Zamalek 157+: Zamalek Heritage Revival Festival is the first community-led, volunteer-based, and completely free heritage festival dedicated to Zamalek district, under the theme Stories of Zamalek, founded by Inas Tewfik.

The festival is dedicated to reviving and documenting the tangible and intangible heritage of Zamalek – its history, architecture, culture, environment, arts, and its people. Through guided field walks, documented stories, and the memory of place, we aim to remind people why Zamalek matters, and to transform local residents from passive observers into active guardians of their neighborhood’s identity.

The number 157 refers to the start of urbanisation and creation of the district of Zamalek, earmarked by the inauguration of the Gezira Palace in 1869 — the oldest building still existing in Zamalek.

The festival spans across the month of October on 10, 17, 24, 30, and 31 and includes 5 tours representing the identity of the district, namely:
1. Zamalek History Tour: From Royal Gardens to Residential District – led by Mr. Mahmoud Nabil
2. Zamalek Architecture Tour: Stories of Stone and People – led by Dr. Faten Salah
3. Negotiating Zamalek’s Green Space: A Tale of Three Historical Gardens (Al-Andalus, Al-Masala and Al-Zohreya) – submitted under World Cities Day – led by Ms. Inas Tewfik and Dr. Adel Moatemed
4. Kayaking the Nile: A Zamalek View – led by Zamalek Kayak
5. Zamalek Public Arts Tour – led by Artist Mr. Mohamed Abla

We engage the Zamalek community, heritage experts, academics, media, and artists in documenting historic villas, gardens, and public art and creating community dialogue.

Date: October 10-31, 2026

Thank you for your support. We will be happy to share our detailed post-festival report, photos, and videos for the Urban October report. I am attaching the festival poster and agenda in both Arabic and English, along with the Zamalek Narrative Facebook page link for your review.

Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/19gwLpYy92/?mibextid=qi2Omg