Crooked Bough News Round-up

— Inside Talya’s Foundation to Save a Soul, a Heaven on Earth for Dogs

 

at 9/28/23 8:11am

Inside Talya’s Foundation to Save a Soul, a Heaven on Earth for Dogs. Located just off the road that separates a vast farmland from Al Mansoureya Street in Giza is a bright green gate that opens into what Noha Awad, the founder and director of Talya’s Foundation to Save a Soul, describes as “a heaven on Earth for dogs.” Once inside, dogs can be seen resting in the shade of palm trees, swimming in the pool, or just playing with one another. However, once they notice the commotion, hundreds of wagging tails approach visitors, wary at first, but after some time and a few pats here and there, the inhabitants of the shelter are sure to give the warmest of welcomes. Awad, a clinical pathologist, founded Talya’s Foundation to Save a Soul in 2020. In the three years since it was founded, the shelter has rescued hundreds of dogs. It now has a population of 550 animals receiving around-the-clock, professional care. Awad with her dogs at the shelter. Photo credit: Talya’s Foundation to Save a Soul. Discovering the Joy of Dogs “Seven years ago, something happened — a miracle of sorts, and perhaps it was what put me on this path,” Awad says. “For the past seven years of my marriage, I have been longing to have a baby. The doctors suggested adoption because I was no longer able to get pregnant.” Awad ended up adopting, but it was not a human baby; she adopted a puppy. “I wanted a puppy to shower it with some of the maternal love I had inside of me. So, I brought one into my life, convinced that within two or maybe three months at most, I would find a new home for him,” she tells Egyptian Streets. This notion quickly changed. Awad reveals how she fell in love with everything about dogs when she first adopted her puppy. “This journey made me realize that I was on a mission to save all the dogs of Egypt,” Awad says. The newfound revelation pushed the 47-year-old doctor to begin rescuing dogs in need all over Egypt. “I found out that these were the smartest and most adorable creatures that God ever created on Earth. Since then, every time I see a dog suffering, I take it to a clinic and then send it to a shelter,” she explains. After some time, it dawned upon Awad that she had rescued over 50 abused strays, and they were all put into shelters. “I thought to myself, theyre all in shelters. So why not open my own shelter if I am that in love? So, seven years ago, I opened my first shelter. And, once I opened the shelter, I got pregnant with my baby, Talya,” she says. “Its a little miracle I didnt see coming. When I showed kindness and mercy to these dogs, God showed me His mercy. So, I decided to keep taking care of these wonderful creatures for the rest of my life because every time I help them, good things happen in my life.” Awad believes that rescuing these dogs brings her countless blessings. One of the dogs she rescued about seven years ago still lives with her to this day. One of Awad’s dogs before and after the rescue. Photo credit: Talya’s Foundation to Save a Soul. An ICU Shelter The land on which the shelter operates is divided into several partitions, catering to the needs of its canine inhabitants. The gates open into a central playground where most of the dogs reside. There is a separate section for elderly dogs. Dogs with disabilities also have a designated area to ensure they are well cared for. In addition, there is a special section for puppies as well as isolated areas for dogs with aggression issues, where they undergo behavior modification therapy before their reintegration with the general population. “Its a sanctuary-like shelter. We dont have dogs put in boxes and closed areas. No, we always leave them in open fields, and they learn how to put themselves in packs. Yes, there are some dog fights at the beginning, and then they start to learn, like in the streets. Each pack of 100 dogs is living together, and everything is peaceful. But I hate locking up the dogs in boxes. This is not a life for them,” Awad reveals. Dogs swimming and playing at the pool at Talya’s foundation. With a team of six dedicated individuals, including Awad, who is the head of the veterinary team, two vet assistants, and two workers, Talya’s Foundation to Save a Soul specializes in helping the more challenging cases that other shelters might not have the resources for. “Our shelter is an ICU shelter; its essentially a medical sanctuary for dogs. We go above and beyond to provide food and shelter. Additionally, we focus on rescuing the most challenging cases from the streets — those that are on the brink of death or grappling with severe conditions such as epilepsy, paralysis, and blindness,” Awad says. “Perhaps its because of my medical background that Im always willing to take on these tough cases,” she adds. The veterinary team going about their daily routine at Talya’s Foundation. According to Awad, the shelter spared no effort to obtain the best available treatments, even if it meant sourcing them from outside of Egypt. “Our commitment to their well-being is unwavering, and as a result, we have achieved an impressively high survival rate. Thanks to these efforts, we have earned a reputation as one of the leading shelters in Egypt,” she says. The veterinary team begins their daily routine at 9 AM by thoroughly examining the dogs. Their meticulous assessment includes evaluating the dogs physical well-being, observing their movements, and diligently searching for any health issues. Then, they administer necessary medications to dogs requiring treatment, including those on daily medication regimens. This routine is followed until 5 PM. “This shelter has witnessed miraculous transformations; dogs that had almost lost their lives are now thriving, swimming in our pool, and joyfully running and jumping,” Awad states. Mohammed Khaled, an assistant veterinarian at the shelter, administers medication to a sick dog. A Dedicated Team “I have been working with the shelter for the past three years,” Mirna Mohsen, a volunteer at the shelter, tells Egyptian Streets. “I took it upon myself to help abused dogs on the streets. Then, I crossed paths with Noha, and I witnessed her unwavering dedication to the cause. Shes truly remarkable.” Mohsen playing with the rescues at Talya’s Foundation to Save a Soul. Mohsen believes that what sets this foundation apart from other shelters is Awad’s keen commitment. Beshoy Ezzat, another volunteer at the shelter, has been rescuing dogs for the past nine years. The IT engineer has known and worked