Center for Documentation of Cultural and Natural Heritage

Center for Documentation of Cultural and Natural Heritage CULTNAT

CULTNAT premises
Established	October 2000
President	Dr. Fathi Saleh
Address	Smart Village, Kilo 28, Cairo-Alex Desert Rd., Giza, Egypt.
Location	Smart Village , Giza , Egypt
Website	www.cultnat.org

Center For Documentation of Cultural and Natural Heritage (CULTNAT) is a cultural center affiliated with Bibliotheca Alexandrina and supported by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. It has a number of programs, including

The Archeological Map of Egypt program

The Archeological Map of Egypt Program

The Archeological Map of Egypt program is a multidimensional program employing the latest information technology to produce a powerful documentation and management tool for the Egyptian archaeological sites that are spread all over the country.

It involves dividing the information of the archaeological sites into three levels (National, Sites, and the Monuments level) and using the multimedia technologies in conjunction with the GIS to document the archeological and geographical details of each monument..

The Achitectural Heritage Program

The purpose of CULTNAT’s Architectural Heritage of Egypt project is to document the nineteenth and twentieth century architectural heritage of Egypt, starting with the Downtown area of Cairo as a pilot project and continuing with more parts of Cairo and other cities. This project consists of a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with an easy to browse database that includes extensive photographic documentation, all published material for each inventoried building, in addition to historic documents, maps and archival material..

The Natural Heritage Program

The Natural Heritage of Egypt Program

The documentation of Egypt's natural heritage is a multidisciplinary program with the aim of documenting and disseminating information on the natural heritage of Egypt. It involves the collection of all data available on protected areas as well as the diverse habitats and their components of flora, fauna, geological formations and cultural features.

In a subsequent process, the data is organized in the form of a searchable, user-friendly database associated with a GIS-mapping of existing and proposed protected areas as well as the distribution of the various plant and animal species within them.

Finally, the program disseminate and communicate the information via a series of publications, books, CDs and the Internet.

The project's scope has recently been widened by including the geological heritage, ethnobotanical heritage as well as the food heritage of Egypt.

The project strives to establish links between the natural and cultural heritage. An additional course has also been taken in the form of collaborating with the private sector and NGOs in sustainable development and nature conservation projects.

Work Plan: - The building of an up-to-date information system on the protected areas of Egypt which could be used as a monitoring, assessment and management tool by various stakeholders in the field of conservation, protected areas and environmental policy making.

- The documentation of the natural heritage of the country in the form of a database.

- The identification of the natural heritage components under threat of extinction, endangered, rare or endemic to the country.

- Linking the natural heritage database to that of the cultural heritage in Egypt for specific sites.

- Linking the natural heritage database of Egypt to other databases in the region, continent or worldwide.

The Art Heritage Program

The Arts Documentation Program

Documentation/Preservation of the Arts Cultural heritage is a persistent concern of every nation. The Arab Nation's Arts Heritage is a wealthy one which is considered to be a reference to the development of human civilization. Due to the progress of the information technology and especially in the field of Multimedia, it is becoming evident that using this technique will be of a great benefit in handling our Arts Cultural Heritage. Cultnat conducted several national programs and projects aiming at preserving, disseminating and promoting the Egyptian Arts Cultural Heritage..

The Photographic Heritage Program

The Photographic Heritage Program

The photographic heritage program (PME) is focused on the documentation of Egypt's tangible and intangible cultural heritage through photography. The PME program's primary activity is to digitize and document photographic collections of photographers [Egyptian and Egypt-based non-nationals] and important institutional and private collections from the nineteenth and early twentieth-century. These digital collections, gathered from local and international sources, will be made available for researchers, curators, and vintage photograph enthusiasts via multiple means of publication including books, CDRoms and an online searchable image bank accessible to the general public.

The PME program is continually collecting information on photographer’s archives, private collections and institutions. In parallel to the digitization of collections of images, a library of documents, books and articles about the various collections, and the field in general, is also currently being compiled.

The PME program is currently mapping the history of photographic activities in Egypt, by locating and documenting collections in Egypt and abroad, and by providing examples and information about them. A comprehensive timeline for the history of photography in Egypt will be developed in conjunction with the survey.

