Sayed Metwally

Sayed Metwally, affectionately known as 'عم سيد', is a traditional cobbler from Beni Suef, Egypt, who has dedicated over 40 years of his life to the craft of shoe repair, a skill he inherited from his ancestors. He travels between villages, particularly in the Beba and Samusta regions, to provide handmade shoe repairs, which many locals prefer over modern machine-made alternatives. Sayed is passionate about preserving this nearly extinct trade, emphasizing the precision of handwork over speed. His work peaks around school seasons and holidays, where he also crafts new shoes from raw leather, showcasing the importance of artisanal craftsmanship in the community.