The contemporary art center "Darb 17 18" in Cairo was demolished on January 6, deeply saddening Egyptian culture enthusiasts.
This act is part of a road expansion project, representing another phase in the ongoing destruction of the city's heritage sites. The center's founder, artist Moataz Nasr El Din, expressed his shock and dismay, highlighting that the center had been a sanctuary for artists and craftsmen for over a decade. The demolition occurred without prior notice or compensation, despite earlier government promises. Darb 17 18 was more than just an artistic space; it was a site for preserving the nation's cultural heritage. Critics point out the government's disregard for heritage and history, while Nasr El Din laments the loss of many valuable foreign art pieces.