Crooked Bough News Round-up

— Egypt’s Cabinet Denies Reuters Report about Delaying Wheat Payments

 

at 6/10/23 8:30am

Wheat field. Original public domain image from Wikimedia Commons The Egyptian cabinet denied a Reuters report claiming that Egypt is delaying opening letters of credit for wheat purchases to ease foreign currency pressures. “The cabinet’s media center has contacted the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade, which denied this news [] the information circulated by the report is false, and has no connection to reality,” the cabinet’s media center said in a 9 June statement published on Facebook. The cabinet explained that websites and social media pages circulated a report published by “an international institution” claiming that Egypt is failing to make timely payments for wheat imports. Reuters had published such a report on 25 May, claiming that the state grain buyer was “phasing” wheat payments by deferring the opening of letters of credit sent by banks to guarantee timely payment. The piece cited anonymous traders in Egypt and even supply and internal trade minister Aly Moselhy himself, who is quoted to have said that Egypt is “phasing” payments on wheat. Egyptian Streets covered the report on 27 May. The ministry said that it emphasizes that Egypt fulfills all its wheat payment commitments on time, without delay or rescheduling. Rumors or misinformation can be reported via Whatsapp to those numbers (01155508688 -01155508851) or through this email (rumors@idsc.net.eg), according to the statement.The post Egypt’s Cabinet Denies Reuters Report about Delaying Wheat Payments first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: News, aly moselhy, CABINET, delayed payments, delaying payments, denies, featured, reuters, supply minister, wheat]

— Review: ‘Mother Country’ and the Unique Female Arab Protagonists of Etaf Rum

 

at 6/10/23 5:14am

Etaf Rum at her cafe, Books and Beans (Photo Credits: North Carolina State University) “Being a woman is the greatest curse, you told me once. I must have been six or seven. You said, ‘One day you will understand what I mean’.” This is how New York Times bestselling author Etaf Rum starts her short story, ‘Mother Country’ (2023). The short story was released as part of a Kindle collection consisting of seven stories by different authors titled ‘Good Intentions’, which dissects the highs and lows of mother-daughter relationships. Etaf Rum is a Palestinian-American author whose works revolve around the experience of Middle Eastern women, especially those living in the diaspora — caught between two entirely different cultures. ‘Mother Country’ introduces a nameless daughter: a young Palestinian woman and the eldest of seven siblings. Being a second generation immigrant crammed in a tiny Brooklyn apartment with her entire family, the protagonist wants nothing more than to make her mother’s sacrifice for her and her siblings worth it. So, she does what is expected of her: she gets married, bears children, and spends all her days helping her mother-in-law cook and clean while waiting for her husband to return from work. The protagonist is forced to grapple with the fact that every decision that led her to this moment has been a result of being puppeteered by her mother, and decides to take matters into her own hands. The short story is structured like a letter that is written in a stream of consciousness. The protagonist is addressing someone who has hurt her deeply, but still occupies a significant space in her thoughts, and dictates all of her decisions, despite not being physically present. It is not immediately clear who the protagonist is addressing, but the presence of that figure is so overarching and looming – it is entrenched in her past, present, and how she longs to return to that ‘home’. This makes it appear as though she is directing her words at her actual mother country, and addressing the trauma of being separated from one’s homeland. However, this is a mere metaphor hiding behind words actually addressed to her mother, proof of Rum’s prowess and how she can trap the reader inside a woman’s mind and force them to knock on its gates, begging the captor to let the reader and the protagonist out. The story’s strength lies in the fact that the daughter does not express disdain towards her mother, even when she makes decisions that break the patriarchal cycle of compliance that started many generations ago, while knowing that this decision will estrange them. There is a sense of resignation in knowing that she can not change people, but she can only change herself, and break the cycle for the sake of her children. The protagonist also knows that she will never find closure, because no matter how much she expresses her feelings towards her mother, there is a wall that hinders communication between them. She writes letters that her mother will never read and would never understand, and even if they did have a confrontation it would be too late, with too many years of trauma under both their belts. To some readers, especially those familiar with Rum’s debut book ‘A Woman is No Man’ (2019), it might seem as though Rum is victimizing Arab women in her work, but a deeper look reveals that the story is coming from personal experience. Although not all women in the Middle East and the Arab diaspora have experienced the extent of what she is describing in the story, they have all experienced at least a degree of it. Overall, the female protagonists of Etaf Rum are complex, well-developed individuals with unique strengths and faults, who represent the struggles faced by many women before them. The young Palestinian women Rum portrays – whether in this short story or in her other works – struggle with the decision of whether to embrace the morals that the previous generations have instilled in them or decide to follow their own goals in a moving story of sacrifice, tenacity, and reinvention. Rums novels are a powerful and poignant exploration of the experiences of Palestinian women living in America, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in issues of culture, identity, and gender. Etaf Rum’s ‘Mother Country’ is available for sale here.The post Review: ‘Mother Country’ and the Unique Female Arab Protagonists of Etaf Rum first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: Arts & Culture, a woman is no man, Amazon, arts, arts and culture, book, book recommendation, book recommendations, book review, Cairo, culture, egypt, etaf rum, featured, life, lifestyle, palestine, palestinian artist, palestinian culture, review]

— The Legacy of Menhat Helmy: An Egyptian Pioneer of Graphics and Printmaking

 

at 6/10/23 3:37am

Through careful brushstrokes and delicate handwork, Menhat Helmy created a world of art that is distinguished and everlasting. With paintings steeped in color and wonder, Helmy was a pioneer whose talent and influence continue to reverberate through the artistic industry today. Helmy was born in 1925 in Helwan to a family of nine siblings. At a time where women’s enrollment in higher education was the exception and not the norm, Helmy’s talent and love for the arts led her to graduating from Cairo’s High Institute of Pedagogic Studies for Art in 1949. Her dynamic talent earned her a scholarship to continue her education at the Slade School of Fine Art in 1953 — becoming one of the first to attend the prestigious school. During her time at Slade — which is ranked as the UK’s top art and design education institution — she studied under world-renowned sculptors like Henry Moore, Graham Sutherland, and William Coldstream. Helmy’s primary focus was painting, graphics, and etching, which is a printmaking technique that uses chemical action to produce engraved lines in a metal printing plate. She later won the Slade Prize for Etching in 1955. Helmy returned to Egypt in 1956 with the newly mastered skill which she used to document the societal changes happening around her. She used her art to portray the Aswan High Dam’s construction from the perspective of the workers, the 1957 parliamentary elections — which marked the first time women were allowed to vote and stand for election — as well as the Suez Canal crisis. Her paintings and work were dedicated to documenting the solemn and dynamic life in Egypt. In 1957, she married physician Abdelghaffar Khallaf, and moved with him to London, where she studied color graphics at Morley College between 1973 and 1978. During her time at Morely, Helmy’s work began pivoting towards abstraction — conceptual graphics with complex geometric structures and bright colors — as she became fascinated with technological advancements such as computers, modern vehicles, and space exploration. “I spend hours staring at her abstract pieces and always identifying new dimensions and a plethora of optical illusions,” explains Karim Zidan, grandson of the late Egyptian artist, in an interview with The National. “What looks like a green square at first sight employs dozens of shades of green, and leaves you wondering how far she went given her fascination with space, technology, and spirituality,” he adds. In addition to being an artist ahead of her time in talent and progressive attitudes, Helmy was a lecturer at the Fine Arts Institute in Cairo and a Professor of Fine Arts at Cairo’s Helwan University, and was made an Honorary Professor of Etching at Florence’s Accademia delle Arti del Disegno, as well as a member of the Printmaker Council in the UK. In the 1980s, Helmy retired from printmaking due to a lung condition caused by inhaling chemicals used in the process, but continued to relay her knowledge and skills as a professor at Helwan University until she passed away in 2004. “It was really a remarkable career, and an underrated one. It speaks a lot about the patriarchal system in Egypt, how we view the importance of women’s art versus men’s art, and the gender bias in the art world in general, which is evident to this day,” Zidan recalls.The post The Legacy of Menhat Helmy: An Egyptian Pioneer of Graphics and Printmaking first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: Arts & Culture, art, artists, Cairo, culture, discover egypt, drawing, egypt, Etching, featured, Graphic Design, ink, Menhat helmy, middle east, pioneer, print making, printmaking]