with Awad for quite some time. “We are trying to do the best we can, but it’s really difficult. The stress is unimaginable. I have three dogs that require special care. Imagine what Noha has to go through, having hundreds of dogs that require the same special care. It’s difficult,” he says. Ezzat with the dogs at Talya’s Foundation to Save a Soul. “I came across the shelter, and Noha was doing some amazing work. She used to visit the schools and teach the children how to look after animals and that sort of thing. It stood out to me that she was trying to change attitudes and work towards creating a better future. And there are so many dogs here, but I stumbled across a picture of a dog and asked her some questions about it,” Emily McMahon, another volunteer who works in dog rescue in the United Kingdom, says. McMahon giving one of the dogs a bath at Talya’s Foundation to Save a Soul. McMahon visited Talya’s Foundation to Save a Soul a year ago and met Pepper. The two have been inseparable ever since. “He is just an absolute joy, and I have had him for a year now. I just thought I needed to try and come back and help some others. The shelter had a rough time recently, and I really wanted to help the shelter my dog came from,” she says. Community Work Talyas Foundation recognizes the critical need to address not only the physical rescue of dogs but also the transformation of Egyptian attitudes and cultural practices. According to Awad, the unfortunate reality is that many dogs end up in the shelter due to widespread abuse within Egyptian culture. Parents often pass on these behaviors to their children, resulting in acts of cruelty such as tail-cutting, eye and ear injuries, and various forms of mistreatment. The root of this issue lies in the aggression and misunderstanding surrounding dogs. One of the survivors of societal abuse at Talya’s Foundation to Save a Soul. To combat this problem, the shelter has taken proactive steps to change the mentalities of both children and parents, hosting numerous events at the shelter and inviting celebrities to participate. When local communities, especially those from disadvantaged areas nearby, witness these gatherings featuring celebrities, music, and a spirit of community, they start to recognize the positive energy in this place; Awad could see their behavior change towards dogs. Additionally, the shelter’s team conducts school visits, where they educate students about animal welfare and the role of dog shelters. This initiative has yielded positive responses, with several schools organizing bake sales and fundraising events to support the shelter. The Financial Struggle Awad broke down the shelter’s expenses to Egyptian Streets, revealing that because of the current inflation rate and rising prices, the shelter spends about EGP 250,000 (USD 8,090) each month. Medication and vaccination alone cost around EGP 80,000 (USD 2,589), while salaries for workers and vets can reach EGP 50,000 (USD 1,618). As for food, the cost of meals that have chicken, vegetables, and liver can reach a total of EGP 100,000 (USD 3,236) over the month. The rest of the budget is allocated to pay the rent of the land. Because the shelter is a registered non-profit organization, Awad’s main source of income is donations. “When you see the transformation that these dogs went through, how they were before they came to us and how they are now, it is truly remarkable. You will understand why we do what we do. Every penny spent here is well worth it,” Awad says. “Our shelter has been running for years, primarily relying on donations. We started with just 50 dogs, and now we care for 550 dogs. Donations keep us going, but theyre not always enough to cover our needs. There are days when we run out of food and medicine, and those are the ugliest days for me. Its heartbreaking to see that we cant provide for our dogs on those days.” Talya’s Foundation to Save a Soul is open daily for visitors, who are free to bring packs of dry food and medicine if they can. Visiting hours are between 11 AM and 4 PM. “I invite you to come and visit our shelter, see for yourself the piece of heaven on Earth that it is,” she says. “To get medicine, we can always send you lists of the medicine we need daily. And if you have it, you can bring them along. I guarantee you are going to have a day full of joy and lots of positive energy that can’t be found outside this place.” Last month, the shelter did not have enough funds or supplies to operate. It was a desperate time for Awad, who took to social media to get the community to help. “Sometimes, we reach a point of desperation, feeling like no one is listening to our pleas, and no one will step forward to offer their support. But then, almost miraculously, and I say this with complete certainty because I believe that God loves these creatures, help arrives,” she says. Dogs at Talya’s Foundation to Save a Soul. The dog-loving community heard the voices of 550 dogs and came together to help Awad with enough funds to keep the shelter running. “Last week, I came across a sight that touched my heart deeply. The dogs, all 550 of them, were standing in a way that I can only describe as if they had arranged themselves to salute the generous souls who had sent donations. They stood with such dignity and adorableness, seemingly sending a message with their eyes and letting me take a picture of them as a message of love, gratitude, and appreciation,” Awad says. Dogs gathered around the pool at Talya’s Foundation. Photo credit: Talya’s Foundation to Save a Soul. The donations saved the shelter’s operation in August and, with it, the countless dogs it hosts. “Such occurrences are not frequent, and I wanted to share this photo to convey that they feel your love, that many of you care deeply for them, and they eagerly await your presence at the shelter. They want to meet each and every one of you. So, we are here, waiting for you all with open arms, Awad says. If you would like to help the shelter too and support Talya’s Foundation to Save a Soul, WhatsApp this number: +20 101 644 9900 for more information. Subscribe to the Egyptian Streets’ weekly newsletter! Catch up on the latest news, arts & culture headlines, exclusive features and more stories that matter, delivered straight to your inbox by clicking here.The post Inside Talya’s Foundation to Save a Soul, a Heaven on Earth for Dogs first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: Feature, Politics and Society, Cairo, dog shelter, egypt, featured, ICU, Noha Awad, rescue, Shelter, Talya's Foundation, Talya's Foundation to Save a Soul]

