Rare Egyptian Music Archive for Sale Amidst Urgent Calls for Preservation
Dr. Esmat El-Nemr, a renowned Egyptian surgeon, has made the heartbreaking decision to sell his extensive music archive, a collection that embodies the rich audio heritage of Egypt. This archive, which spans over 50 years of dedicated collection, includes hundreds of cassette tapes, thousands of music files, CDs, and hard drives filled with traditional music from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. El-Nemr's collection features various genres, including Adwar, Taqatiq, Tawashih, and rare Quranic recitations, all of which hold significant cultural value.
The Journey of a Music Collector
El-Nemr's passion for music began in the 1970s when he inherited a phonograph and a collection of records from his father. His quest for preservation led him to visit local markets and connect with fellow enthusiasts to exchange and record rare music. Over the years, he amassed around 25,000 music files, documenting a crucial era in Egyptian history that many have forgotten. His efforts also included the creation of an electronic radio station, Radio Misr Phone, aimed at sharing traditional music with a broader audience.
A Call to Action for Preservation
The decision to sell his beloved archive comes after El-Nemr faced severe health challenges that strained his finances, forcing him to part with his life's work. The news has sparked a wave of concern among cultural enthusiasts and intellectuals in Egypt, prompting calls for a public subscription or intervention from official bodies to purchase and preserve this invaluable heritage. Writer Ekram Youssef emphasized the need to protect such national treasures, advocating for a solution to ensure that El-Nemr's collection remains accessible for future generations.