— Speaking through Silence: Delving into Nubian Literature

 

at 6/9/23 9:26am

Idris Ali. “This is your last day. Be strong. Don’t hesitate. Cut and run. An exit with no return.” This is how Nubian writer Idris Ali opens his novel Poor (2005). Read without any context, one may assume that the sentences describe a hopeful situation: a coming of age, a leap of faith, or the culmination of years of effort to reach an ultimate goal. Yet, what Ali was truly describing was a situation of helplessness and pure vulnerability. At that moment, the Nubian narrator has decided — determinedly — to end his life. Penniless and shoeless, the narrator utters these sentences as he wanders around the crowded streets of Cairo on a scorching August afternoon, where he contemplates his life after being exiled from his hometown in Nubia. The death of Ali’s narrator is likened to the death of a fly — while it may be seen as utterly insignificant, it can also be catastrophic. The opening of the novel, thus, poses the question: how much should we worry about what we kill and squash, even if it seems as small, and as trivial, as a fly? Speaking through silence  Courtesy of Trip.com The discourse around development and economic growth has largely celebrated glossy achievements, like the building of large dams, long roads, and huge factories. While infrastructural investments aim to deliver the highest public good, it can also be a key source of corruption and injustice, as projects like the above involve enormous amounts of resources — human, natural and economic — and financial investments. Development involves more than just the mud and steel of a newly constructed building; it should also account for the perspectives, experiences and priorities of people who are often displaced and marginalized within the planning process. Following the construction of the High Dam in Aswan, over 120,000 Nubians were displaced from their homeland. In her research, Nubian researcher Menna Agha studies the emotional capital of communities that is often ignored, and challenges Western understandings of building and construction, which disregard Nubian’s emotional connections and contributions to building their homeland. Traditional conceptions of what progress looks like is usually associated with more tangible results, such as the completion of a mega project. But there are also intangible impacts, such as the breakdown of social and emotional ties, that can accumulate over the years. As Christine Gilmore states in her research on the links between literature and development studies, communities are usually seen as lacking the “social and cultural tools necessary for executive or even advisory forms of decision-making…that pertain to development projects.” Literature allows communities to speak even through silence — their written pieces of fiction articulate their experiences and struggles with displacement more clearly than vocal speech, violence, or loud resistance. By offering a public platform for challenging hegemonic discourses that equate rapid development with modernity, and articulating political demands that regular people may be reluctant to voice in public, Gilmore argues that the literary sphere can become one of the key battleground for communities’ struggle to become part of the development discourse. The fiction of Nubian authors like Idris Ali, Muhammad Khalil Qasim, Yahya Mukhtar, and Haggag Hassan Oddoul represents a breadth of material charting the long-term legacy of displacement fifty years after the construction of the Aswan High Dam — a massive dam that spans the Nile in Aswan, Egypt, built between 1960 and 1970. The Aswan High Dam yielded important economic benefits, such as protecting people living near the banks of the Nile from floods and drought, increasing the electricity available to homes and businesses, and helping farmers irrigate their crops all year. Yet the construction necessitated the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Nubians. Today, only 20 percent of Nubians live in Aswan, according to a Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report published in 2019 by Egyptian non-governmental organizations. When people become displaced due to the construction of large infrastructure projects, they not only lose their homes, but also lose means of support, social networks, as well as access to the natural resources that supplied them with fresh water, fish, land, fruits and vegetables, and natural medicines that helped them survive. Ali’s novel serves as a symbol of the economic impoverishment that Nubians experienced after exile. Through his writing, he vividly describes how the Nubian narrator saw the water rise quickly and flood his surroundings, destroying his crops, houses and livestock. As the narrator says: “there was a direct link between the flood, the dam and bread – not to mention the dreadful locusts that sometimes appeared.” The displaced are seen as problems or victims without agency, as researchers Behrooz Morvaridi and James Scott argue, and questions about what adequate protection or resettlement and rehabilitation mean” are never usually asked. Their displacement is seen to be/ made/ rendered as invisible as the death of a fly. But in economic development, the death of a single fly can also bring about tragic consequences, such as severe economic impoverishment and collective trauma. Although major global development banks, such as the World Bank, have repeatedly underscored the importance of cooperating with local inhabitants and displaced communities, there hasn’t been real discussions or solutions on how to bring that to fruition. To materialize and conceptualize the level of trauma that communities may encounter, there are multiple works of Nubian literature that amplify the voices of Nubian people. Muhammad Khalil Qasims novel Al-Shamandra (The Buoy, 1968) portrays the way of life in a Nubian village that flooded in 1933, which inspired many other Nubian writers to explore the history of their homeland. Yahya Mukhtar’s Jibāl al-Kohl: Riwāya men al-Nūba (Kohl Mountains: a Novel of Nubia, 2001) ignites the consciousness of Nubians through creating an imaginary Nubian homeland where Nubians can return to through their collective conscious. Similarly, Haggag Hassan Oddouls collection of short stories Layāli al-Misk al-Atiqa (Nights of Musk: Stories from Old Nubia, 2005) provides a dream-like glimpse into a world that has long since vanished. The common denominator among all of these literary works is that they revise our understanding of what development means, and who it should benefit. Going beyond 20 minute podcast episodes or two-day conferences, literature captures the true depth and long-term impacts of development. Today, conflicts over water are anticipated to be among the wars that define the twenty-first century. While most coverage is focused on the master narratives by various states, the literary works of Nubians reveal how writing can move the parameters of development discourse, and instead, shine a light on the plurality of priorities and experiences that people can face.The post Speaking through Silence: Delving into Nubian Literature first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: Literature, Aswan, development, egypt, featured, literature, nubia, Nubian]

— Meet Ashraf Sewailam: The Egyptian Bass-Baritone Taking the Opera World by Storm

 

at 6/9/23 7:29am

Ashraf Sewailam never envisioned his life would take him on an unexpected path, but he ended up establishing himself as one of the most talented singers in his field on an international scale. Sewailam is an illustrious bass-baritone opera singer who has captivated audiences around the world with his powerful voice and commanding performances. Born in Dokki in 1968, Sewailam studied architecture at Cairo University. Thirty six years ago, during the summer of his second year at university, Sewailam witnessed an event that changed his life. He had been saving up for months to attend the rendition of Opera Aida, set to be performed at the Pyramids. His aunt, who was adamant to get him into classical music, managed to get him a backstage pass, and he attended all of the rehearsals for the Opera. “That moment was my epiphany. It was a huge turning point that led to everything that came after,” the singer told Egyptian Streets after his performance as Leoporello in Mozart’s famed Opera, Don Giovanni, at the Bibliotheca Alexandria. Nineteen year-old Sewailam was captivated by the Opera, having watched it without the additional glamor of the actual performance. His plans to become an engineer were immediately derailed by his newfound passion. After deliberating his career change for a year, he decided that music was the right path for him. He looked for courses and classes in the conservatory and the faculty of music education, and he met Professor Raouf Zidan, who ended up being one of his greatest mentors, tutoring him after his finals. Two years later, Sewailam was performing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in the Cairo Opera House. Three years later, he performed it again with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic. He also performed in Opera Aida in 2013 in San Diego, which was a full circle moment for him after watching it many years ago in Cairo. Ashraf Sewailam as Mustafa and Ryan Thorn as Taddeo in The Italian Girl in Algiers for Portland Opera. (Photo Credits: James Daniel) “I was adamant to finish what I started, even if I knew I did not want to pursue it professionally,” Sewailam said, explaining why he waited until graduating from architecture in 1990 before pursuing music academically. In 1992, he traveled to the United States and earned a double degree, a Bachelors and Master’s in Music and Performance from the University of Colorado Boulder. His studies lasted four years, and he was inspired by the educational aspect of music studies, as he believes that not every singer can teach solely due to talent. He returnedto Egypt in 1996 and plenty of doors opened up for him. “Once you get a degree from abroad in a niche subject, you immediately get so many opportunities,” Sweilam explained. He became a professor at the American University of Cairo, a soloist in the Cairo Opera House, and the director of the dubbing department at Disney Middle East. “I was the official voice of Mickey Mouse, and I did the singing voice of Ursula in The Little Mermaid,” he said. He also took over the singing parts in numerous Disney movies after that and directed the music of Cinderella, Pinnochio, and The Little Mermaid. Sewailam describes the six years of his life in Egypt after getting his degree in Colorado as the most important period of his career. He does not believe that he would have gotten the same opportunities if he had stayed in the United States. “There are benefits to being a small fish in a big pond, but being a big fish in a small pond has helped me greatly,” he explained. Sewailam added that if he had spent six years in America and tried to weave his way through the industry, he would not have had the diverse opportunities presented to him in Egypt. Then, after his years in Cairo, Sewailam felt that there was no way for his career to progress; he achieved his creative goals but there was no more room to grow. The only other two options were to pursue an academic route or take on an administrative role. That is when he decided to permanently move to Colorado to do his Doctors of Philosophy (PhD) in Performance Music and eventually open up a new field of opportunities. He finished his studies in 2008. “I am aware that it would have been easier [for] my career if I stayed in somewhere like New York, especially that I would not need two connecting flights to go to Egypt,” he said, adding: “I fell in love with Boulder, Colorado and I would not have it another way.” This year, he delivered the commencement speech to Colorado Boulder University students this year as the recipient of the distinguished alumnus award. Since he moved back to the United States, he has achieved many milestones as an artist. In 2003 he had his debut with the Colorado Opera and a year later found an agent in New York, leading to yearly auditions which resulted in performances in some of the American Opera hubs like the Lincoln Center, the Metropolitan, and Chicago Lyric. He also performed in Australia and New Zealand. As for his current endeavors, to say that Sewailam is having a busy year would be an understatement. He performed Il Trovatore (The Troubadour) at the Pittsburgh Opera and played Hakim in Khalid Hosseini’s opera adaptation of A Thousand Splendid Suns for the Seattle Opera, which has been in the making for ten years. Ashraf Sewailam as Hakim and Maureen McKay as Laila at a rehearsal for Seattle Opera’s “A Thousand Splendid Suns.” (Photo Credits: Sunny Martini) “It has been a busy year but I am grateful I got to tackle these different roles,” Sewailam said. The singer’s most anticipated project is his directorial adaptation of Gioachino Rossini’s Otello for Central City Opera in Colorado later this year. “Working as a director had never been in the cards before, it happened by chance. My directorial debut was in 2016, when I directed Elixir of Love for [the] University of San Diego because the director had dropped out and I fell in love with the craft,” he explained. Sewailam quickly realized that directing is one of those things that adds to his ethos as an artist. “It fit my vision of what it means to build the artist, and despite thinking that one day I will retire to just teaching music, the experience of directing made me realize it is something I would like to do in the long term,” he said. The singer spoke with such passion about Rossini’s Otello, which was adapted from William Shakespeare’s Othello: “it came out before Giuseppe Verdi’s version and it was very successful. People usually regard it as the lesser Otello, but it is just as important and dramaturgically sound. This project is also my first union level contract which has been a dream come true.” He worked hard for his success, but he also uses several destinal phrases that make it seem that everything just fell into its rightful place. “It felt like the universe conspired to get me to fall in love with directing,” Sewailam said. However, his experience as a director is much more energy and time-consuming than his experience as a singer. “It is a vastly different experience, and much more exhausting. As a singer, I used to work six hours a day and would only work on my part. As a director, I am responsible for every single part of the project and would work up to twelve hours a day.” Despite his many achievements, Sewailam remains grounded. His main concern is not only to teach the craft to new singers, but to teach individuals proper musical education, to strengthen the educational infrastructure, which he believes is greatly lacking in many institutions. That is why he says it is important for him to do masterclasses, especially in Egypt. He is intent to incite the most change with these young artists because he has been on the other side of that equation as a young boy before. As an artist in the true sense of the word—making art for its own sake—he is aware that the opera industry is not profitable in any way. “I would never get paid like a pop artist or even a Broadway star and I am content with that,” he said, “The popularity and profit-making of something was never the important aspect of the craft to me. It will always be about the artistic mindset.”The post Meet Ashraf Sewailam: The Egyptian Bass-Baritone Taking the Opera World by Storm first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: Arts & Culture, Feature, arts, arts and culture, arts and culture egypt, ashraf sewailam, beethoven, bibliotheca alexandrina, bibliothek, boulder colorado, broadway, Cairo, Cairo Opera House, colorado, colorado springs philharmonic, culture, disney, egypt, feature, international, life, lifestyle, lincoln center, metropolitan, Metropolitan Opera, north america, opera, opera aida, rossini, seattle, shakespeare, theater, theater art]