— Cairo University Employee Shot Dead at the Hands of her Former Partner

 

at 9/28/23 4:58am

Cairo University Campus. Photo Credit: Michael Gallagher via Flickr Cairo University employee Nourhan Hussein, 29, was shot dead on university grounds at the hands of her former partner on Wednesday, 27 September. A brief statement released on the Egyptian Interior Ministry’s Facebook account detailed that the killer was found in the northwestern governorate of Matrouh and took his own life before he could be apprehended by authorities. Nourhan’s former partner shot her four times, and fled the scene of the crime. 
At the time, Nourhan had been at her office, accompanied by four colleagues, when the accused, Ahmed Hussein, used an unlicensed weapon to end her life. “The accused did not leave my daughter alone, and he continued to send threatening messages to me and her, and he ended up killing her inside her office,” said Nourhan’s father to Egyptian newspaper Al Masry Al Youm (AMAY). “My love [Nourhan] was among the top of her class in college, and everyone loved her.” According to non-profit organization, Speak Up, Nourhan’s former romantic interest had proposed to her eight years ago, yet was refused due to his misconduct and harassment. In retaliation, he proceeded to torch her car three years later. Nourhan accordingly filed a lawsuit against the perpetrator. He was sentenced to prison for a year and a half and fined EGP 100,000 (USD 3,236) in compensation. He ultimately only served a three-month prison sentence. Preceding the crime, Nourhan had experienced harassment from the perpetrator for years. Her family explained to AMAY that they had waived the amount of the fine, nonetheless the perpetrator continued to harass Nourhan, and threaten pursue her until the victim’s family asked for the daughter to be transferred from her department at Cairo University, as she was working with accused in the same administration at the Faculty of Archaeology. Femicide and gender-based violence crimes are not rare in Egypt. According to the Economic Cost of Gender-Based Violence Survey, which was carried out in 2015 by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the National Council for Women (NCW), and the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS), approximately 7.8 million women experience violence every year in all its forms, whether it is committed by their partners or fiancés, people in their personal networks, or by strangers in public spaces. In a separate and more recent report, the Egyptian Edraak Foundation for Development and Equality stated that there had been a notable rise in gender-based violence in Egypt, with 813 cases of violence against women reported in 2021, compared to 415 in 2020.The post Cairo University Employee Shot Dead at the Hands of her Former Partner first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: News, Politics and Society, cairo university, egypt, egyptian ministry of interior, featured, femicide, gender based violence, harassment, interior ministry, sexual harassment, speak up, speakup, suicide, violence against women, women's rights]