The PME program aims to engage in other activities that build appreciation for Egypt’s photographic heritage especially encouraging the recognition of photography as a medium, the photograph as artifact and document and the photograph as the cultural production of an individual by expanding on the public dimension of the program through exhibitions (on site and on line), outstanding publications and public presentations and forums.

The PME program is dedicated to the creation of a Museum for Photography and a Conservation and Preservation Laboratory which will provide important services to collectors and institutions and be a permanent place to showcase Egypt’s photographic heritage.

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The Egyptian Folklore Program

The Egyptian Folklore Program

Knowing the importance and value of the varying themes of the Intangible heritage in general and the realizing the richness of the Egyptian Folklore in particular, the Folkloric heritage program evolved in CULTNAT.

The program documents, in a database compilation process, different aspects of the historical daily life that are about to become extinct all over Egypt, and specially in places like Fatimic Cairo, Sinai, the Oasis , Quena and Aswan.

One of the projects within this program is the documentation of different crafts in Egypt. Some of the documented crafts are the khayameya (tent makers), cupper crafts, bookmaking, carpentry, etc. Aside from documenting those crafts in audio visual and text forms, CULTNAT is in the process of issuing a book about the crafts in Cairo. We are also working with the UNESCO in developing a website for all the Mediterranean crafts.

Taking another side of the Egyptian daily life, the Folkloric Program is also documenting the different occasions and how people celebrate them, whether they are religious or social events.

The Manuscript Heritage Program

The Manuscript Heritage Program

In view of the continued interest of the Centre for the Documentation of Cultural and Natural Heritage (CULTNAT), of Bibliotheca Alexandrina, in maintaining cultural sustainability – particularly in the field of Science; and due to the importance of digital electronic documentation of manuscripts in asserting the effective role undertaken by the Arab and Muslim Scientists in developing the human Scientific knowledge: CULTNAT is preparing a series of publications aiming at bringing, to the World attention, the Arab and Islamic contributions to the progress of Science; through a well established partnership with UNESCO.

In order to achieve that goal, and in full cooperation with UNESCO, CULTNAT embarked on a series of publications presenting the contributions of the Arab and Islamic Cultures in the fields of Science. The first volume in the series concerned the Medical Sciences, and the second concerned the field of Astronomy.

The First Project in the Programme began in the year 2001; with the documentation of some 1087 medical manuscripts in the collection of Egypt’s National Library. Two editions of the work were issued; one in book form, and the other a CD. The book (in Arabic, English and French) contained a selection of the most important manuscripts; with related details on both the subjects and the authors. This is in addition to tables containing detailed information on the manuscripts, the authors, the titles and the call numbers in the Library’s Register.

The CD, on the other hand, was also in the same three languages (Arabic, English and French) and contained seven photographed manuscripts; complete, from cover to cover.

Cultnat also completed the Second project in the same Programme, which concerned the documentation of manuscripts in the field of Astronomy and Timekeeping. The Project was based on the collection kept at the library of Al-Azhar University. The output was, once again, in two editions; one in book form and the other as a CD, and both in the same three languages (Arabic, English and French).

In addition to the above publications, the centre has also produced the following works: • A booklet on the Astronomy instruments and equipment invented, or developed and improved, by the Arabs; under the title of “Star Riders”. • A photographically illustrated catalogue on the Astrological Zodiacs; extracted from a manuscript by Abdurrahman Assuffi, who was one of the Fourth Hegira Century Muslim Scientists.

The Third Project in the Programme is currently under preparation. The Project concerns the publication of the third and fourth volumes in the series presenting the contributions of the Arabic and Islamic cultures in the fields of Chemistry and Geography; based on the scientific manuscripts collections kept at the National Library of Egypt.

1. General Objectives: • Preserving the Arabic and Islamic Scientific Heritage; represented in the wealth of knowledge recorded in the Scientific Manuscripts available in Egypt, and elsewhere (if possible). • Presenting the Arabic and Islamic Heritage, and making it available to the greatest number of those seeking its benefits; using the most up to date available technologies.

