For the first time in over two decades, Egypt is back in the global spotlight of architectural excellence. The country has won the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA) for the revitalization of historic Esna in Luxor, its first big win since the Bibliotheca Alexandrina dazzled the world in 2004.
A Fresh Take on Heritage Conservation The AKAA Master Jury hailed the &lsquo;Esna project&rsquo; as a groundbreaking model for urban conservation. Rather than focusing solely on monuments, the initiative embraced the spirit of the local community, drawing on collective knowledge and intangible culture to breathe life back into a once-neglected town.
Blending History, People, and Place At the heart of the revival is the area around the &lsquo;Temple of Khnum&rsquo;, now reimagined as a thriving cultural hub. From restoring the iconic &lsquo;Qaysariyya Market&rsquo; and King Farouk&rsquo;s 19th-century royal guesthouse to rehabilitating 15 other heritage landmarks with eco-friendly materials, the project seamlessly fused tradition with sustainability. Beyond bricks and mortar, it uplifted more than 430 locals and 18 small businesses, empowered women through initiatives like the Women&rsquo;s Kitchen and carpentry workshops, and created hundreds of jobs; making Esna both a heritage gem and a living, breathing community.
Celebrating Innovation on a Global Stage The 16th Aga Khan Award for Architecture ceremony will take place on the 15th of September at the Toktogul Satylganov Kyrgyz National Philharmonic Hall in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. This year&rsquo;s winners span the globe, with celebrated projects from Palestine, Iran, Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh joining Egypt on the honors&rsquo; list.
A Legacy of Cultural Excellence Launched in 1977 by the late His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the award is one of the world&rsquo;s most influential architectural prizes. It recognizes not only architects but also the municipalities, craftsmen, engineers, and communities behind transformative projects. To date, 136 projects have been honored across 16 cycles, with nearly 10,000 initiatives documented worldwide.
Photo Credit: Aga Khan Award for Architecture's website

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