— The Stuff of Nightmares: the Roots of Egypt’s Most Infamous Folk Tales

 

at 9/28/23 3:42am

Al Neddaha by the Nile. Photo Credit: The Advocate. Al Naddaha (the Siren), Abu Regl Masloukha (the Man with the Flayed Leg), and Ummena Al Ghula (Mother Ghoul) are three folktales that have for years captured the imagination of Egyptians young and old. Often, though less now in the most recent generations, parents use these tales to instill discipline by scaring children – but the vivid and gruesome imagery often leaves a lasting mark. These legends are a fascinating aspect of Egyptian culture, passed down through the generations, yet their origins have always remained shrouded in mystery. How these tales became woven into the Egyptian cultural fabric remains a question for anthropologists to answer. However, there are several compelling theories. Here are the tales and some of the theories that attempt to explain their origin. Al Neddaha (The Siren) A depiction of Al Naddaha. Photo credit: Myth and Folklore Wiki. The legend of Al Naddaha, literally translating to, “the woman who calls,” which emerged in rural Egypt, is not limited to one specific region. Just as its origins in Egypt remain unknown, the reasons for its widespread presence across the world with varying names and narratives are also a mystery. However, all versions of the legend concur that its appeal lies in the concept of beauty, and the notion that pursuing ones desires will ultimately result in downfall. Similar to the infamous sirens of the Greek Odyssey, Al Naddaha is a monster that dwells close to the River Nile’s banks, singing an irresistible song that holds sway over the hearts of men. Stories of this nocturnal beast are well-known in rural Egypt, where Al Naddaha takes on the shape of a beautiful woman who lures men to their doom. In most tales, these men do not get close enough to the Nile to see what Al Naddaha looks like before she escapes. However, in rare cases, they catch a glimpse of her. The monster is described as an exceptionally attractive, tall, and slender woman with long flowing hair down her back. She typically stands very close to the riverbank, wearing a loose, long, and semi-transparent dress. Some accounts even describe her as having a semi-transparent body. Her voice is gentle and soothing, yet strangely loud. Al Naddaha may summon men from their homes along the Nile and its canals, and these men eagerly attempt to answer her call. In other stories, the afflicted man does not immediately follow her but experiences a period of anxious distraction for several nights before eventually departing late at night. Local belief holds that a man called by Al Naddaha is doomed, and finding a cure is often considered impossible. Egyptian writer Ahmed Khaled Tawfik immortalized Al Naddaha in ‘The Legend of Al Naddaha,’ a short story that was later adapted into an episode on the Netflix series Paranormal. Abu Regl Masloukha Statue of ancient Egyptian god Bes. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons. In Egyptian folk tales, Abu Regl Masloukha, or in English, “the man with the flayed leg,” is described as a man who is severely disfigured, with his left foot completely mangled and his right foot partially deformed. Abu Regl Maslokha would often kidnap or punish young children – a convenience that Egyptian parents have taken advantage of throughout the generations. It is said that this monster only came at night and targeted children who did not obey their parents orders, those who stayed up late, refused to eat their meals, or did not drink their milk. Although the exact origin is not well-documented, some people online have theorized that Abu Regl Maslokha, is a description of an ancient Egyptian deity named Bes. Bes was the god of joy and happiness in ancient Egypt and the protector of children in the Roman and Greek eras. In most depictions, Bes is portrayed as a creature of short stature. His distinctive form became more apparent during the Middle Kingdom, but the earliest recognized representation of him dates back to the Old Kingdom. In this era, the deity was depicted wearing a lions skin as a mask. Bes had a comical yet frightening appearance, representing a blend of human and animal traits. Ummena Al Ghula Statue of ancient Egyptian goddess Sekhmet. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons. The legend of Ummena Al Ghula (Mother Ghoul) tells of a hideous creature that comes to feed on children at night. Like the story of Abu Regl Maslokha, hers was used to scare children into obeying their parents. The origin of this folktale is quite convoluted, with two main hypotheses. The first suggests that the legend Umna Al Ghula is based on Sakhmet, the ancient Egyptian goddess of the desert, war, and plagues. The second links the terrifying female entity to Lilith, the first wife of Adam and the primordial she-demon, according to Judaic heritage. Lilith is depicted in numerous forms in rabbinic literature. She is sometimes depicted as the mother of demonic children born after her separation from Adam, or as Adams first wife. Liliths tale takes a unique turn when she refuses to be Adams submissive wife and leaves him. Three angels were dispatched in an attempt to bring her back, but their efforts proved futile. In Arab folktales, this shape-shifting desert creature is still colloquially known as Um Al Subyan, or “the mother of boys” in English, and in Egypt, the name became Ummena Al Ghula, or in English our mother the ghoul. Subscribe to the Egyptian Streets’ weekly newsletter! Catch up on the latest news, arts & culture headlines, exclusive features and more stories that matter, delivered straight to your inbox by clicking here.The post The Stuff of Nightmares: the Roots of Egypt’s Most Infamous Folk Tales first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: Arts & Culture, Abu regl maslokha, Al Neddaha, egypt, featured, folktales, Ghoul, Ghula, nile, origin, the man with the flayed leg, the Siren, Ummena Al Ghula]