— Russian National Killed in Red Sea Shark Attack in Hurghada, Egypt

 

at 6/9/23 5:50am

Still from a video reportedly showing the shark attack that took place in Hurghada on Thursday, 8 June (Grigory Kataev/via REUTERS) A Russian citizen was killed in a shark attack off the coast of the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Hurghada, on Thursday, 8 June. In a statement shared to its Facebook account, Egypt’s Ministry of Environment said that a tiger shark was responsible for the beachgoer’s death. A statement issued by the Russian Consulate in Hurghada and published on its Facebook page confirmed that the victim was a Russian national. Following the tragic incident, Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad instructed the formation of a committee of specialists to verify the circumstances of the accident and scan the water perimeter around the site of attack to monitor any movements of the fish that attacked the victim, read the Ministry’s statement. A temporary ban on swimming, snorkeling, and water sporting activities has been issued by the Ministry in coordination with the Red Sea Governor, covering a 60 kilometer stretch from the Gouna Red Sea resort in the north to the Soma Bay resort in the south. The ban took effect on Friday, 9 June, and will remain in place for a period of two days. In a second statement, the Ministry announced that the shark responsible for the attack had been caught by the authorities and was being transferred to a specialized laboratory to determine the cause of its abnormal aggression. It also noted that Tiger Sharks, in particular, have been responsible for several deadly attacks on beachgoers in recent years. Shark attacks in the Red Sea have been a growing source of public concern since July 2022, when two women were killed by a shark while swimming in the Red Sea resort of Sahl Hashish. A report subsequently published by a committee of specialists in Red Sea protectorates in collaboration with the Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA) warned that shark attacks were more likely to take place during sharks’ mating season, which lasts from mid-April to late July. In a paper published in August of the same year as part of its Prudent Path campaign, the Egyptian Commission for Social and Economic Rights, meanwhile, noted that overfishing could be another cause for the abnormal aggression of sharks in the Red Sea. In the paper, professor of marine environment at Suez Canal University’s Faculty of Science and HEPCA advisor Mahmoud Hassan Hanafy explained that recreational fishing causes the loss of fish stocks hundreds of meters under the sea, increasingly causing sharks and other predatory fish to search for food in other areas closer to shore – hence the spike in shark attacks over the past fifteen years. A video reportedly showing Thursday’s attack has since gone viral on social media, in which a man is heard screaming for help while a woman present at the site cies out in fear. Several observers have urged social media users to refrain from sharing the footage, including Egyptian business magnate Naguib Sawiris, who took to Twitter to describe the act of circulating the video as “despicable, offensive and harmful,” and inconsiderate towards the victim’s family.The post Russian National Killed in Red Sea Shark Attack in Hurghada, Egypt first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: News, Politics and Society, Egyptian Ministry of the Environment, featured, hurghada, red sea, red sea shark attacks, russian man killed in shark attack, shark attack]

— Egypt Allegedly Bans Dutch Archaeologists Over Kemet Exhibition

 

at 6/8/23 4:35am

Egypt’s officials have banished a team of Dutch archaeologists from working in the country following a controversial ‘Kemet’ exhibition likening ancient Egyptian figures to modern American artists. The focus of the exhibition ‘Kemet. Egypt in hip-hop, jazz, soul & funk’ is on ancient Egypt influencing primarily black musicians such as Nas, Beyoncé and Rihanna. The ban, which was reported by Dutch News and the BBC, posits that the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden found its team banned from excavating in Egypt due to the content of the exhibition ‘falsifying’ history. According to the BBC, the museum stated that a senior Egyptian antiquities official communicated in an email that it was to discontinue excavating in the site of Saqqara after almost 50 years. “The influence of ancient Egypt and Nubia is evident in the works of a multitude of musicians of African descent, including icons of jazz such as Miles Davis and Sun Ra and contemporary artists such as Beyoncé and Rihanna,” the museum’s description of the exhibition reads. “[] Many artists of African descent are keen to stress the recognition of ancient Egypt as an African culture. Through their music, lyrics and visual representations, they convey their connection to the millennia-long history of the region along the Nile River, and claim this history as part of their past, present and future identity, as exemplified by the cultural phenomenon of Afrofuturism,” it continues. Nonetheless, the exhibition’s focus sparked backlash on social media, to which the museum previously responded to in a statement, that it has taken great care in curating the exhibition to highlight the depiction of ancient Egypt and the messages in music by black artists. It has also stated that it has received racist and offensive comments regarding the exhibition, which runs from April to September 2023. Egyptian officials have yet to comment on the controversy but it follows widespread backlash due to the “Cleopatra” docuseries produced by Hollywood actress Jada Pinkett-Smith. The latter quickly became the subject of a global debate on the ethnicity of Cleopatra and Afrocentrism – a movement that intends to shed light on African history, culture, and influences. Pinkett’s production faced backlash from Egyptians and Greeks on the grounds of misleading viewers on the history of ancient Egypt’s last monarch. Soon enough, Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities joined in the debate, when Mostafa Waziri, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, called the documentary “a blatant historical fallacy,” in an official Facebook post by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The Ministry also asserted that Cleopatra had “light skin” and “Hellenistic facial features”.The post Egypt Allegedly Bans Dutch Archaeologists Over Kemet Exhibition first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: International, News, Politics and Society, africa, afrocentrism, Beyonce, cleopatra, egypt, featured, jada pinkett-smith, leiden, miles davis, nas, Nefertiti, netherlands, rihanna, saqqara]

— From Colonial Ideals to Malnutrition: Why Fatphobia in Egypt Is a Class Issue

 

