How One Man In Egypt Is Keeping This 200-Year-Old Tile Tradition Alive | Still Standing | Insider Business

This video highlights the process of handmade cement tile production in Egypt, focusing on Saied Hussain, a skilled craftsman who has been making tiles since he was 12 years old. The craft dates back to the 1800s when cement became popular for construction. Saied's workshop is one of the few remaining in Cairo. He starts by sifting white cement and mixing in pigments to achieve the desired colors. Using stencils, he pours each color into its designated section, paying attention to intricate details. Some designs are done freehand. A mixture of sand, cement, and limestone is added to secure the pattern before the tile is sent through a hydraulic press to solidify the cement. Cement tiles have a history in Europe, with factories appearing in countries like the UK, France, and Belgium. However, changing tastes and the rise of ceramic and marble tiles affected the market in Egypt, forcing Saied to adapt with cheaper designs. Despite the challenges, he continues to offer apprenticeships to preserve the traditional process. Saied's workshop produces up to 150 tiles a day, selling them for 500 Egyptian pounds (around $31) per square meter. The text emphasizes Saied's dedication to keeping the art of cement tile making alive.

How One Man In Egypt Is Keeping This 200-Year-Old Tile Tradition Alive | Still Standing | Insider Business

• Cement tile making is an art form that has been practiced since the 1800s in Egypt.
• Saied Hussain, a skilled craftsman, has been making tiles since he was 12 years old and remains dedicated to his trade despite competition from other types of tiles.
• Saied's workshop is one of the few remaining in Cairo, highlighting the decline of the craft due to factors like cost of materials and physical labor.
• The process involves sifting white cement, mixing in pigments for desired colors, using stencils to pour each color, and adding a mixture of sand, cement, and limestone to secure the pattern.
• Cement tiles have roots in Europe, particularly in countries like the UK, France, and Belgium, but their popularity diminished due to changing tastes and the rise of ceramic and marble tiles.
• Saied offers free apprenticeships to young craftsmen to ensure the traditional process continues and has been doing so for the past 40 years.
• Despite the challenges, Saied's workshop produces up to 150 tiles a day, selling them for 500 Egyptian pounds (around $31) per square meter.
• Saied's dedication to preserving the art of cement tile making and his passion for the craft are highlighted throughout the text.