through crafts center, such as Foustat Traditional Crafts’ Center. Crafts are the testimonials of the creativity of Muslim artisans and their interaction with pre-Islam civilization. Eventually, Muslims came up with crafts, which highlight the essence and values of Islam. Craft workshops were limited to the area in Khan al-Khalili. The prosperity of crafts in the area was closely associated with social and economic changes in society. For instance, mass production would reduce the price and badly affect the prospects of veteran craftspeople. A craft man and five apprentices were employed. The centre’s population increased after a large number of veteran crafts people were encouraged to collaborate and a big number of apprentices was persuaded to come forward and train themselves. The well-equipped centre is planned to revive woodwork, brass inlay, traditional dresses, tent-making, ivory inlay, stucco glass, etc. The Centre also initiated an ambitious plan to market its products by taking part in many international exhibitions and fairs in different countries. It is also known that Egypt played host to the International Conference of Crafts in 1995.