at 6/7/23 11:56am

Photo Credit: Amr Alfiky / Reuters The 2011 Egyptian comedy ‘X-Large’ stars Ahmed Helmy in the role of Magdy, an obese cartoonist whose half-hearted attempts at dieting are each cut short by his own gluttony and low self-worth. Eventually, the death of a loved one, coupled with a traumatic breakup, push Magdy to take drastic steps towards losing weight. In the process, he draws the comic book that propels his career to new heights, lifting him out of a deep depression. Watching ‘X-Large’ as a teenager, my main takeaway from the film was that happiness and professional achievement could only come within Magdy’s reach once he had – quite literally – shed the weight of his own self-doubt. His obesity was first and foremost a moral failing; a symptom of poor discipline and self-esteem. This portrayal is in line with the deeply problematic way that fatness is seen in Egypt: as far back as the 1940s, obese characters in popular media have often been shown as corrupt and unintelligent. These stereotypes are not confined to the screen, but also bleed into the real world. Speaking to The Arab Weekly in 2019, sociologist Samia Al Saati explained that overweight people in Egypt face many social repercussions for their appearance, including employment discrimination, difficulty finding a spouse, and a higher likelihood of divorce. Fatphobia anywhere in the world should be condemned and it should not be revolutionary to say that all bodies are worthy of celebration, regardless of their size and shape. In Egypt, however, fatphobia and diet culture are not just two facets of toxic, misogynistic beauty standards, they are also symptoms of deepening class inequalities – ones which take physical form in our bodies. How Diet Culture Ignores Food Insecurity According to the “100 million health” survey conducted by the Ministry of Health in 2018, nearly 40 percent of Egyptian adults suffer from obesity: the highest rate in the Arab World, and one of the highest globally. Official responses to the issue largely adopted an accusatory tone, attributing Egypt’s obesity epidemic to poor lifestyle choices, gluttony, or laziness. In parallel, the local diet craze has taken on new dimensions in recent years. Health stores, trainers, and pseudo experts online and off have sprung up in Egypt to promote weight loss by way of juice detoxes, fad diets, and vigorous exercise regimens. To most Egyptians, the paternalistic lectures of diet culture are far divorced from reality. While in theory, balanced nutrition and exercise can help one maintain a healthy weight, what this mindset ignores is the role that economic status plays in determining weight. Though it may seem counterintuitive, lacking access to food is the main reason for obesity, and as of today, food insecurity impacts over thirty million Egyptians. In March of this year, fruit and vegetable prices surged respectively by 26.2 and 17.5 percent, while prices of poultry and meat rose by 95 percent, becoming unaffordable luxuries. Due to mounting price barriers, over 70 percent of Egyptians now rely on food subsidies, while government and NGO feeding programs provide a lifeline to millions. According to the International Food Policy Research Institute, these programs focus on calorie-rich, filling staples, like carbohydrates, but offer limited nutritional value. In short, the only food items accessible to many citizens are ones that induce weight gain in a drastically undernourished body, hence obesity being most prevalent among those living under the poverty line. For this reason, UNICEF describes obesity in Egypt as a double-burden: due to the inaccessible cost of nutritionally balanced diets, low-income people are more likely to be obese and develop associated health adversities, such as diabetes and coronary heart disease. These challenges not only pose a serious risk to a person’s health, but also force them to accrue medical expenses and inhibit their ability to work – sending them into further poverty and increasing their vulnerability to fatphobic discrimination. An Adversarial Urban Landscape Another important factor at play in determining national weight averages is the privatization of public space. In 2019, a study conducted by the World Bank found that obesity rates were substantially higher in urban than rural areas. Speaking to Egypt Independent, former director of the National Nutrition Institute, Zeinab Bakry, explained the reason for this discrepancy, saying, “In rural areas you have green space and you have a place to walk, to be active, which is completely different than urban areas. [In Cairo], if you try to walk in the street, there is no room.” In Cairo’s urban metropolis – home to nearly 25 percent of Egypt’s population – public pedestrian spaces are increasingly making way for new roads and commercial venues. Although only 10 percent of households own private cars, the ongoing mass construction of new roads caters less to people than to vehicles, making the city increasingly less walkable. Despite government efforts to revamp affordable sporting facilities and promote exercise, poorer areas of the capital, where sidewalks are notoriously sparse, are still lacking in public parks, sports centers, or green open spaces. It is, therefore, no wonder that high rates of physical inactivity prevail among Egypt’s urban population, and that calls to hit the gym mostly fall on deaf ears. The Colonial Roots of Fatphobia Beauty standards are ever-changing, but one global trend which has not seemed to wane over many decades is a general contempt for fatness and obesity. The source of this fatphobia, like countless social phenomena in Egypt, is colonialism. In the Western world, advocates of the body positivity movement, led by women of color, have long sought to shed light on the racist origins of fatphobia. In her 2019 book, ‘Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fatphobia,’ sociologist Sabrina Stings traces back this standard to the writings of early race scientists in the 17th century. In trying to prove the inherent inferiority of colonized peoples, these writers argued that there were direct ties between gluttony, stupidity, and the ‘sensuous figures’ of African people – arguments which were later deployed against Middle Easterners, too. Europeans, meanwhile, strove to be slimmer as proof of their moral superiority. In Egypt, despite having formally gained independence from Britain over a century ago, one lingering determinant of class is still proximity to this former colonial occupier. The same forces driving wealthier citizens to speak English rather than Arabic, or rampant racial discrimination, are also at the root of fatphobia. The social contempt for fatness has often taken extreme turns, such as the Egyptian Radio and Television Union’s 2016 decision to impose a mandatory diet on female anchors to achieve an “appropriate appearance,” and prevent eight presenters from appearing on screen until they met this standard. The same year, a Facebook post shared by Gold’s Gym, one of Egypts most popular fitness facilities, sparked widespread controversy. The post showed a photo of a pear with the caption “this is no shape for a girl.” The image was seen to shame ‘pear shaped’ women, whose weight is concentrated in their lower bodies – or, the majority of Egyptian women. Besides their overt cruelty, what comments like the above do is reinforce beauty standards inherited from a deeply racist, classist system of colonial subordination. Fatphobia not only promotes the idea that one body type is worthier than another, but also that western bodies are worthier than their non-western counterparts. Weight is never a moral failure, but fatphobia is Today, as summer rolls around and the holiday season grows near, many of those who can still afford a vacation are actively slimming down for the beach. Meanwhile, over thirty million Egyptians are struggling to keep hunger at bay. It should not be controversial to point out the cruel irony in this. I do not believe that there is anything morally reprehensible about seeking to eat a certain way, or even to look a certain way. The blame for disparities in food security certainly does not fall on individuals, but rather, on a struggling economy and health infrastructure. Nonetheless, in a country where beauty standards have been shaped by centuries of colonial occupation and balanced nutrition remains inaccessible to most people, painting weight gain or weight loss as a moral failure is not just toxic – it’s also plainly unethical. The opinions and ideas expressed in this article are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the views of Egyptian Streets’ editorial team. To submit an opinion article, please email submissions@egyptianstreets.com. The post From Colonial Ideals to Malnutrition: Why Fatphobia in Egypt Is a Class Issue first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: Opinion, Politics and Society, 100 million health initiative, british colonialism, diet culture, diets, egyptian ministry of health, fatphobia, featured, obesity, public health egypt, racism]

— 4 International Fashion Designers That Found Their Inspiration in Ancient Egypt

 

at 6/7/23 9:09am

Photo Credit: Olivier Saillant for Chanel / photo presse Ancient Egypt has been a source of inspiration for many creatives across industries, be that film, literature, fashion, or others. In the field of fashion, designers have used ancient Egyptian civilisation as their muse as far back as the 1990s. Drawing from the patterns, colours, and symbols prominently featured in the culture, these creatives designed collections that paid tribute to one of humanity’s oldest and richest civilisations. And they continue to do so to this day. Fashion in ancient Egypt itself played an important role. The elite at the time are believed to have dressed lavishly with designs that featured sequins, embroidery, and feathers. Moreover, their outfits included a kaleidoscope of colours with intricate designs – providing ample food for thought and stimulating reference for modern designers. Here are four international designers that found inspiration in ancient Egypt for their collections. Zuhair Murad For his Spring 2020 collection, Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad sought to emulate the power of women in ancient Egypt. The designer created a line using symbolism from that time period. The designs — many of which were made with sequins — featured gowns illustrating deities, and a number of depictions paying homage to the ancient civilisation. The ancient Egyptian woman, for Murad, is echoed in his vision of the modern woman — independent, seductive, and far from subtle. Photo credit: Filippo Fior / Gorunway.com Hailed by critics as one of Murad’s memorable couture lines, the Lebanese designer brought his enthrallment with ancient Egypt to life through a reimagination of the civilisation through his eyes. “I decided to go back in history, especially in this place and time because pharaohs were so mysterious,” Murad tells Vogue in an interview published in 2020. Murad’s designs are worn by international celebrities such asJennifer Lopez, Beyonce, and Kerry Washington, among others. Many of his designs were worn at red carpet events as he has been dubbed one of the 21st century’s most talented creatives. Chanel Chanel’s 2018/2019 Métiers D’art Collection that took place at the New York Metropolitan Museum was unveiled against the backdrop of a reconstructed ancient Egyptian temple set up just for the collection. Pharell Williams modelled one of the looks with an embellished usekh — a piece of jewellery, usually a collar or a necklace, worn by ancient Egyptians — around the neckline of a golden sweater bringing together the all-gold outfit. Using features symbolic of the civilisation with Chanel looks emblematic of the brand, the collection was made up of intricate designs that saw a whole set of professionals including embroiderers, feather-workers, fabric weavers and show-makers, among others work together to bring it to life. Chanel is a luxury brand founded by French designer Coco Chanel. Today, the label is synonymous with class and timeless elegance. It is considered one of the top brands worldwide. Alexander McQueen While not a full collection inspired by ancient Egypt, British designer Alexander McQueen’s Fall 2007 Ready-to-Wear line drew inspiration from different, seemingly unrelated, periods and events in time. One of these was ancient Egypt. Having discovered a connection between folk culture found in communities of the early British immigrants to the Americas and ancient Egypt, McQueen used the elements reminiscent of the ancient civilisation in a few items featured in the line. These were pieces that mirrored hints of the colours used in sarcophagi, that is gold and lapis lazuli. Alexander McQueen’s work is one that has reverberated internationally because of its originality. His fashion shows are known for their drama and their flair, both of which are part of his brand identity. Christian Dior Christian Dior’s Spring 2004 Couture show drew its inspiration from creative director John Galliano’s trip to Egypt. Having done an aerial tour of Luxor, Aswan, and Cairo, reinterpretations of the trip found their way into the collection with a medley of gold leaf, lapis lazuli and coral beadings that were featured in the pieces. Many of the pieces paid homage to Nefertiti, King Tut, hieroglyphics and everything in between. Photo credit: Marcio Madeira Part of the collection included jewellery moulded into shapes representative of ancient Egypt, such as scarabs. In ancient Egypt, the scarab is an emblem for rebirth. That is because Egyptians would replace the heart of the departed with an amulet representing a kheper (beetle). The eponymous fashion label was founded by French couturier, Christian Dior. Today the brand drums up visions of flair, and timeless elegance.The post 4 International Fashion Designers That Found Their Inspiration in Ancient Egypt first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: Listicle, Alexander McQueen, ancient egypt, chanel, fashion, fashion designer, featured]