— From Relationships to Self-Development, Here Are 5 Egyptian Podcasts to Keep on Your Radar

 

at 9/27/23 8:53am

Photo credit: Alemny.com The past few years saw an undeniable rise in the podcast industry. The popularity of the young medium in Egypt is not only seen among Egyptian audiences, but also through the introduction of Egyptian podcast presenters. Between self-development, parenting, relationships, lifestyle, and business, Egyptian podcast producers have been making our daily commutes a lot less boring, and making getting our chores done a little more bearable. To celebrate International Podcast Day, here are five highly-recommended Egyptian podcasts that discuss a myriad of topics and cater to a multitude of tastes. Youssef Sabry Mindset Hosted by Egyptian entrepreneur Youssef Sabry, this podcast interviews inspiring guests who have made notable accomplishments or overcome challenges to pursue their dreams. Sabry hosted the first Arab woman on Campaign’s 40 under 40 list, Mai Salama, as well as CEO of Somabay Ibrahim Al Mesery, and bodybuilder Big Ramy, among others. Eh El ‘Elaqa There are countless podcasts about relationships, but this one is different. Hosted by Omar Samra and Mint, Womena’s newest podcast Eh El ‘Elaqa (What’s the Relationship?) explores the building blocks of a healthy relationship by discussing taboo topics and asking difficult questions. The podcast discusses mental health, gender roles, freedom within relationships, navigating finances, and many other subjects that are not usually discussed in Egyptian society. Fekra L Bokra Samar and Doha are sisters, and mothers, who realised that parenting does not come naturally — it needs learning and practice. They created the podcast Fekra L Bokra (An Idea for Tomorrow) to share their motherhood experiences, express different opinions, and hopefully benefit fellow moms. In short and light episodes, the podcast discusses topics like praise and punishment, empathy, and authentic parenting. The Potcast Show Like a breath of fresh air, the Potcast Show presents real, unfiltered conversations about different aspects of life. With a plethora of guests, this podcast discusses navigating pain, workplace toxicity, passion, drug addiction and sobriety, accessibility and the differently-abled, and body image. Kefaya Ba’a Unlike all the above podcasts, Kefaya Ba’a (Enough is Enough) by Egyptian standup comedian Alaa El Sheikh is a light, sarcastic podcast highlighting Egyptian problems and issues and discusses them without filters. In a comedic tone, El Sheikh portrays the contradictions of Egyptian society and its people. All podcasts are available on Spotify. Subscribe to the Egyptian Streets’ weekly newsletter! Catch up on the latest news, arts & culture headlines, exclusive features and more stories that matter, delivered straight to your inbox by clicking here.The post From Relationships to Self-Development, Here Are 5 Egyptian Podcasts to Keep on Your Radar first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: Arts & Culture, Listicle, alaa el sheikh, egypt, egyptian content creators, egyptian podcast, egyptians, featured, health, international podcast day, lifestyle, mental health, mint el moqadem, motherhood, omar samra, relationships, spotfiy, the potcast show, womena, youssef sabry mindset]

