A Piece of Cloth Delivers Messages.

Written by: Nourhan Adel Hassan

Edited by: Youssra Essam

Street arts are important in all cultures all over the world, in Egypt “Al Aragoz” is one of the most important arts due to its significance. The whole concept of it was based on the idea of improvisation. The “Aragoz” took part in many political events or controversial issues.

A hand puppet wearing a conical cap (Tartour) attracts kids and adults. These words describe an Egyptian art called “Al Aragoz.” This art was quite common in Egypt in different eras, and it brought happiness to people’s hearts and it was the voice for various ideas. Although it was just a hand puppet that is made of simple tools, it had a dark and satirical perspective on life. The word “Aragoz” is derived from a Turkish word called “Karagiozis” which means big black eyes. This idea started on stages then on TV to end up on social media.

The beginnings of Aragoz:

People first knew “Aragoz” in the streets. It had a wooden head; it was made of thin material and it had sharp features. The puppet wore a conical red hat called “Tartour” and a long red smock. The actors controlled the puppet with their index finger. The actors used to wander on carriages among rural areas during annual rituals, feasts, and special occasions. Thus, the actor Omar El Sherif participated in an Egyptian movie in 1989 called “El Aragoz” to highlight the beginnings of this art and its importance.

Picture from the movie of the actor “Omar El Sherif” holding Aragoz on his index finger.

Why was “Aragoz” so important?

This puppet was the main lead of “the puppet theatre.” Actors used it to talk about poor people’s problems in a satiric, light, and funny way. This art wasn’t only limited to making people laugh, but there was a lot of general information mixed with all the sarcasm. Thus, it became one of the most important ways to transfer knowledge. Also, it was a significant method to provoke patriotic ideas and political beliefs in Egyptian streets.

“Aragoz” in the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

On the 28th of February, UNESCO announced registering the “Aragoz” as an Egyptian heritage that needs urgent safeguarding.

According to a previous UNESCO statement, puppet shows’ viabilities are threatened due to the evolution of social, political, legal, and cultural circumstances. “Not to mention these shows are not popular anymore since it is known only among a few middle-aged People,” the statement added. Professor of Folk Arts Institute, Nahla Emam took responsibility for presenting the Aragoz’s issue file. She was trying to convince UNESCO to register this art as a cultural heritage. She said, “The purpose is to protect any type of art from fading out.”

Over the years, "Aragoz" has held a special place in people's hearts, particularly the old generation. Nowadays, it is not as common as before but we deeply need the same type of art. In order to preserve this heritage from extinction, we need to exert effort to make it widespread among the current generations and the next ones.

Picture of the Aragoz during the performance.