Tunis Village Fayoum

Tunis Village, located in Egypt’s Fayoum Oasis, is one of the world’s most renowned ceramic-producing communities. Its transformation began in 1980 with the arrival of Swiss potter Evelyne Porret, whose pottery school ignited a cultural and economic renaissance. Today, the village thrives as a hub of art, education, and sustainable rural development, attracting thousands of visitors and hosting an annual pottery festival. Nearby, the UNESCO site Wadi Hitan adds to its cultural and natural appeal.
 

The Origins of Tunis Village

Perched on high ground overlooking Lake Qarun, Tunis Village is relatively young compared to most Egyptian settlements. It developed from uninhabited land into a small rural community in the early 20th century.

Early days before the 1960s

The Abd al Basseir family first cultivated the land, bringing workers to establish basic homes using traditional adobe and palm-beam construction. Until the mid-1980s, residents lacked electricity, running water, and sewage systems. The early village was simple and agricultural, centered on farming and fishing. Some accounts link the village name to a Tunisian woman who built its first hilltop house with her husband.

The role of Egyptian poets in founding the village

In the 1960s, two Egyptian poets settled in the village, drawn by its quiet and distance from the cities. They encouraged creativity among locals and planted the seeds of an artistic identity. Their influence prepared the village for its next major transformation with the arrival of Evelyne Porret.

The Arrival of Evelyne Porret

Swiss ceramist Evelyne Porret became the defining figure in Tunis Village’s artistic evolution.

Why she came to Fayoum

Porret, daughter of a Protestant pastor, first lived in Cairo during her youth. She later returned after her studies in Switzerland, visiting Egypt frequently during her marriage to lyricist Sayed Hegab. Although she left Egypt for some years, she finally settled in Fayoum in 1984 with her second husband, Michel Pastore.

Establishing the pottery school

Porret built her home and studio using local materials and Nubian-inspired architecture. She founded the Fayoum Pottery School and later the Ptah Association in 1984. Inspired by children playing with lake mud, she designed a school where each child had a small personal workshop. Her Nubian vault architecture influenced the entire village’s aesthetic.

Impact on local children and families

The school transformed daily life. Many children found careers and avoided early marriage, especially girls. Over 100 potters trained under her guidance, helping families build stable incomes through pottery and attracting tourism. Her values of commitment, honesty, and artistic discipline shaped generations. After her death in 2021, the village honored her legacy with “Evelyne Street.”
 

How Pottery Transformed the Village

Growth of pottery workshops

What began as a single school expanded into a thriving pottery economy. Ten workshops and an active art center now operate in the village, with almost every household participating in ceramic production. This industry has provided steady employment and reduced the need for residents to leave the village for work.

Annual Pottery Festival

Founded in 2011 by potter Ahmed Abu Zeid, the Tunis Village Pottery Festival takes place each December. It features exhibitions, workshops, performances, and local food markets. The festival attracts artisans from across Egypt and serves as both a cultural showcase and an economic engine.

Recognition as a global ceramic hub

The village receives around 120,000 visitors yearly and has become an international center for handcrafted ceramics. Its pottery blends Islamic art influences with modern creativity, and many pieces appear in global exhibitions and museums.
 

Cultural and Architectural Identity

Nubian vault architecture

Tunis Village’s dominant architectural style is the Nubian vault technique, revived and popularized by Evelyne Porret and inspired by Hassan Fathy’s principles. Structures use mud brick, earth mortar, and domed ceilings, creating a sustainable and harmonious aesthetic. Over time, some buildings adopted burned brick, but the village retains its distinctive earthen charm.

Artistic influence from residents and visitors

Artist Mohamed Abla enhanced the village’s cultural richness by founding the Fayoum Art Center in 2006. It features the Middle East’s first caricature museum, showcasing works by famous artists such as Saroukhan and George El Bahgoury. Murals and galleries contribute to the village's identity as a living outdoor museum.

Blend of rural and cosmopolitan lifestyles

Tunis Village balances traditional rural life—donkeys, agriculture, simple homes—with international artistic culture. Visitors experience an environment that feels both rustic and cosmopolitan, creating a unique cultural atmosphere.
 

Tunis Village exemplifies how art can transform a community. Evelyne Porret’s vision sparked a cultural and economic revival that continues to flourish. The village blends rural identity with artistic innovation, supported by Nubian architecture, thriving pottery studios, and cultural institutions.

The annual Pottery Festival and global recognition highlight its success. Today, Tunis Village stands as a model for sustainable, art-driven rural development—where tradition and creativity coexist in a beautifully balanced environment.