El Sawy CultureWheel

Egypt is not just the land of ancient Pharaonic treasures and civilization; it is also a home for all forms of culture and art. The moment you reach its land, you will discover everything that fascinates and inspires you, from ancient monuments to art, science, and cultural wonders.

El Sawy CultureWheel is considered the first cultural place in Egypt. It represents cultural institutions in the post-governmental cultural era. El Sawy CultureWheel’s a main cultural landmark attracting Egyptian and foreign youth, always on their must-visit list.

The founder of El Sawy CultureWheel was Mohamed Sawi and he was the son of the great Egyptian writer Abdel Moneim Sawi. He thought of designing a cultural center that includes all types of literature and arts, attracting people from all walks of life. 

Mohamed Sawi designed the project, developed strategies to engage the public, and started with musical events to attract audiences, as music is one of the most widespread art forms globally. The center offered a variety of music, including gypsy, rap, jazz, and more, catering to diverse tastes. The focus then shifted to art exhibitions, sculptural displays, and poetic evenings.

About The Founder of El Sawy CultureWheel.

Mohamed Sawi is the son of the great writer Abdel Moneim Sawi, who held a degree in Architecture from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Helwan University. He was a recipient of the Arab Creativity Award and the Order of Merit from the President of Germany. 

The achievements of mohammed Sawi: 

Mohamed Sawi was the first Minister of Culture post-January Revolution, designer, animator, author, and director of Marionette puppet theater. He founded El Sawy CultureWheel’s Puppet Theater and authored over 18 puppet plays. He was also behind the mental training program for kids and youth and the project “Om Kolthom Returns”. 

He designed many concerts for Abdel Halim Hafez, Farid Al-Atrash, and comedy scenes. He wrote weekly articles in Al-Masri Al-Youm and Al-Watan newspapers. Mohamed Sawi was elected as a member of the Egyptian Parliament post-January events and member of the Constitution Drafting Committee. He was also behind the White Circle to avoid smoking initiative and has completed 14 marathons, believing in sports and running as a duty towards one’s body.

El Sawy CultureWheel is located in Zamalek, at the end of 26th of July Street, below the 15th of May Bridge, and was built in 2003.

The origin of the word “Sawi” in Egypt dates back to the Sawi era or the Sawi dynasty, the 26th dynasty, one of the most glorious periods in Egypt’s late era. The Sawi kings arrived in Egypt due to the Kushite fleeing from Nubia, leading the Sawi warriors to rise and rule Egypt. 

Despite Egypt being under Assyrian rule at the time, it was reunified under national Egyptian rule. The Sawi era lasted for 138 years, without removing regional elites from their governance in Upper Egypt. Their rule was long, marked by prosperity and struggle against ancient powers, drawing inspiration from past golden ages, aware of their heritage.

The name “Wheel” was given to the place to honor Abdel-Monem Sawi’s series of novels, consisting of five parts, titled “Al-Agheela”. Sawi is a reference to the family name.

• The place offers many different activities such as: artistic, theatrical, cinematic, and musical performances. 
• It organizes art exhibitions for both established and young artists, treating them equally. 
• El Sawy CultureWheel has a library which is divided into four sections, offers classes for basic drawing principles, and includes a general library, a children’s library, a music library, and an electronic library. 
• It presents different cultural, religious, scientific, and artistic lectures and seminars, including a monthly communications seminar for the Scientific Association of Telecommunications Engineers. 
• The center includes sports activities like marathon races and a sports center. The institution relies on donations and annual subscriptions. 
• Additionally, it encompasses social activities such as the White Circle anti-smoking initiative, “Our Beautiful Language” for teaching Arabic, and “Treasures of the Desert” for environmental activities.

These activities can be condensed as follows:

• Offers theatrical, artistic, cinematic, and musical performances.
• Teaches arts such as drawing, music, and literature.
• Hosts art exhibitions for established and young artists
• Conducts lectures and workshops on literary and scientific levels.
• Includes a large library consisting of a general library, a children’s library, an electronic library, and a music library.
• Organizes competitions in the theatrical field.

El Sawy CultureWheel premises contain five theaters: “Qa’a Al-Kalima, Qa’a Al-Nahr, Sakia Garden, Bostan Al-Nil, and Qa’a Al-Mahkama”. The theaters are equipped with projection screens and all necessary facilities for performances. There are also five other halls for workshops and seminars.

– Qa’a Al-Nahr: 

This hall is large, seating 650 people and accommodating 2800 standing individuals (650 seated and 2150 standing). It features two backstage rooms and is open to overlook the Nile. The hall is equipped with ceiling fans, bathrooms, a café, and an emergency exit.

– Qa’a Al-Kalima: 

Qa’a Al-Kalima seats 250 people, making it smaller than Qa’a Al-Nahr. It is air-conditioned, features a café, and has an emergency exit.

– Qa’a Al-Mahkama: 

It is a Medium-sized hall seating 500 people, air-conditioned, with a stage and two backstage rooms. Like other halls, it has a café, bathrooms, and an emergency exit. The location is ideal for dining and performances, and one can capture wonderful photos.

Who established El Sawy CultureWheel?

The founder of El Sawy CultureWheel is Mohamed Sawi, son of the great Egyptian writer Abdel Moneim Sawi. He wanted to create a cultural center that includes all types of literature and arts, attracting different classes of people. 

Who is Mohammed Elsaway and what were his achievements?

Mohamed Sawi, the son of the great writer Abdel Moneim Sawi, held a degree in Architecture from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Helwan University. 

His achievements: 

He was a recipient of the Arab Creativity Award and the Order of Merit from the President of Germany. Mohamed Sawi was the first Minister of Culture post-January Revolution, designer, animator, author, and director of Marionette puppet theater. He founded El Sawy CultureWheel’s Puppet Theater and authored over 18 puppet plays. 

He was also behind the mental training program for kids and youth and the project “Om Kolthom Returns”. He produced concerts for Abdel Halim Hafez, Farid Al-Atrash, and comedy scenes. He wrote weekly articles in Al-Masri Al-Youm and Al-Watan newspapers. 

Mohamed Sawi was elected as a member of the Egyptian Parliament post-January events and member of the Constitution Drafting Committee. He was also behind the White Circle to avoid smoking initiative and has completed 14 marathons, believing in sports and running as a duty towards one’s body.

What are The Activities of El Sawy CultureWheel?

• Offers theatrical, artistic, cinematic, and musical performances.
• Teaches arts such as drawing, music, and literature.
• Hosts art exhibitions for established and young artists
• Conducts lectures and workshops on literary and scientific levels.
• Includes a large library consisting of a general library, a children’s library, an electronic library, and a music library.
• Organizes competitions in the theatrical field.

Why was El sway Culturewheel called by this name?

The name “Sakia” was given to the place in honor of Abdel-Monem Sawi’s series of novels, consisting of five parts, titled “Al-Agheela”. Sawi is a reference to the family name.

What Is The Definition of El Sawy CultureWheel?

 El Sawy CultureWheel is considered the first cultural center in Egypt and the most extensive and widespread. It represents cultural entities in the post-governmental cultural era. It’s a comprehensive cultural center offering a range of cultural and artistic events. It’s a major cultural landmark attracting Egyptian and foreign youth, always on their must-visit list.