How One Man In Egypt Is Keeping This 200-Year-Old Tile Tradition Alive | Still Standing
TLDRSaied Hussain, a craftsman in Egypt, is dedicated to preserving the 200-year-old tradition of handmade cement tile making. Despite competition from modern tile alternatives, Saied's workshop in Cairo continues to produce these tiles using a labor-intensive process that he learned from his father. Starting with white cement, he mixes in pigments to create the desired colors and uses stencils to form intricate patterns. Cement tiles, which originated in Europe during the 1800s, have faced challenges in the market, but Saied has adapted by creating new, cost-effective designs. His workshop, one of the last of its kind, produces up to 150 tiles a day and offers free apprenticeships to pass on the craft to the next generation. Saied's commitment to this art form ensures that the traditional method of cement tile making remains alive.
Takeaways
- 🎨 **Art Form**: Saied Hussain views the creation of cement tiles as an art form, despite it being a craft that dates back to the 1800s.
- 🧱 **Craftsmanship**: Cement tile making has been threatened by other types of tiles, but Saied remains committed to his trade.
- 🏭 **Workshop in Cairo**: Saied's workshop is one of the few remaining where handmade cement tiles are produced.
- 👵 **Longevity**: Saied has been crafting tiles since he was 12, and his process has changed little over the years.
- 🎨 **Specialty**: His expertise lies in working with colors, which he mixes into a fine white cement powder.
- 🔍 **Precision**: Saied uses stencils that are over 35 years old to meticulously pour colors into their respective sections.
- 🏺 **Freehand Designs**: Some tile designs are done freehand, showcasing Saied's artistic skill.
- 🏗️ **Crucial Layer**: A mixture of sand, cement, and limestone is added to the mold to ensure the pattern's stability.
- ⚙️ **Hydraulic Press**: The hydraulic press is used to quickly solidify the cement tiles.
- 👴 **Heritage**: Saied learned tile making from his father, who worked at a shop owned by Greek immigrants.
- 🌍 **Global Roots**: Cement tiles have a history in Europe, with factories emerging in the UK, France, and Belgium post-1800s.
- ⏳ **Market Shift**: Changing preferences led to a decline in cement tiles' popularity in Europe by the mid-20th century.
- 📉 **Market Disruption**: In the 1990s, ceramic and marble tiles took over the Egyptian market, impacting Saied's business.
- 🛠️ **Physical Demand**: The high cost of materials and the physically demanding nature of the work have deterred new craftsmen.
- 💼 **Adaptation**: Saied adapted by creating new, cheaper designs to stay competitive.
- 👷 **Small Team**: With only two employees, Saied's team is among the last tile makers in the industry.
- 💰 **Pricing**: They sell 1 square meter of tiles for 500 Egyptian pounds, which is equivalent to about $31.
- 🆓 **Apprenticeships**: Saied has been offering free apprenticeships for 40 years to preserve the traditional process.
- 🎓 **Mastery**: Saied emphasizes that mastering the craft is not easy and requires dedication.
- 🌟 **Legacy**: The most important aspect for Saied is the continuation of the art form.
Q & A
What is the significance of cement tiles in Egypt's history?
-Cement tiles have been a part of Egyptian craftsmanship since the 1800s when cement became a cheap and efficient way to build. They represent a 200-year-old tradition that Saied Hussain is keeping alive.
Why is Saied Hussain considered an artist in his field?
-Saied Hussain is considered an artist because he treats the creation of cement tiles as an art form, staying true to his trade despite the rise of other types of tiles that have threatened his business.
How did Saied Hussain learn the craft of making cement tiles?
-Saied learned the craft from his father, who worked at a shop owned by Greek immigrants. The process he uses has remained largely unchanged since he was 12 years old.
What is the first step in Saied's process of making cement tiles?
-The first step in Saied's process is sifting white cement until it becomes a fine powder, which he then mixes with pigments to achieve the desired color.
How does Saied ensure the pattern on the tiles stays in place?
-Saied ensures the pattern stays in place by topping off the mold with a mixture of sand, cement, and limestone, which is a crucial step in the process.
What is the role of the hydraulic press in the tile-making process?
-The hydraulic press is used to apply pressure that solidifies the cement within seconds, creating a durable and long-lasting tile.
How did the cement tile industry start in Europe?
-The cement tile industry started in Europe during the 1800s after cement was discovered as a cheap and efficient building material. Factories began to appear in countries like the UK and France, and the industry flourished in Belgium after World War I.