— Ride Like an Egyptian: 4 Cycling Groups to Join in Cairo

 

at 9/27/23 5:46am

Photo Credit: Cairo Cycle Official Facebook Page For many, cycling is a delightful pastime, and for other riders, it is a passion and a sport. Whether it is riding through Egypt’s most scenic routes or through the bustling streets of the city, cycling is a break from the daily grind that offers opportunities of change and adventures. Cycling has become increasingly popular in Egypt, with many amateur cyclists riding during the weekend. It is often used as a motivational means to raise awareness on important issues such as women empowerment, raising funds for cancer patients, or combatting road accidents. In recent years, Egypt has introduced specific bike lines in areas around Cairo, most notably in Maadi, downtown, and Zamalek, after many bicycle enthusiasts campaigned for bike lanes to ensure safe travel and promote the two-wheeled method of transport. For those eager to discover the joy of cycling for the first time or seasoned enthusiasts craving the thrill of the ride, here are some groups based in Egypt that provide exciting cycling opportunities. Bike Zone Egypt Bike Zone is a local non-profit organization that caters to cycling enthusiasts and brings together their shared interests in cycling. Bike Zone organizes riding events, typically through an event on Facebook, where they detail the specifics of the ride or race. For the group rides, Bike Zone also offers the option of renting bikes and helmets for those who do not own any.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Bike Zone Egypt (@bike_zone_egypt) Go Bike Egypt Across Cairo and Alexandria, Go Bike is an amateur sports team dedicated to those who have a passion for cycling. The organization’s mission is to cultivate a safe and exciting cycling culture all over Egypt.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Go Bike (@gobikeegypt) Pdal Pdal is also an initiative that is centered around enhancing and expanding the culture of cycling in Egypt. Pdal organizes events across Cairo, and also offers bike-rental services.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by بدال (@pdal.team) Cairo Cyclists Club Devoted to enhancing cycling experiences in Cairo and beyond, the Cairo Cyclists Club organizes enjoyable riding experiences, typically on Friday mornings. In addition to the weekly rides, the club also organizes longer single day rides outside Cairo and multiple-day events in Sinai.The post Ride Like an Egyptian: 4 Cycling Groups to Join in Cairo first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: Buzz, Alexandria, bicycycle, BIKE, Cairo, cycling, egypt, featured, MENA, middle east, race, rent, rides, sports]

— Egypt Inaugurates New Village Development Project for Bedouins in South Sinai

 

at 9/26/23 9:54am

Egypt inaugurated a new village development project in the city of Sharm El-Sheikh on Monday, 26 September, to improve the standards of living and provide job opportunities for indigenous Bedouin communities. This inauguration was attended by Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Hala Al Said, Governor of South Sinai, Khaled Fouda. During the inauguration, El Said explained that the new village encapsulates the main ingredients of building a sustainable community, which includes various services to provide job opportunities in agriculture, training for women and youth, as well as green, affordables homes. For his part, Fouda underscored that the project came to fruition as a result of the coordination of all parties government, the private sector and civil society. The main goal of the project, he added, is to reduce the gap between rural and urban areas in Sinai, and ensure that rural communities have access to similar services and standard of living. He added that this is not the final stage of the project, as there is an ongoing plan to continue upgrading the infrastructure for several villages for Bedouin communities. He also called on Egypt’s civil society to participate in these projects to maximize impact and efficiency. The project comes within an integrated initiative to improve villages in South Sinai in cooperation with the Egyptian Federation for Financing Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises, and with funding from several private companies and NGOs, namely Reefy, Tasahel, Tanmia, and Ana El Masry Foundation.The post Egypt Inaugurates New Village Development Project for Bedouins in South Sinai first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: News, development, egypt, featured, green growth, news, Sinai, sustainable]