2. Detailed Objectives: • Gathering the necessary detailed information that may be needed by the scholar, as related to each manuscript in a specific subject (e.g. Medicine, Astronomy, Chemistry, etc.); through non-invasive means. • Simplifying the matter of access to the contents of the manuscripts; by providing full photographs of some selected manuscripts. • Creating a system for storing/retrieving photographs of selected manuscripts, throughout the preceding stages of the Project; as well as the photographs of those manuscripts of the ensuing stages. • Ensuring that the created storing/retrieving system will be a “Web-enabled System”; so that it will serve in the future as the core for a Scientific

Eternal Egypt Program

Eternal Egypt Program

Eternal Egypt, which is also accessible by handheld digital guide in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, by cell phone for visitors to the pyramids at Giza and Luxor Temple in Upper Egypt, or through the Eternal Egypt web site.

The Eternal Egypt web site offers an unprecedented experience of high-resolution images and three-dimensional reconstructions of Egyptian monuments and antiquities, as well as virtually-reconstructed environments, panoramic views and other images of present-day Egypt that are captured by robotic cameras located in key areas from the top of Karnak Temple to the streets of Old Cairo. An innovative, interactive map and timeline will also guide Eternal Egypt’s visitors through Egypt's cultural heritage, while a ‘context navigator’ allows them to appreciate the complex relationships between objects, places and personalities from Egypt's past in a unique, web-like display

CULTNAT International Projects

CULTNAT International Projects

INFOMAN: The development of a pilot web portal for manuscript collections that can accommodate different data base structures into one information system that allows for search and retrieval of data using XML language accessed on the internet.
- InfrArtSonic: InfrArtSonic aims to develop a novel and integrated non-destructive portable system for the determination of the depth profile of the paint layers of an artwork as well as the local distribution of the pigments in each of these paint layers. The system will unify two modalities, acoustic microscopy (AMAD) and UV-VIS-nIR-mIR spectroscopy (ISAD). Data acquired with the two modalities in the same areas of analysis are jointly processed and correlated to trace the depth profile of the paint layers (ultrasound modality) and to map the pigments in each respective paint layer (VIS-nIR-mIR spectroscopy).
- HORUS: Using Earth Observation Data superimposed with cartography in a GIS environment, the project will identify undiscovered and lost archaeological sites. Based on comparison of validated maps and chorological satellite images, illegal excavations will also be identified and monitored.
- AUTHENTICO: AUTHENTICODE focuses on the establishment of scientifically and technically- based international standards in the application field of authentication of movable cultural items. The strategic objective of the research is the innovative integration of non-invasive techniques for objective authentication of metal artifacts (utilitarian and ornamental), based on material composition & description of manufacturing techniques. This is achieved by exploiting the most advanced analytical techniques and by developing & validating portable instrumentation based on selective composition markers' detection and characterization of technological fingerprints.
- Shaduf : The project aims to create a database of traditional techniques and to focus attention on the rich and diverse water harvesting, water irrigation and wastewater –related heritage in the Mediterranean Region.
- Patrimoines Partages: This project addresses issues related to the particular challenges of improving the management and development of 19th and 20th century architectural and urban heritage. The project uses the GIS (Geographic Information System) for a number of pilot projects, analyses instruments for protection and development.
- HDSMC / SIDLIM: The Project will define a methodology of intervention for restoring Mediterranean fortresses by tackling four waterfront military sites.
- Unimed: This objective will be pursued by implementing extended cultural heritage databases, a dedicated portal and ad hoc training actions. The main target groups the project addresses are all actors which need information, support and training on valorising the Cultural Heritage Patrimony, including private and public personnel institutions involved in the preservation, restoration and valorisation of archaeological, artistic and architectural items.
- MED-CULT: The project provides a methodology and a set of tools in order to establish a stable support network, where organizations from the cultural sector can find information and advice to improve the quality of their websites.
- NOESIS: The project will develop a model for Cultural Resource Management (CRM) for the cultural heritage of South Sinai through the survey, documentation, preservation and management for a sample of archeological sites, with and for the local community of the Bedouins. This will help us create a sort of a model for cultural resource management in this region and thus further apply it on more sites. The outcome of these activities will be a locally managed node, which will serve as a small museum to house the artefacts found from the survey and serve as a tourist information centre. In addition, a small exhibition for the folkloric heritage will be put in this node. This outcome will serve both the Bedouin, tourism and Supreme council.
- Golden Book Initiative
- Al-Sirah al-Hilaliya
- South Sinai Documentation Project : The project will develop a model for Cultural Resource Management (CRM) for the cultural heritage of South Sinai through the survey, documentation, preservation and management for a sample of archeological sites, with and for the local community of the Bedouins. This will help us create a sort of a model for cultural resource management in this region and thus further apply it on more sites. The outcome of these activities will be a locally managed node, which will serve as a small museum to house the artefacts found from the survey and serve as a tourist information centre. In addition, a small exhibition for the folkloric heritage will be put in this node. This outcome will serve both the Bedouin, tourism and Supreme council.