Why did the popularity of cement tiles decline in Europe by the mid-20th century?
-Changing tastes in Europe's tile market led to the decline in popularity of cement tiles by the mid-20th century, as other materials and styles became more favored.
What factors have impacted Saied's business in Egypt since the 1990s?
-The market in Egypt was disrupted in the 1990s when ceramic and marble tiles became more popular, taking over the market and shaking up Saied's business.
How does Saied manage to keep his business running despite the challenges?
-Saied has managed to keep his business running by creating new, cheaper designs and offering free apprenticeships to young craftsmen to keep the traditional process alive.
What is the daily production capacity of Saied's team?
-Saied and his two employees can make up to 150 tiles in a single day.
How much does Saied sell 1 square meter of tiles for, and to whom does he sell them?
-Saied sells 1 square meter of tiles for 500 Egyptian pounds, which is equivalent to $31, to customers around Cairo.
Outlines
🎨 The Art of Handmade Cement Tiles in Egypt
The first paragraph introduces the viewer to the traditional craft of handmade cement tile making in Egypt, a practice that dates back to the 1800s. Saied Hussain, a craftsman who has been practicing this art since he was 12, is highlighted for his dedication to the trade despite competition from other types of tiles. His workshop in Cairo is showcased, where he demonstrates the meticulous process of making cement tiles, starting from sifting white cement, mixing in pigments for color, and using stencils for intricate designs. Saied's method involves a hydraulic press to solidify the cement, a skill he learned from his father. The paragraph also touches on the history of cement tiles in Europe and how market trends have affected the industry globally and in Egypt, where Saied has had to adapt by creating new, more affordable designs. His workshop continues to produce up to 150 tiles a day with a small team, and he emphasizes the importance of keeping this art form alive.
💰 Cement Tile Business and Apprenticeship in Cairo
The second paragraph focuses on the business aspect of Saied's cement tile workshop and his efforts to preserve the craft through apprenticeships. Saied sells 1 square meter of tiles for 500 Egyptian pounds, equivalent to about $31, catering to customers in Cairo. Over the past 40 years, he has been offering free apprenticeships to young craftsmen to ensure the continuation of the traditional tile-making process. The paragraph emphasizes that mastering this craft is not easy and requires a certain level of skill and dedication. Saied's primary concern is the survival of the art form, indicating his commitment to the cultural heritage of handmade cement tiles.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Cement tiles
💡Handmade
💡Workshops
💡Art form
💡Saied Hussain
💡Cairo
💡Pigments
💡Stencils
💡Hydraulic press
💡Traditional process
💡Apprenticeships
💡Market competition
Highlights
Cement tiles have been handmade in Egypt since the 1800s, when cement became a cheap and efficient building material.
Saied Hussain views the creation of cement tiles as an art form and has remained dedicated to his craft despite market competition.
Saied's workshop in Cairo is one of the few places where this traditional tile-making process is still practiced.
He began making tiles at the age of 12, and his methods have changed little over time.
The process starts with sifting white cement into a fine powder before adding pigments for color.
Saied is known for his expertise in working with colors to achieve the desired hues for his tiles.
Each color is poured into its own section using stencils that Saied has used for over 35 years.
The finer details of the tile designs are navigated slowly and precisely by Saied.
Some tile patterns are done freehand, showcasing Saied's artistic skill.
A mixture of sand, cement, and limestone is added to the mold to ensure the pattern stays in place before pressing.
The hydraulic press is used to solidify the cement in the tiles within seconds.
Saied learned the craft from his father, who worked at a shop owned by Greek immigrants.
Cement tiles have a history in Europe, with factories emerging in the UK, France, and Belgium post-1800s.
The industry in Belgium flourished after World War I, utilizing cement tiles as an affordable rebuilding material.
Changing preferences in the European tile market led to a decline in cement tile popularity by the mid-20th century.
In the 1990s, ceramic and marble tiles took over the Egyptian market, affecting Saied's business.
The high cost of materials and physical labor have deterred workers from continuing the craft.
Saied has managed to stay in business by creating new, cheaper designs to appeal to the market.
His team can produce up to 150 tiles in a day, selling 1 square meter for 500 Egyptian pounds or $31.
Saied has been offering free apprenticeships for 40 years to keep the traditional tile-making process alive.
Mastering the art of cement tile-making is not easy, and Saied ensures only the right apprentices are taught.
The most important aspect for Saied is the continuation of the art form for future generations.