— World Bank Lowers Egypt’s GDP Outlook for Present and Upcoming Fiscal Year

 

at 6/7/23 4:23am

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons The World Bank revised Egypts projected real gross domestic product (GDP) over the current and coming fiscal year (FY), cutting the number to 4 percent from 4.8 percent in their June 2023 Global Economic Prospects report. The bank previously estimated Egypts real GDP growth to be 4.5 percent in FY 2022/2023 and 4.8 percent in FY 2023/2024. The adjusted outlook for FY 2023/24 and FY 2023/24 is credited to Egypt’s ongoing economic struggles. “Rising costs, difficulties securing imported inputs, and slowing global demand weighed on activity, with industrial production (excluding oil) contracting by 6.0 percent a year ago,” reads the report. “In response to rising inflation, dwindling reserves, and declining net foreign assets, the central bank more than doubled policy rates since the start of 2022.” The report also anticipates continued challenges from high interest rates, currency depreciation, inflation, limited foreign currency access, and increased production costs. The World Bank also hinted at the rising toll of climate change on Egypt, forecasting that two to six percent of the country’s GDP in 2060 will need to address potential challenges from droughts, heatwaves, and soil degradation. According to the Ministry of Finances draft budget report, Egypts GDP for the current FY is expected to reach 4.2 percent – aligning closely with the World Bank’s amended outlook. The revised report comes in light of the government’s plan to launch its FY 2023/2024 budget plan in July, targeting total expenditures of EGP 3 trillion (USD 97 billion) and revenues of EGP 2.1 trillion (USD 67.9 billion).The post World Bank Lowers Egypt’s GDP Outlook for Present and Upcoming Fiscal Year first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: News, Politics and Society, africa, business, buzz, Cairo, climate change, economic outlook, economy, egypt, egypt ministry of finance, egyptians, Egypt’s Ministry of Finance, featured, gdp, Global Economic Prospects, gross domestic product, middle east, middle-east, ministry of finance, news, politics, real gross domestic product, the world bank, world bank]

— 4 Budget-Friendly Destinations to Travel to This Summer

 

at 6/6/23 9:25am

Photo caption: Getty Images/iStockphoto For the Egyptian wanderluster the thrill of discovering new territories, trotting off the beaten track, and finding friends in unlikely places is an unparalleled experience. However, with Egypt’s recent economic setbacks, travelling almost seems like a distant dream. The Egyptian pound has undergone three rounds of devaluation since February 2022 with the national currency standing at USD 30.95 on 6 June. For those hoping to travel this summer, there is a silver lining. The world is freckled with countries that can be explored on a budget. Here are the four destinations for those looking to travel without breaking the bank. Azerbaijan With the shores of Caspian sea lining it to the east, Azerbaijan is bordered by several countries including Georgia, Iran, Armenia and Russia. To its north are the Caucasus mountains. The country is nestled between Asia and Europe. Azerbaijan is a country brimming with history and picturesque sights. While the capital is more expensive in comparison to the neighbouring spots, there are a few cities in the country which are particularly budget-friendly. Ganja is the second largest city in Azerbaijan after the capital, Baku. Located on trade routes, namely the historical silk road — which was a web of passages linking merchants and traders over great distances from east to west — the city is the birthplace of one of the country’s most revered poets from the 12th century, Nizami Ganjavi. Photo credit: Shutterstock While rich in history, Ganja was also voted the European Youth Capital in 2016. The city has a flourishing art scene for the creatives and a myriad of sight-seeing spots and landmarks for the history buffs. A quirky attraction to visit is The Bottle House, which is said to have been built by a Ganja resident in memory of his brother who disappeared during the Second World War. The two-storey structure is decorated with thousands of bottles in a kaleidoscope of colours. The price for a meal in Azerbaijan starts at USD 5. For mid-range hotels, prices vary between USD 29 and USD 78 per night. Ticket prices to Baku start at USD 500 as of August, 2023. Albania Home to mountainous swathes of land and scenery worthy of your Instagram grid, Albania witnessed a particularly popular period among Egyptians last year, when it had waived the requirement for visa for Egypt’s nationals in 2022. However, this convenient rule is not the sole reason for its popularity as the country is an affordable tourist destination. Albania is located on Europe’s Balkan peninsula with access to the Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea, with the bordering countries being Greece, Montenegro, Kosovo, and Macedonia. Influences from the Romans, Greeks, Turks and Italians are imprinted on Albanian culture with the first occupants of the country being Indo-Europeans referred to as the Illyrian tribes. Tirana, the capital of the Balkan country, boasts a vibrant nightlife. With a smattering of bars and clubs open until late at night, the capital sees a range of activities that caters to all tastes from the cosy pubs to the rowdy clubs. Blloku is considered the party centre with a slew of restaurants, cafes, and shopping venues lining its streets. The history of the area is equally interesting as it used to be a district that secret agents during Albania’s communist era had cordoned off. At the time, only elites and their families were privy to partying in the area. Sights and landmarks abound in the capital. The Bunk’Art 1 is a converted space, which was once one of the many bunkers built by Albania’s communist leader, Enver Hoxha. Fuelled by growing paranoia of nuclear war and foreign enemies, Hoxha built the massive bunker-turned-museum as a shelter for the “political elite.” This is not for the faint of heart, however. It has been described as an eerie experience. Prices of visits start at around USD 4.33. Restaurant prices range from USD 4 to USD 20, depending on whether travellers are looking for an upscale venue or a medium to lower range establishment. For mid-range hotels, prices start at USD 50 per night Ticket prices for Tirana start at USD 330 as of August, 2023. Uzbekistan Uzbekistan, which shares a border with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, is known for its intricately designed mosques and charming minarets — a tower characteristic to Islamic architecture, which is generally part of the mosque’s structure. The capital Tashkent is home to the Hazrati Imam Complex, which is located in the old town and houses an ensemble of ornate mausoleums, madrasas (Islamic schools), and mosques. The complex has also been recently renovated. Photo credit: Adrastravel.com Uzbek food is inspired by a medley of different cuisines as a result of being an integral route on the famous Silk Road. As such, its dishes find influences from both east and west with Turkey, Iran, and Morocco having left their imprint. Similarly China, Nepal and India, among other countries, have impacted the country’s national food. One of the staples of the cuisine and a must-try dish is the Uzbek samsas or somsas, which are similar to the Indian samosas. The Uzbek iteration of the South Asian dish uses pumpkin squash and seasoned minced meat, and is usually eaten for breakfast. While the ticket prices for a flight from Cairo to Uzbekistan are relatively expensive, the sojourn itself is affordable. Dinner prices vary depending on whether the traveller chooses to eat at a local restaurant or at a touristic location. Generally, average prices start at USD 5. For mid-range hotels, prices start at USD 60 per night Ticket prices to Tashkent start at USD 760 as of August, 2023. Thailand Long hailed as the destination for festival-goers and beach lovers, Thailand is known for the paradise-like islands lining its coast. In the pulsing heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand neighbours Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia and Laos with the Andaman sea and the Gulf of Thailand — also dubbed the Gulf of Siam — on its shores. While the capital Bangkok is definitely worth a visit, it is the idyllic islands — each of which boasts a personality of its own — that lure visitors. Koh Phangan, famous for its full moon and half moon parties, is a Thai island that grants its guests views of formidable green mountains lying side by side to crystal-blue waters. The markets and bazaars on the island are an ideal spot to shop for a range of goods at affordable prices. For sight-seeing, Koh Phangan, is home to a number of temples with intricate designs and unique colour schemes representing the traditions they were built in. One of these is the Chinese Temple Goddess of Mercy which sits atop a hill. It is one of the best-known temples on the island with a panoramic view that perfectly echoes the essence of Koh Phangan. Meals cost between USD 3 to USD 6. Depending on the season, hotel prices vary immensely. High and low seasons are usually dictated by the weather. The country has a tropical climate and is divided into three main seasons: Hot, rainy and dry. From November to April, when the weather is in dry season, the country sees its busiest time of the year. For mid-range hotels, prices start at USD 20 per night but can easily go up to USD 100 depending on the traveller’s choice of accommodation. Ticket prices to Bangkok start at USD 415 as of August, 2023.The post 4 Budget-Friendly Destinations to Travel to This Summer first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: Travel, 2023 travel, Adventure travel, Albania, Azerbaijan, budget friendly travel, budget travel, featured, Thailand, uzbekistan]

— Egyptian Youtuber Charged in Criminal Court After Public Prosecution Referral

 

at 6/6/23 8:19am

Egypt’s Public Prosecution ordered the referral of Youtuber Heba El-Sayed to the Cairo Criminal Court over charges of human trafficking and child exploitation on 5 June, after she streamed a controversial video with her young children last month. The prosecution also ordered the arrest of her son and husband, and charged them with helping and abiding El-Sayeds actions. El-Sayed’s son is accused of helping her by broadcasting her videos to increase viewership and generate profits, and her husband of assisting in managing the social media accounts and profiting from the views. El-Sayed, otherwise known as ‘Umm Ziad w Heba’ (Ziad and Heba’s Mother) released a video early last month claiming that she walked in on her teenage son and daughter engaging in sexual activity. The video, which featured El-Sayed sitting alongside her two teenage children, caused a wave of shock and outrage on social media channels. The National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM) and several lawyers and children’s rights advocates filed official complaints against El-Sayed, which led to her arrest and ordered investigations. The Public Prosecution strongly condemned the behavior and emphasized the importance of using social media responsibility and cautiously.The post Egyptian Youtuber Charged in Criminal Court After Public Prosecution Referral first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: News, advoctas, blogger, Cairo, cairo criminal court, campaigns, child rights, children, children exploitation, egypt, egypt pp, exploitation, featured, heba, heba el sayed, human trafficking, lawyers, middle east, motherhood, nccm, news, outrage, Public Prosecution, social media, video, views, viral, YouTube]