— 5 Local Instagram Accounts that Sell Pre-Loved and Thrifted Iems

 

at 9/26/23 7:42am

There is something particularly special about a pre-loved or thrifted item – not knowing where this piece has been or who it was worn by before it landed in one’s closet. In recent years, thrifting has emerged as an exhilarating shopping experience that is both sustainable and unique. In Egypt, there aren’t many physical thrift stores. The most notable place to get pre-owned clothing is wekalet el-balah (the market of dates), a go-to shopping destination for affordable clothing. However, the absence of in-person shops has led to the rise of Instagram thrifting, often known as ‘thriftstagram’ — where Instagram accounts sell vintage and upcycled fashion. These online shops do not only make room for more environmentally-friendly shopping experiences, but they also allow shoppers to refresh their wardrobes without maneuvering through long cues and overwhelming shops. Here are some Instagram shops based in Egypt that sell vintage and pre-loved items. THRIFT IN CHIC   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by ✩ ✩ (@thriftinchic_) Thrift in Cairo   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Thrift in Cairo (@thriftincairo) The Vintage Guy   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Vintage Guy (@thevintageguy.eg) Thrift Shark   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Thrift Shark (@thriftshark.eg) Thriftdrobe   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Thriftdrobe (@thriftdrobe_) The post 5 Local Instagram Accounts that Sell Pre-Loved and Thrifted Iems first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: Buzz, art, Cairo, culture, egypt, environment, featured, instagram shops, local shops, low budget, middle east, pre loved, second hand, Shopping, sustainability, thrift, thrifting]

— Egypt’s Presidential Elections will be Held in December 2023

 

at 9/25/23 7:02am

_autotone The National Election Authority (NEA) announced on Monday that Egypts presidential elections would take place in December 2023. In a press conference, Walid Hamza, head of the NEA, declared that casting votes for the 2024 presidential elections for those residing within Egypt will take place on 10, 11, and 12 December 2023. Egyptians living abroad will be able to cast their votes on the first, second, and third of December 2023 at Egyptian Embassies and Consulates. Hamza announced that those seeking to run in the 2024 presidential election have the opportunity to file for candidacy from 5 October until 14 October 2023. Runoff elections, which would occur if no candidate secures 50 percent or more of the vote, will take place on 8, 9, and 10 January 2024 in Egypt, and 7 January 2024 at Egyptian Embassies and Consulates abroad. The roster of candidates is scheduled for release on 16 October, while the final list is expected to be disclosed on 9 November. Incumbent Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, whose term ends in 2024, is yet to officially announce his intent to run for a third term. Al-Sisi secured his second term of presidency in 2018 with 97 percent of total votes.The post Egypt’s Presidential Elections will be Held in December 2023 first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: News, Politics and Society, 2024 presidential elections, abroad, Cairo, december, egypt, elections, featured, middle east, news, sisi, voting]

— Egyptian Film Sequels to Look Forward to in 2024

 

at 9/25/23 5:37am

Welad Rizk castPhoto credit: Al Nahar It can be a bit of a challenge to create sequels for top grossing, high-achieving movies – not to mention a sequel that is of the same level. Regardless of their success, most Egyptians feel excited upon hearing announcements of a second or third installment being prepared for a movie they watched and enjoyed. Winter and summer seasons of 2024 are set to witness some highly anticipated sequels in the Egyptian film industry. Between comedy, action, and romance, the list encompasses different genres to suit every taste. Welad Rizk 3 Under the slogan El Kadia (The Knockout), – which many assume is an indication that this is the final part – Welad Rizk 3 is making a major comeback in 2024. Written by Salah El Geheiny and directed by Tarek Alarian, Welad Rizk was a big box office success across the Arab region upon its release in 2014, and built on its success with the release of part two in 2019. Although there were gaps between the release of each part, the audience never forgot the star-studded cast portraying a group of brothers in the life of crime. Bank El Haz 2 Bringing together beloved actors Mohamed Mamdouh, Akram Hosny, and Mohamed Tharwat, this Egyptian comedy quickly became a timeless favorite in most Egyptian homes. Directed by Ahmed El Guindy, Bank El Haz (Monopoly) tells the story of a former bank employee who decides to rob the bank he used to work in, with the help of his friends. Expected to be released in 2024, Bank El Haz 2 will uncover what happened to the main characters after the robbery incident in part one. Hepta 2 As the highest-grossing romantic film in the history of Egyptian cinema, this award-winning film, which was released in 2016, was a massive success across the region, both as a book and later as a film. Directed by Hadi El-Bagoury, Hepta featured an all-star cast, including Maged El-Kedwany, Ahmed Malek, Ahmed Dawood, Dina El-Sherbiny, Yasmine Raeis, Jamila Awad, Amr Youssef, Hany Adel, Ahmed Bedeir, Salwa Mohamed Aly, Kinda Alloush, and Anoushka. Hepta takes the audience on a journey into the different stages of love and relationships. Although the cast was part of the reason for the success of part one, Hepta 2 is set to feature a different cast and a different storyline as well. Hepta castPhoto credit: IMDB Casablanca 2 Although the filmmakers haven’t revealed details about part two, the mere announcement that it is set to be released in 2024 got the movie’s fans extremely excited. As the top grossing film of the Eid Al Fitr season in 2019, this action movie topped charts across the region upon its release. Between friendship, betrayal, and vengeance, Casablanca tells the story of friends-turned-enemies who form a gang of pirates, and their adventure in Morocco. Directed by Peter Mimi, the first part starred Amir Karara, Ghada Adel, Eyad Nassar, Amr Abdelgeleel, and Mahmoud El Bezzawy. Subscribe to the Egyptian Streets’ weekly newsletter! Catch up on the latest news, arts & culture headlines, exclusive features and more stories that matter, delivered straight to your inbox by clicking here.The post Egyptian Film Sequels to Look Forward to in 2024 first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: Arts & Culture, Listicle, 2024, ahmed dawoud, ahmed ezz, akram hosny, amir karara, amr yousef, bank el haz, box office, Casablanca, egypt, Egyptian actors, egyptian actresses, egyptian movies, egyptian sequels, egyptians, eyad nassar, featured, ghada adel, jamila awad, mohamed mamdouh, mohamed tharwat, welad rizk, yasmin raeis]

