Integrating Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Alexandria: A Pilot Project Towards UNESCO Creative City

This paper explores a pilot project aimed at integrating Alexandria’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage in alignment with UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) objectives in the field of literature. Alexandria, historically known for its cosmopolitan identity, possesses a rich cultural heritage that includes Pharaonic and Greco-Roman sites protected by Law 215 [1], as well as heritage buildings like villas, mosques, and museums [2]. Its intangible heritage encompasses fishermen’s songs, multicultural languages, traditional crafts, Sufi rituals, and a distinctive cuisine[2]. Despite this wealth, challenges such as neglect, insufficient documentation, and demolition of historic buildings threaten the city’s cultural identity[3]. To address these issues, the study proposes a culture mapping approach that merges tangible and intangible elements, creating an adaptable framework compatible with UCCN goals. The methodology combines analytical research with qualitative tools focus groups, interviews, and observations within a pilot area covering parts of Al Gomrok and Wasat districts. This area reflects the city's literary and cultural domains (maps 25–26). The project offers a replicable model that reinforces Alexandria’s role in global cultural diversity and sustainable development, highlighting the integration of literary legacy with architectural heritage.