— Egypt Surpasses 1.35 Million Tourists Milestone in April 2023

 

at 6/6/23 4:45am

Dahab Photo credit: CNN Egypt welcomed a record-breaking number of tourists in April 2023, receiving 1.35 million visitors, according to statements by Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Ahmed Issa during a signing ceremony on Monday, June 5. The numbers represent a turning point for an industry that has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as the minister added that Egypt anticipates a total of 15 million visitors in 2023, which would surpass the 14.7 million record set in 2010. The Minister further predicts that Egypt aims to raise the number of tourists it receives over the coming years, reaching 30 million tourists per year by 2028. This is part of the long-term national strategy to grow the industry by 25-30 percent annually. Egypt’s tourism has been gradually recovering in the last three years. According to figures published by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, 11.7 million more tourists visited Egypt in 2022 than in 2021 — an increase of 46.2 percent —from eight million. In the same period in 2022, tourism grew by 43 percent during the first three months of this year. Egypt has also been undertaking several measures to increase the number of tourists it receives. In March of this year, Egypt announced that it will be ​​issuing a multiple-entry visa for a period of five years, with a USD 700 (EGP 21,000) fee, for citizens of 180 countries. If the tourists already have a valid visa from the United Kingdom, the United States, the Schengen area, Japan, or New Zealand, they will be able to receive the new visa upon arrival from Egypt’s airports. Citizens of China, India, and Turkey can obtain a visa upon arrival through one of the Egyptian ports. Egypt also announced that it will now stop accepting cash payments for tourist spots including the Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, the Citadel of Salah Al-Din, the Nubia Museum, and the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan. This move comes as part of the ministry’s “comprehensive digital transformation strategy,” and follows four months of the application of this system in temples in Aswan.The post Egypt Surpasses 1.35 Million Tourists Milestone in April 2023 first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: News, Politics and Society, egypt, Egypt tourism, featured, news, tourism, travel]

— Eid Street Slaughters Will Result in EGP 3,000 Fine: Egypt’s Giza Governorate

 

at 6/5/23 9:59am

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons In anticipation of the upcoming Eid Al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice), Egypt’s Governor of Giza, Major General Ahmed Rashid, announced guidelines for slaughtering animals, as reported by Youm7. Rashid declared that street slaughters will be banned for the upcoming religious celebration, with a fine of EGP 3,000 (USD 97) for individuals who engage in the act. While it remains unclear if the governorate’s measures include harsher punishments, other governorates have threatened imprisonment in previous years. To ensure the proper observance of Eid Al-Adha, the Giza Governorate is directing its 9.5 million residents to 31 abattoirs made free of charge in place of street slaughters, as per an official Facebook announcement made on 2 June. “This initiative aims to encourage citizens to slaughter sacrificial animals in abattoirs, ensuring environmental preservation, public health, and cleanliness,” reads the announcement, which also highlights that residents are expected to bring their own butchers. Government-appointed veterinaries will be present at these abattoirs to inspect the animals and ensure the sterility of their meat. The governorate will also intensify its supervisory campaigns on butcher shops, restaurants, and markets in the build-up to the religious holiday – ensuring that the quality and safety of food offered to citizens do not violate health regulations. Eid Al-Adha is a significant religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It commemorates Abrahams willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of devotion to God. During this time, Muslims typically sacrifice animals such as goats, sheep, cows, or camels, with the meat often being donated to those in need. While many individuals have their animals slaughtered by professionals, there are still instances where people opt to perform the sacrifices themselves, often in private locations such as balconies, rooftops, gardens, or even public spaces. Eid Al-Adha is scheduled to commence on 28 June this year, with Egypt planning to import 170,000 cattle in time for the celebrations.The post Eid Street Slaughters Will Result in EGP 3,000 Fine: Egypt’s Giza Governorate first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: News, Politics and Society, abattoir, abraham, ahmed rashid, buzz, Cairo, egypt, egyptians, eid, eid al-adha, feast of sacrifice, featured, giza, giza governorate, governor of giza, health, islam, major general ahmed rashid, middle east, middle-east, news, politics, religion, society, youm7]

— 24 Hours in the City of Love: Paris

 

at 6/5/23 9:08am

Photo credit: Shutterstock The mention of Paris drums up images of lovers strolling along a canal, couples sharing a pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) by the Seine as street musicians play a ballad somewhere in the background, and paramours whispering sweet nothings to each other under the city’s many intricate arches. However, romance aside, Paris is a city that never sleeps—one that is brimming with exciting adventures at every corner, and one that sees its visitors enthralled by all it has to offer. One of the most visited cities in the world, the capital welcomed over 38 million tourists in 2018. Yearly, hotels register up to 35 million nights spent in their quarters with international visitors making up more than 50 percent of that number. The country’s cultural heritage is a main source of attraction. However, aside from the traditional iconic sites, there are a myriad of lesser known places to visit. The architecture alone is something to marvel at. A Cultural Morning Paris is known for its pastries. While the mainstream chains offer a string of delectable choices, the best croissants can be found in the conspicuous neighbourhood bakeries. Depending on the neighbourhood one is staying in, there will usually be a boulangerie (bakery) at every corner. And the smaller ones offer delicious pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) at affordable prices. It varies between EUR 1 (EGP 33) to EURO 1.90 (EGP 62.7). After having breakfast, a good plan would be to head to an exhibition as art is a staple of the city’s culture. Jardins Des Tuileries (The Tuileries Gardens) are a sight worth seeing and host a museum that has a constant slew of different exhibitions taking place throughout the year. A public garden, the Tuileries is nestled between the Louvre Museum, Rue Rivoli, the Seine and the Place De La Concorde. Photo credit: Guillaume Bontemps/Mairie De Paris The gardens — considered a prominent location in France’s history — once hosted a palace that saw Louis XVI, the last royal to have taken up residence in Versailles, and his wife Mary-Antoinette, hide at the time of the 1789 unrest. Today, the gardens are a grandiose space made up of two ponds, and a number of sculptures by the likes of Rodin and Maillol. In the South-West part of the gardens stands the Musée de l’Orangerie which exhibits impressionist and post-impressionists paintings, among other paintings and works of art. Tickets for the museum cost Euro 12.50 (EGP 412.9). An Afternoon of Gastronomy and History When the weather is sunny, the streets are usually crowded. Each neighbourhood in the city, while similar, has its own personality. To start the afternoon after a day indulging in art and culture, head to one of Paris’ historic districts, Le Marais — which translates to the Swamp in English. . During mediaeval times, it was an underdeveloped area which was made up of houses tightly packed against each other. By the 18th century, the Marais saw its beginning as a working-class neighbourhood. Today, Marais is one of the districts in Paris that is considered on the upper-scale. For lunch, La Favorite, although pricey, is a good option. With a dreamlike exterior of pink flowers covering the façade of the building, the bistro offers its patrons a view of the entire street. It is located in Saint Paul, rue Rivoli. The menu has a selection of different items to choose from including pizza, steak, and pasta. The price range for a meal that includes an appetiser and a main dish, is around EUR 42 (EGP 1,388).   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by La Favorite Saint-Paul (@lafavoritesaintpaul) Once satiated, one can continue their stroll all the way to 51, Rue de Montmorency, which is the spot that holds what is officially considered the city’s oldest house. It was constructed in 1407 by Nicolas Flamel. He is also said to have discovered the philosophers stone — a mythical substance capable of transforming ordinary metals into precious ones, such as gold — according to local legend. Once done, many will make their way to the Quai de la Seine, which is accessible through Marais. Along the Seine — a historic landmark of Paris that stretches along the city — is a series of stands selling books, posters, and vintage knick knacks at cheaper prices than tourist shops. Book prices start at EUR 3 (99 EGP), and posters start at around EUR 5 (EGP 165). A Night in the City That Never Sleeps Part of the city’s charm is its terraces. In between walks, visitors can choose between a range of restaurants and bars, most of which have outdoor areas. For a light snack, the escargots à la bourguignonne, which are snails baked with a type of sauce mixing herbs and garlic butter, are a staple of French cuisine. The dish is found in most restaurants. The prices for the French dish vary depending on the area. It starts at EUR 9 (EGP 297). Diners usually have the option to choose between six or twelve pieces.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by La Favorite Saint-Paul (@lafavoritesaintpaul) While supermarkets close around 9 PM, one can find small stores that sell products at a higher price around the city. These stores, called épicerie, usually stay open all night. Bastille, a gentrifying district in Paris, is one that is full of life all day long, and particularly at night. Boasting a slew of restaurants and cafés, there is something for everyone. However, it is a relatively touristic area, so visitors should watch out for pick-pockets. For a quiet night in the neighbourhood, Les Affranchis is a low-key brasserie with good food, affordable prices and a friendly staff that speaks both French and English. The price range for a meal that includes an appetiser and a main dish, is around EUR 24 (EGP 793). Whatever one chooses to do, Paris has an activity to fit different tastes and personalities, whether one is an art fanatic, a history buff or simply enjoys the simple pleasures of strolling the streets discovering hidden gems.The post 24 Hours in the City of Love: Paris first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: Travel, 2023 travel, arts and culture, featured, france, French food, gastronomy, museum, paris]

