Art as a Main Tool to Expressing Identity in Architectural Heritage: A Case Study of Fatimid Cairo

Art and Architecture, over centuries, have been known to represent a tool through which an artist is able to represent his or her character. More specifically, Architecture not only denotes the character of the architect, but it also tells more about the society and era to which the architect belonged as they are characterized by unique styles. Considered emblems, both Art and Architecture can tell stories of identity and a culture that is associated with people from a specific community. Each of those cultures is marked by certain elements that give its architecture a unique identity, which is manifested through building facades. In this study, the importance of Art in shaping the unique architectural heritage of Egypt is highlighted through a case study on Fatimid Cairo. Fatimid Cairo exemplifies the ways in which Art can represent a tool for heritage conservation to maintain long-lasting architecture and heritage through different ages for future generations. This type of architecture maintains and has the power to deeply influence a whole community and society’s identity as well as represent its past, present, and future of architectural heritage accumulation.