The ancient Egyptian city of Esna has emerged as a groundbreaking model for sustainable heritage preservation after winning the prestigious 16th Aga Khan Award for Architecture. The comprehensive revitalization project, led by Cairo-based firm Takween Integrated Community Development, demonstrates how community engagement can successfully preserve both tangible and intangible cultural heritage while creating economic opportunities for local residents.

Esna's rich history spans millennia, dating back to at least the Ptolemaic period when the famous Temple of Khnum was constructed. Located in southern Egypt near the tourist hub of Luxor, the city served as a major trading center for centuries, connecting continental African trade routes with those leading to the Indian Ocean. The city's architectural landscape reflects its diverse cultural heritage, bearing the marks of Roman, Coptic, Islamic, Ottoman, and modern periods.

However, declining tourist numbers in recent decades severely impacted Esna's economy, triggering a mass exodus from the historic city center. This economic downturn threatened not only the area's remarkable architectural heritage but also the preservation of local skills, traditional crafts, and unique customs that had been passed down through generations. When development proposals involving wholesale demolition emerged as potential solutions, the very essence of Esna's built heritage faced complete erasure.

The transformation began when Takween, founded in 2009 with the foresight that 80% of the global population would be living in cities by 2030, was contacted by Egypt's Ministry of Culture to develop alternative plans for the city's revitalization. The firm specializes in integrated community development and focuses on creating environmentally, culturally, and socially responsive interventions that foster inclusive urban environments while preserving unique urban fabric.

Takween's approach centered on developing an alternative model for tourism development that would encourage responsible cultural tourism practices. The project aimed to achieve a delicate balance between heritage conservation, tourism requirements, and local development needs while ensuring economic benefits flowed directly to the local community. This comprehensive strategy was implemented through coordinated, targeted pilot interventions designed to engage the community—a methodology known as 'urban acupuncture.'

The project unfolded in two distinct phases, each addressing different aspects of the revitalization challenge. The first phase focused on the restoration of approximately 20 historic buildings and structures, some through adaptive reuse, while the second phase concentrated on sustainable economic development and the preservation of intangible heritage. This phased approach allowed for careful testing and refinement of strategies before broader implementation.

Among the most significant restoration projects was Wakalat al-Geddawi, one of Esna's primary historic landmarks. This caravanserai, built by Mamluk Emir Hasan Bek al-Geddawi in 1792, originally served as a crucial hub for trade with Africa and the Indian Ocean region. The two-story structure features 46 rooms arranged around a central courtyard and showcases traditional materials including mudbrick, burnt brick, palm trunks, and wood, reflecting Esna's rich craftsmanship traditions. Although listed as a monument in 1951, the building had fallen into severe disrepair over the decades.

Takween's restoration of Wakalat al-Geddawi involved comprehensive structural work, including restoration of the damaged roof, using locally sourced materials and employing local labor. The project, completed in 2021, has successfully transformed the structure back into a thriving cultural landmark that serves both the local community and visiting tourists. The restoration process itself became a training ground for local craftspeople, helping to preserve traditional building techniques.

Another notable restoration project targeted Al-Qisariyya Market, a traditional marketplace that continued to function despite years of neglect. Believed to date back to Roman times, this covered market features a 130-meter portion of the original street with distinctive wooden covering and 2- to 3-story buildings on each side, constructed with mud-brick walls and wooden doors. The market's North-South orientation was specifically designed to allow cool breezes to flow through, demonstrating ancient principles of climate-responsive architecture.

The market restoration involved building a new roof, improving and organizing infrastructure, and upgrading facades and flooring. Crucially, this work was carried out through a participatory process that included input from the Luxor Governorate and individual shop owners, ensuring that improvements met the actual needs of those who used the space daily.

The second phase of the project proved equally important for creating lasting change, focusing on sustainable economic development, preserving intangible heritage, and establishing frameworks for long-term heritage management. Over 100 significant buildings were carefully documented, and local officials received training in assessment and conservation techniques. This capacity-building component ensures that preservation efforts can continue beyond the initial project period.

A key component of the economic development strategy was the Incentive Program, designed to support local businesses in the tourism sector. The program targeted enterprises in hospitality, food and beverage, and retail sectors, with participants contributing only 30-50% of project costs while Takween provided comprehensive design and implementation support. This approach made improvements accessible to small business owners who might otherwise lack resources for upgrades.

The preservation of intangible heritage took creative forms, including the establishment of Okra restaurant. This initiative began with 'Esna's Kitchen,' a community competition where local residents submitted traditional recipes, resulting in over 50 submissions. The resulting restaurant became a women-led kitchen designed to promote gender inclusion while preserving local recipes and agricultural practices. Similarly, a women-led woodworking workshop was established to maintain traditional craftsmanship skills.

Recognizing that cultural practices need space to thrive, the project also created public venues for at-risk local customs such as tahtib, a traditional martial art involving sticks. These spaces ensure that cultural practices have dedicated areas for practice and transmission to younger generations.

The Aga Khan Trust for Culture praised the project as a 'replicable model for sustainable development,' highlighting how the comprehensive approach created thousands of jobs while restoring the historic center. Where demolition once seemed inevitable, a renewed sense of community ownership has taken root. The revitalization succeeded in tripling tourism numbers while equipping hundreds of residents with new skills, creating a foundation for sustained economic growth.

The transformation of Esna from a declining city to a thriving hub of living heritage exemplifies what the Aga Khan Award celebrates: projects that not only preserve the past but build sustainable foundations for the future. The success demonstrates that heritage preservation and economic development need not be opposing forces, but can work together to create vibrant, resilient communities that honor their history while embracing positive change.