For More Info about these projects visit CULTNAT web site

CULTNAT National Projects

- National Archives - Arabic papyrus - Media db - Maps Dar El Kotob - Geographic Society - Presidential palaces - Memory of Arab World - Al Maktab Al Arabi - Heliopolis - E-Content Initiative - Alex Digital guide - Postal Museum - Cairo Governorate - Bank Misr - Islamic Cairo Heritage - Coptic Heritage - Scene analysis - Cairo University - Luxor Cultural Center

CULTURAMA, The First interactive 9 screens worldwide

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  CULTURAMA patent
• CULTURAMA
  CULTURAMA
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  CULTRAMA show
• CULTRAMA in Japan
  CULTRAMA in Japan

CULTURAMA, (Cultural Panorama), is multimedia program displaying cultural and natural heritage information utilizing the latest display technology. The hardware part contains a huge 180 degrees panoramic interactive computer screen with a diameter of 10 meters that consists of nine separate flat screens arranged in a semicircular shape and nine video projectors controlled by a single computer. An Interactive multimedia software was especially developed to display on the panoramic screen.

It has been displayed at several international fairs and expositions: Oct. 2008 Kyoto - STS Forum, Tokyo - GRIPS May. 2008 Geneva Feb. 2007 Berlin Dec. 2006 Hongkong - ITU Nov. 2005 Tunisia - WSIS Feb. 2005 Paris - IMA Oct. 2004 Frankfurt International Book Fair. In Egypt, it is installed at Alexandria Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Luxor Luxor Heritage Center, - CULTNAT Center for Documentation of Cultural and Natural Heritage, MCIT Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology. Cairo University New Central Library, Sharm El-Sheikh Hotel Savoy, and El-Gouna

CULTNAT Display Rooms and Visits

Culturama Cultural Panorama, is an innovative harmonized-mix of a wealth of cultural and natural heritage information, informative and attractive multimedia program and the latest display technology. It has been developed by the Egyptian Center for Documentation of Cultural and Natural Heritage (CULTNAT). The hardware part contains a huge 180 degrees panoramic interactive computer screen with a diameter of 10 meters that consists of nine separate flat screens arranged in a semicircular shape and nine video projectors controlled by a single computer. An Interactive multimedia software was especially developed by our team in order to display on the panoramic screen.

Micro Gallery Micro Gallery is a showroom with several booths displaying information and sample products of the different projects and activities at CULTNAT in heritage documentation. The projects are continuously growing and the display will reflect this growth.

Star Riders Star Riders exhibition is carefully designed to present a portion of the contribution of medieval Arab scientists in the field of Astronomy who were often also skilled craftsmen. This exhibition contains 17 astronomy instruments on display in the exhibit. The originals, after which they were replicated, exist today scattered in different museums of the world.

Galleria CULTNAT's galleria hosts all art exhibits organized within the cultural program. The exhibits show photographs, objects or illustrations that thematically feature the archaeological, architectural, natural and folkloric heritage of Egypt.

External links

• CUlTNAT official website, http://www.cultnat.org
• Bibliotecha Alexandrina official website, http://www.bibalex.org
• Eternal Egypt website http://www.eternalegypt.org
• Egypt Memory web site, where you can find images and publications that document Egypt's History& Culture, http://www.egyptmemory.com
• Memory Arab world Project website, http://www.memoryarabworld.net
• The Global Egyptian Museum, http://www.globalegyptianmuseum.org