Two Years Later: The Enduring Legacy of Al-Khalifa Wings Two years after the initial Makanuna Al-Khalifa project, the “Al-Khalifa Wings” mural continues to be a vibrant centerpiece of the neighborhood. The interactive artwork, co-designed and painted by local youth of Al-Khalifa, has become a beloved landmark that celebrates the rich heritage and community of this historic district in Cairo. The mural’s impact extends beyond its visual appeal – it has fostered a sense of pride and ownership among the residents of Al-Khalifa. The mural’s design was the dream of 16-year-old Adham al-Samanoody, who envisioned an urban intervention in his local park that would celebrate the unique identity of the Al-Khalifa neighborhood. Through Makanuna Al-Khalifa project, Adham collaborated with his peers to bring his vision to life. He crafted the mural’s design, drawing inspiration from the neighborhood’s landmarks and historical figures. With the guidance of architect and visual artist Shama Elrasheed and visual artist Agnes Michalczyk, Adham and the Makanuna team worked together to develop and implement the final “Al-Khalifa Wings” design on a wall in the Al-Khalifa Park. “Al-Khalifa Wings” (insert link: https://www.tandemforculture.org/stories/al-khalifa-love-wings/ ) mural was one of the key outputs of the Makanuna Al-Khalifa project, a series of participatory placemaking workshops with adolescents aged 13-18 in the neighborhood of Al-Khalifa in Historic Cairo. It aimed to empower adolescents to create innovative and sustainable solutions to their community’s challenges. It also encouraged them to take an active role in designing and influencing the open spaces surrounding them. Makanuna Al-Khalifa resulted from the regional collaboration project “Makanuna: Re-thinking Spaces from a Youth Perspective” (Insert link: https://www.tandemforculture.org/collaborations/makanouna-re-thinking-spaces-from-a-youth-perspective/) between Hadeer S. Dahab from Athar Lina and Malak Rahal from Architects for Change. All Makanuna Al-Khalifa activities were designed and implemented by Community Architect Hadeer S. Dahab in partnership with Athar Lina. Since last November, inspired by the success of this project, the Makanuna team led by Hadeer has launched a new youth-led placemaking initiative under the umbrella of “Makanuna”. Join us as we take a behind-the-scenes look at the making of “Al-Khalifa Wings.” From Adham’s initial sketches to the final brushstrokes, this documentary offers a glimpse into the passion, creativity, and teamwork that brought this mural to life. Explore the journey of Adham and his fellow youth leaders as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of creating a lasting symbol of community pride. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to witness the magic of “Al-Khalifa Wings” and be inspired to join us in celebrating the spirit of creativity and collaboration. Video link Makanuna Initiative Makanuna, meaning “Our Place” in Arabic, is a dynamic youth-led placemaking initiative. They cultivate child and youth placemakers, empowering them to collectively reimagine public spaces that authentically reflect their identity and contribute to vibrant futures for their cities. Engaging in hands-on creative activities deeply rooted in cultural context, they address spatial challenges while celebrating the living heritage that makes each community unique. Their approach is place-based, allowing their initiatives to vary from short-term activities to long-term projects or programs. This ongoing Makanuna effort aims to build on the momentum and experience gained through the initial Makanuna Al-Khalifa workshops, further enhancing the public spaces and community engagement across different neighborhoods. By empowering youth to take an active role in shaping their local environments, Makanuna is fostering a sense of ownership and pride that resonates throughout the communities they work with. Makanuna Initative Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553921212681&mibextid=LQQJ4d Instagram https://instagram.com/makanuna.egypt?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng%3D%3D&utm_source=qr LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/makanuna/
Al-Khalifa Wings Now, are you ready to see the magic Agnes Michalczyk brings to al-Khalifa wings! Use your smartphone to view the above photo of the mural through: – Our filter on Athar Lina’s Instagram profile (https://www.instagram.com/athar_lina/) Or – Download the “Artivive” application, and then view the photo/ mural through it. If you’re ever in al-Khalifa Park, don’t forget to take your selfie in front of “al-Khalifa Wings”! About Al-Khalifa Park: An environmental and heritage park located in the heart of al-Khalifa, connecting it to Zaynhum Public Housing Project, its conceptualization and design are the outcome of Athar Lina’s Groundwater Research Project. It is a step towards social and economic development in the sectors of environment, health, education, employment, heritage awareness, tourism promotion and raising the standard of living in the area. For more information: KHALIFA HERITAGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL PARK About Al-Khalifa: Al-Khalifa neighbourhood lies in the southern section of Historic Cairo close to the Citadel and immediately north of the Historic Southern Cemetery; it is known for its impressive, yet under-appreciated set of listed monuments dating from the 9th to the 19th century. Al-Khalifa has traditionally functioned both as a popular site of visitation and tourism and as a venue for crafts such as building crafts and metalwork. It houses a community that takes pride in its connection to its local heritage yet does not benefit from it as a potential socio-economic resource. For more information: https://khalifa.atharlina.com/
Tandem 360° Makanouna Initiative: a short movie “Jaras” On the opposite side of Tripoli’s Citadel, there is a neighborhood where three kids Bashir, Fadi, and Ahlam live in. Their houses and even their school are linked by pedestrian alleyways and stairs that shaped their daily life. One aspect seems different about their streets than the rest of the neighborhood “The sound of the bell”. It’s the bell that initiates their daily community activities and alters their lives in a positive manner. After a day at school, Bashir looks concerned about his exam result and is reluctant to tell his mom about it, but the bell ends up saving the day. _________________________________ Who is behind the sound of the bell? This film reveals how the urban fabric of the neighborhood operates in an intriguing manner shaping the lives of its children. All of that is because of a woman, Hajje Fahde. Her sense of belonging to the neighborhood made her a referent for the kids and their parents. She is constantly learning and exciting ideas that benefit her surrounding and is confident in make the alleyways look as beautiful as they can. She paints the walls with colors, recycles material and uses them as pots to her plants teaches the children the importance of planting and gathering garbage in one place.