Revitalizing Heritage: Innovative Design of Tourist Souvenirs Using Ancient Egyptian Water Symbolism

This study investigates the potential of integrating water-related Pharaonic symbols into the design of tourist goods and souvenirs to enhance Egyptian cultural identity and promote heritage tourism. Focusing on the aesthetic and functional properties of these symbols, the research analyzes the representation of key motifs, including Hapi (the Nile god), the lotus flower (symbolizing rebirth), and fish (representing fertility). A rigorous selection framework, grounded in heritage tourism theory, was developed to identify representative objects from ancient Egypt based on authenticity, cultural significance in decorative contexts, usability for contemporary tourists, and relevance to sustainable tourism development. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines critical document analysis of academic literature on Pharaonic water symbolism with empirical research on the current market. Empirical data collection encompassed visual semiotic analysis of symbols, quantitative surveys of tourist preferences for souvenir designs, and qualitative semi-structured interviews with design professionals and cultural heritage experts. Statistical analysis using SPSS examined consumer aesthetic and functional preferences.
Findings demonstrate the significant potential of Pharaonic water symbols to inform the creation of culturally resonant and aesthetically compelling tourist products. The research proposes innovative design concepts that effectively integrate these symbols into functional and marketable items- including wooden sculptures, stone carvings, and metal artifacts, while rigorously preserving their cultural authenticity. These designs contribute to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of tourist goods, reinforcing Egyptian cultural identity, and fostering awareness of the Nile River's historical and ecological significance. The study offers a novel framework for the design and production of commercially viable yet culturally authentic souvenirs, contributing to the theoretical discourse on heritage tourism and providing practical implications for sustainable tourism practices in Egypt. Recommendations emphasize the importance of evidence-based design informed by Pharaonic heritage, strategic collaboration between cultural institutions and tourism stakeholders, and the implementation of targeted marketing strategies to promote culturally sensitive tourism products.