— 5 Local Concerts to Catch in Cairo This June

 

at 6/5/23 4:34am

Photo Credit: Wegz Official Facebook Page In Cairo, it is normal to spend most outings in closed spaces—mostly cafés and restaurants. While they can be an escape from Cairo’s sweltering heat, it is important for the mind and the soul to seek different and new experiences. Fortunately, Cairo boasts a vibrant music scene for music lovers and concert-goers. From the classical tunes of Egypt’s iconic composer Hany Shenouda to the lively tunes of Alexandrian rapper Wegz: there are plenty of concerts to catch this June for every preferred genre. HANY SHENOUDA | THE MARQUEE THEATER IN CAIRO FESTIVAL CITY Legendary music composer Hany Shenouda is set to perform on 16 June at the Marquee Theater in Cairo Festival City. Besides being an iconic composer and music arranger, Shenouda was a member of the former Egyptian rock band, Les Petits Chats. He also discovered a wide range of vocal talent in Egypt, including Amr Diab. Tickets for the concert start from EGP 250 (USD 8) to EGP 800 (EGP 25).   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Marquee (@themarqueeofficial) WEGZ | ZED EAST BY ORA IN NEW CAIRO Local talent and regional headliner Wegz is taking the stage at Zed East by Ora in New Cairo on 23 June. The Egyptian rapper and songwriter is a key figure in Egypt’s hip-hop and trap scene, and the most streamed artist in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for several years running. Tickets for the concert start from EGP 500 (USD 16) to EGP 1000 (USD 32).   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Ora Egypt (@oraegypt) TAYAR | RAWABET ART SPACE Amman-based music duo, Tayar, is bringing its indie-pop music to the heart of Cairo. Headed by Bader Helalat and Ahmed Farah, Tayar is debuting its Egypt tour at Cairo Jazz Club on 15 June and at Rawabet Art Space on 18 June. Tickets for the concert are EGP 200 (USD 6).   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by TAYAR | تيار (@tayarofficial) TAKHT EL SELLEM | ROOM ART SPACE Blending Middle Eastern melodies with Western tunes, homegrown band Takht El Sellem are set to perform on 5 June at ROOM Art Space in New Cairo. Takht El Sellem are known for bringing a captivating musical experience with their outstanding vocals and masterful instrumentation. Tickets for the concert are EGP 200 (USD 6).   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Takht El Sellem | تخت السلم (@takhtelsellemband) LUKA WEL BATTEEKH | RAWABET ART SPACE Intertwining indie-folk, jazz, and Middle Eastern tunes: Local band Luka Wel Bateekh are set to take Rawabet Art Space’s stage on 14 June. Known for their tuneful performances, Luka Wel Bateekh are a fan-favorite. Tickets for the concert are EGP 200 (USD 6).   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Luka Wel Batteekh (@lukawelbatteekh.eg) The post 5 Local Concerts to Catch in Cairo This June first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: Arts & Culture, #western, activities, Alexandria, band, Cairo, composers, Concert, egypt, egyptians, experiences, featured, indie, indie folk, instruments, Jazz, middle east, music, musicians, rappers, songwriters, tunes, wegz]

— Baghdoda Breaks Silence: Escaped Egyptian Wrestler Makes Video Appearance

 

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Image Credit: Ahmed Baghdoda_أحمد بغدوده Egyptian wrestler Ahmed Baghdoda, who created a social media stir with his unexpected escape to France, made a long-awaited appearance on his social media page on 4 June. Baghdoda, 21, who had remained silent for nearly two weeks, took to his official Facebook page to address his family and fans through a video message. In the video, the wrestler began by expressing his appreciation to President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi for instructing the National Training Academy (NTA) to provide him with a training and rehabilitation grant. Baghdoda, who snagged a silver medal in the African Wrestling Championship shortly before his disappearance, abruptly left the national team camp in Tunisia on 20 May. The wrestler did not disclose his current location in the video, nor did he confirm his plans to continue representing the national team. However, the Egyptian Wrestling Federation’s President Essam El-Nawar believes Baghdoda fled to France. The wrestler also expressed gratitude for the support received from his fellow countrymen, stating, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the incredible Egyptian people. You are the best thing in my life, while requesting their prayers during this time. Mistreatment and lack of financial support by the federation are thought to be the trigger for the young wrestler’s egress to Europe. Baghdodas father, Fouad, stated during a live television interview that his son had faced unbearable pressure due to the neglect from the federation. You worked tirelessly for my sake, often depriving yourself and my siblings so that I could cover my education, travel, and nutritional expenses, expressed Baghdoda to his father, indirectly referring to his lack of financial compensation. I have grown into a compassionate man. Egypt’s Ministry of Finance later revealed through their Facebook page that the silver medalist, who earns EGP 3,000 (USD 97) a month, was awarded EGP 18,000 (USD 582) for his second-place finish – prior to deductions. The deductions consisted of EGP 13,680 (USD 442) to transfer over to the sports ministry’s national talent project from his previous centre in Kafr Al-Sheikh and a 13 percent taxation – leaving the young wrestler with EGP 1,980 EGP (USD 64) in prize money. Baghouda’s financial struggles triggered a public outcry, resulting in Egypt’s Ministry of Youth and Sports referring the Egyptian Wrestling Federation to the Public Prosecution for investigation. Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhi also ordered the formation of a ministerial committee to investigate Baghdudas departure from the national wrestling mission camp. Public opinion on social media was initially divided over Baghdoda’s decision to flee for France, with various speculations about the young wrestler’s motives. Some believed he pursued his dreams abroad, while others labelled the athlete as a runaway. In the video, Baghdoda dismissed these claims, stating, I am not a runaway. I love Egypt, my birthplace, and where I will remain until my last breath. He emphasized the need to support and treat talented individuals like himself in Egypt. The Egyptian Wrestling Federation assured the public that they are in contact with United World Wrestling, the international governing body for amateur wrestling, to ensure Baghdoda can continue to represent the Egyptian national team.The post Baghdoda Breaks Silence: Escaped Egyptian Wrestler Makes Video Appearance first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

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— From Khartoum to Cannes: Five Recent Internationally Acclaimed Sudanese Films

 

at 6/4/23 9:27am

Still from Goodbye Julia (credit: Station Films / Mad Solutions) Director Mohamed Kordofani’s debut feature ‘Goodbye Julia’ made history last month by becoming the first Sudanese film to compete in the Cannes Film Festival’s Official Selection. The film made its world premiere as part of the festival’s Un Certain Regard section, dedicated to alternative cinema and young talents, where it received a standing ovation and reaped widespread acclaim. Set in Khartoum, six years prior to the cessation of South Sudan in 2011, ‘Goodbye Julia’ follows Mona (Eiman Yousif), a wealthy Muslim woman from northern Sudan, and Julia (Siran Riyak) a poor Christian woman from the south. The unpunished murder of Julia’s husband results in an unexpected friendship between the two women – embroiled in all the socio-political tensions of the fragmented nation. Speaking to The New Arab, Kordofani lamented the timing of the premiere, days into the eruption of the ongoing conflict pitting Sudan’s Armed Forces against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Clashes have forced tens of thousands of people to flee the country. The film’s achievement is in line with the rapid growth of Sudan’s film industry since 2019, the year that saw the overthrow of Omar Al-Bashir’s twenty six year Islamist rule – under which film production had come to a crashing halt. Today, renewed violence threatens to cut short this stream of successes. Below are five Sudanese films that have made waves at international festivals in the past four years, bringing authentic narratives from the country to the rest of the world. While among the first to achieve this global recognition, one can hope they will not be the last to bloom from Sudan’s resilient art scene. Talking About Trees (2019), directed by Suhaib Gasmelbari Still from Talking About Trees (credit: AGAT films/CIE) Suhaib Gasmelbari’s documentary, ‘Talking About Trees’, encapsulates the Sudanese art scene at the tail end of Bashir’s rule. The film draws its title from Bertolt Brecht’s 1940 poem ‘To Those Born Later’, a mournful lamentation of dictatorship and the loss of freedom of expression. The story follows four retired filmmakers and members of the Sudanese Film Club – Ibrahim Shaddad, Manar Al Hilo, Suleiman Mohamed Ibrahim, and Altayeb Mahdi – in their efforts to reopen an outdoor movie theater in Omdurman, where most cinemas were shut down following the 1989 coup that brought Islamist rule and with it, a deep contempt for the arts. Each of the four veteran directors studied film abroad in Egypt, Germany, and Russia, before their careers were unexpectedly cut short. Throughout the film, brief clips of their own works are interwoven with Gasmelbari’s record of all the expected obstacles they face along their quest to revive Sudan’s artistic heritage. ‘Talking About Trees’ had its world premiere at the 2019 Berlin Film Festival, where it received the Audience Award and Original Documentary Award. The film went on to complete a wide festival tour through France, Tunisia, Turkey, Sweden, and Egypt’s Gouna Film Festival, where it won the Golden Star for Best Documentary Film. Khartoum Offside (2019), directed by Marwa Zein Still from Khartoum Offside (credit: Stray Dog Productions) 2019 was a big year for Sudanese cinema at the Berlinale. Another documentary that premiered at the festival’s 69th edition is Marwa Zein’s ‘Khartoum Offside,’ which follows a group of female football players whose dream is to represent Sudan at the Women’s World Cup. The film opens onto an intertitle reading “In Sudan, under Islamic military rule, women are not allowed to play football, or make films,” before viewers are introduced to its protagonists, playing football on an improvised field, in defiance of the stated ban. Speaking to The National, Zein, who grew up in Cairo, explains that the film was initially intended to be a five-minute documentary about the women’s football team. After she met the footballers in Khartoum in October 2014, what was meant to be a week-long stay stretched into a five-year journey to capture the soul of modern Sudan through their stories. The film premiered as part of the Berlinale’s Forum section, and went on to win the Best Documentary Award at the Africa Movie Academy Award in Nigeria, and the Carthage Film Festival in Tunisia. Khartoum Offside is available to stream on Shahid. You Will Die at Twenty (2019), directed by Amjad Abu Alala Still from You Will Die at Twenty (credit: Station Films) Director Amjad Abu Alala’s ‘You Will Die at Twenty’ was Sudan’s first ever entry for the Academy Awards. Although it was not nominated, the film had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, where it received the Lion of the Future Award for Best First Feature Film; before scooping the Golden Star award at the Gouna Film Festival the same year. ‘You Will Die at Twenty’ is set in a small village, where a couple bring their newborn child to a Sufi naming ceremony. A Sheikh blesses the baby, while a dervish enters into a trance, chanting out numbers to predict how many years the young Muzamil will live. When he reaches the number twenty, the dervish suddenly faints – imposing the film’s titular premature death sentence on the newborn. The cursed Muzamil (Mustafa Shehata) grows into a lonely teenager, ostracized by his peers and living in the grim shadow of his predicament. Shortly before he is fated to meet his maker, Sulaiman (Mahmoud Elsaraj), a villager who left as a young man to travel the world, comes home and takes Muzamil on a series of mischievous adventures. Writing for The Guardian, critic Cath Clarke described the film as “a parable about the dangers of blind faith in religion and authority, but it’s also warmly compassionate and accepting of human nature.” While candid about the perils of religious dogma, the film approaches its portrayal of tradition with nuance and care, defying orientalist perceptions of a morally stagnant Sudanese society. ‘You Will Die at Twenty’ is available to stream on Netflix. ‘Al-Sit’ (2020), directed by Suzannah Merghani Still from Al-Sit (credit: MAD Solutions) With over twenty international awards under its belt, Suzannah Merghani’s 2021 short film, ‘Al-Sit,’ (The Matriarch) is one of Sudanese cinema’s biggest hits of recent years. The film is set in a cotton plantation in rural Sudan, where fifteen-year-old Nafisa (Mihad Murtada)’s parents plan to marry her off to Nadir (Mohamed Magdi Hassan), a young Sudanese businessman who lives abroad. Their teenage daughter does not dare voice her disapproval. Instead, she quietly lusts after her neighbor and prays for the arranged marriage’s dissolution. Her saving grace comes in her grandmother (Rabiha Mohammed Mahmoud), the titular village matriarch – whose ardent refusal of the union sends ripples through the small rural community. ‘Al-Sit’ premiered at the 2020 Ajyal Film Festival in Qatar, before going on to reap laurels at festivals including the Clermont-Ferrand and Ismailia International Film Festivals, where it received the award for Best Short Film. Al-Sit is available to stream on Netflix. The Dam (2022), directed by Ali Cherri Still from The Dam (credit: KinoElectron) While directed by the Lebanese Ali Cherri, ‘The Dam,’ a French-Sudanese co-production, nonetheless merits a place on this list for its thoughtful portrayal of mounting popular discontent in the buildup to the 2019 uprising. The film is set in Merowe, where workers toil at the construction of the titular hydroelectric dam. Among them is Maher (Maher El Khair) who spends his days piling bricks in the stroking heat while listening to news reports about the revolution’s escalating momentum. Each night, Maher goes off to a hidden enclave in the desert and builds a giant mud statue, guided by supernatural forces that seem to reside in a massive infected wound on his back – slowly leading him into madness. Writing for Sight and Sound, Phuong Le described the film’s revolutionary underpinnings, saying “More than a natural resource to be ruthlessly extracted, under Maher’s dexterous hands mud becomes a source of renewal as well as an expression of discontent.” ‘The Dam’ premiered at the 2022 Cannes Directors’ Fortnight, an independent section held in parallel to the Cannes Film Festival’s Official Competition, where it was nominated for the Golden Camera Award. The same year, Maher El Kheir’s performance earned him the award for Best Actor at the Cairo International Film Festival.The post From Khartoum to Cannes: Five Recent Internationally Acclaimed Sudanese Films first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: Arts & Culture, Buzz, al-sit, berlinale, Cairo International Film Festival, cannes film festival, featured, goodbye julia, khartoum offside, sudan, sudanese artists, sudanese arts, sudanese cinema, talking about trees, the dam, you will die at twenty]

