Introduction

Do you see these colourful dome houses? Do they look unique? Yes, they do, because, in fact, they belong to the Egyptian subculture of Nubia. In the south of Egypt, about 900 km from the Egyptian capital, Cairo lies the region of Nubia. Nubia is divided between Egypt and Sudan, and the Egyptian Nubians speak both Egyptian and Nubian languages.

Architecture: Harmonization with Nature

Nubians believe that human beings are part of nature and that different elements of nature, including humans, should live in harmony. They reflect this philosophy in their houses. Nubian architecture is environmentally friendly and built using materials from the surrounding environment. Nubians use natural building materials for their houses, including palm leaves, mud, wood, gypsum, and sand. These materials do not retain heat, and the domes allow natural air circulation, acting as a natural air conditioner in the hot Nubian climate.

Paintings and Colours: What Do They Represent?

The paintings that decorate Nubian houses represent their history, economic activity, religion, and values. Most houses are painted white to reflect heat. Blue is frequently used to symbolize the connection with the Nile, the lifeline that Egyptians, including Nubians, respected and even worshipped in ancient times. Baby blue is also used to reflect the connection with the sky. Since they are originally farmers and deeply attached to the land, green is widely used, along with depictions of plants, flowers, trees, and palm trees, symbolizing prosperity and fertility. It is common to find paintings of animals that are native to Nubia, such as crocodiles and camels. Additionally, orange and bright yellow express gratitude to the sun. Words in Arabic and Nubian are often written on the façades of houses to welcome visitors. Sometimes, verses from the Quran (the holy book of Muslims) are inscribed to bless the house and its inhabitants. In many cases, these paintings are created and coloured by both women and men. For Nubians, women must take part in building or decorating houses to highlight their role in life and their importance to the family. This also reflects the cooperation among family members in laying the house’s foundations.

Conclusion

“One man cannot build one house, but ten men can build ten houses.” — Nubian proverb. Houses in Nubia are more than just walls and ceilings; they embody the identity, culture, and life of Nubians. The cooperation among Nubians in building each other’s houses, their loyalty to the community, and their commitment to shared values are all reflected in their homes. As a subculture of Egypt, Nubia represents a model of diversity and multiculturalism that enriches Egyptian society, making Egypt a true melting pot.

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