Unlocking Cairo’s Hidden Gem: Why New Heliopolis Belongs on Egypt’s Tourism Map

Heritage is more than old buildings; it is the story of a society, the identity of a nation, and the memory of a city. In her book, “Untapped Cultural Heritage and Its Impact on Sustainable Tourism Development in Heliopolis,” Dr. Basma Selim shines a light on one of Cairo’s rarest urban gems: New Heliopolis. As the director of the Baron Empain Palace and a doctoral researcher in heritage and museum studies, Dr. Selim not only documents the history of this unique district but also reveals the missed opportunities to revive its heritage for cultural development. In this interview, we discuss the challenges of preserving identity amid urban change and the potential for transforming heritage into a living resource for future generations