New App Digitally Maps Egypt’s Urban Heritage

The Ministry of Culture has launched Memory of the City, a mobile application designed to digitally document and preserve Egypt’s urban heritage.

The app was introduced during an official event at the Cairo Opera House, attended by Minister of Culture Ahmed Hanno and representatives from the National Organization for Urban Harmony (NOUH) and the Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC).

Developed by NOUH in collaboration with the IDSC, the app applies location-based technology and archival content to make Egypt’s architectural and cultural history more accessible to the public. It includes several features aimed at promoting awareness and preservation of urban heritage across Egyptian cities.

One key feature documents the residences of prominent Egyptian figures, marked by physical plaques that include QR codes linking to biographical details. The app also traces the origins of major street names across governorates, providing historical context as users navigate their surroundings. Architecturally significant buildings are catalogued in coordination with heritage institutions to support long-term preservation

Using geolocation, the app notifies users when they are near a landmark of historical interest, transforming everyday movement through the city into a guided experience of Egypt’s urban legacy.

Memory of the City is available for download on major mobile platforms and is part of a broader initiative to strengthen public engagement with cultural heritage through digital tools.