— US First Lady Visits the Pyramids, Promotes Empowerment of Egyptian Women and Youth

 

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Credit: AFP On the second leg of her six-day trip across the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe, US First Lady Jill Biden arrived in Cairo on Friday, 2 June to promote women empowerment and education for young people. This is Biden’s first trip to the Middle East as first lady. Before arriving in Egypt, she visited Jordan, where she attended the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein and Saudi architect Rajwa Alseif on 1 June. Biden was greeted in the airport by Egyptian First Lady, Entissar Al-Sisi, and later had lunch with the President and First Lady at Al-Ittihadiyah, the Egyptian presidential palace. In a Facebook post, the Egyptian First Lady welcomed Biden to her “second home”, and accompanied her throughout her trip in Egypt. Credit: AFP The trip began with a visit to the El Sewedy International Applied Technical School, where Biden engaged with Egyptian youth and underscored the United States’ commitment to working with local companies to “bring on-the-job training to the classroom,” as Biden tweeted. On the second day, Biden toured Al-Azhar Mosque and the Great Pyramids of Giza, where she celebrated her birthday at the Giza plateau. “What a great way to start the day, I was fortunate to visit the magnificent pyramids of Giza,” Biden tweeted. Biden also expressed her joy in visiting the Al-Azhar Mosque, saying: “By understanding each other’s religions, I believe we can find common ground and be united by our desire for truth, love, justice, and healing.” Concluding her trip, Biden bade farewell to Entissar Al-Sisi at the airport on June 3. She will be visiting Morocco next, before heading to Portugal, the final stop of her tour, on Monday, 5 June. Credit: AFP Egypt’s relationship with the US is longstanding. As it stands, Egypt is one of the largest recipients in the Mideast of American economic and military aid, which has played a key role in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. Since 1978, the United States has provided Egypt with over USD 50 billion (EGP 1.5 trillion) in military and USD 30 billion (EGP 925 billion) in economic assistance.The post US First Lady Visits the Pyramids, Promotes Empowerment of Egyptian Women and Youth first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: News, Politics and Society, egypt, featured, first lady, jill biden, news, politics, Pyramids, united states of america]

— Egypt, Israel Defense Ministers Discuss Border Gunfire Incident and Ways of Prevention

 

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Photo credit: The Times of Israel In a phone call with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant, Egypt’s Minister of Defence and Military Production, Mohamed Zaki addressed the circumstances surrounding the gunfire that erupted on the Egyptian-Israeli border on Saturday, 3 June. The two also discussed measures to prevent such incidents in the future. According to a statement released by the Egyptian Army Spokesperson, Zaki offered condolences over deaths from both sides. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the incident as a “terrorist attack and demanded a joint investigation with Cairo. “The deadly incident on the Egyptian border on Shabbat is severe and extraordinary and will be fully investigated,” said Netanyahu. Members of The Knesset, Israel’s Parliament, also called for implementing changes to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) rules of engagement in the Egyptian border area. Details of those changes are yet to be known to the public. The rare gunfire incident on the Egyptian-Israeli border on Saturday, 3 June, resulted in the death of an Egyptian officer and three Israeli soldiers, with two other Israeli soldiers injured. According to a statement released by the Egyptian Army Spokesperson, the gunfire erupted when an Egyptian border officer pursued drug smugglers into Israeli territory. After breaching the border’s security barrier and entering Israel’s Negev desert, gunfire was exchanged, resulting in casualties from both sides of the border.The post Egypt, Israel Defense Ministers Discuss Border Gunfire Incident and Ways of Prevention first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: News, Politics and Society, Benjamin Netanyahu, egypt, egyptian army, egyptian army spokesperson, egyptian border, egyptian minister of defense, egyptian soldiers, featured, gunfire, israel, israeli border, israeli soldier, knesset, mohamed zaki, netanyahu, Yoav Gallant]

— Egyptian Officer and 3 Israeli Soldiers Dead After Border Gunfire Incident

 

at 6/3/23 9:57am

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons A rare gunfire incident on the Egyptian-Israeli border resulted in the death of an Egyptian officer and three Israeli soldiers, with two other Israeli soldiers injured. The gunfire, which occurred on the morning of 3 June, erupted when an Egyptian border officer pursued drug smugglers into Israeli territory, according to a media statement by the Egyptian Armed Forces’1979 Spokesperson, Gharib Abdel Hafez. After breaching the border’s security barrier and entering Israel’s Negev desert, gunfire was exchanged, resulting in casualties from both sides of the border. Both militaries are cooperating in the investigations, according to on a statement from the Israeli Defence Forces’ official Twitter page. “All necessary search, inspection, and security measures are being taken in the area, along with the implementation of legal procedures regarding the incident,” shared Abdel Hafez. “Our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and our wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured.” The identity of the Egyptian officer has yet to be revealed. The IDF presented a different account of what unfolded, reporting that the officer – a “terrorist” – shot and fatally injured two Israeli soldiers who were securing a military post in the Negev desert along the Egyptian border. A third Israeli soldier was killed in action hours later, along with the Egyptian officer. Israel’s Chief of the General Staff, Major General Hertzi Halevi, claims that the killed soldiers “tried to make contact” prior to the gunfire. An Israeli spokesperson informed Reuters that drug smuggling attempts in the region occur frequently, but the most recent documented case of infiltration into Israel took place around a decade ago. The IDF later identified Lia Ben Nun, 19, and Ohad Dahan, 20, as two of the three Israeli soldiers killed in the incident. The gunfire exchange comes as a shock to both countries, which have had very few fatal incidents since their 1979 peace treaty signing. The last similar incident between the two occurred in 1985, almost 40 years ago, when an Egyptian border policeman killed eight Israeli tourists and injured four more. More updates to follow.The post Egyptian Officer and 3 Israeli Soldiers Dead After Border Gunfire Incident first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: News, Politics and Society, 1979 peace treaty, buzz, Cairo, egypt, egypt israel, egypt israel border, egypt-israel borders, Egyptian Armed Forces, Egyptian armed forces spokesperson, egyptian-israeli border, egyptians, featured, Gharib Abdel Hafez, Hertzi Halevi, israel, Israel Defence Forces, israel defense forces, Lia Ben Nun, middle east, middle-east, negev, negev desert, news, Ohad Dahan, politics, Sinai, Terrorism]

As of 6/10/23 12:34pm. Last new 6/10/23 8:57am.