— The Zambia Series: Why Everyone Needs to Visit the Home of Victoria Falls

 

at 9/25/23 2:34am

Vast stretches of land beyond what the eyes can capture, fluttering butterflies in shades of copper and white, and splendorous yet endangered animals roaming freely across its natural protectorates – these are only a few of the wonders Zambia has to offer. Zambia, a beautiful stretch of a country located at the heart of southern Africa, is often sided for its African sisterly countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. However, for those who are eager to explore new terrains and engage in adventurous activities on a tight schedule, the home of nshima (maize cornmeal porridge) and the Zambezi River caters to the modern-day adventure traveler. Here are a few reasons why this gem of a country needs to be considered everyone’s next journey destination. Victoria Falls Victoria Falls, certainly one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is undoubtedly a destination for any travel enthusiast seeking an unforgettable experience. Contrary to popular belief that these falls might be near Lake Victoria, the vibrant and translucent Victoria Falls happen to be located in Livingstone, on the east side of Zambia, near the Zimbabwean borders. The sheer grandeur and power of the falls are breathtaking. Complemented by a perpetual rainbow, they are easily considered one of the top attractions in the country. Moreover, depending on whether it is the high or low season, the falls can stretch to an impressive combined width of 1.7 kilometers and reach a height of 108 meters, placing them in the rank of the five largest waterfalls worldwide. Visitors yearning for a captivating experience can take on Devil’s Pool – a natural infinity pool. Visitors yearning for a captivating experience can take on Devil’s pool – a natural infinity pool. Truly, it offers a unique viewpoint, catapulting visitors to the precipice of the falls, and provide for an unmatched and exhilarating perspective for those who dare. Although initially terrifying, what with the currents of the Zambezi river pushing one in multiple directions, the guides at the falls ensure that this activity is made more safe through their instructions, and are seasoned photo-takers at the attraction. Moreover, the falls provide more than merely a pretty sight. Visitors to the falls can opt to bungee jump from Victoria Falls bridge, and white-water raft down the mighty Zambezi river. For those who can afford it, a helicopter ride provides a scenic bird’s eye view of this natural wonder. Safaris and Game Drives Rhinoceros, elephants, impalas and giraffes – these are only a few of the animals one can easily spot in Zambia. Naturally, those going to Zambia will want to experience the country’s safari and game drive activities which offer an unequaled wildlife experience that allows visitors to not only interact with nature but also witness some of the most iconic African animals in their natural habitat. One such animal is the elephant which can be seen up close. These majestic creatures roam freely across the vast landscapes and several national parks (Zambia has up to 20 national parks and over 30 game management reserves). On occasions, they even come up close to villages, or can be spotted crossing roads with their herds! The white rhino, the world’s second-largest land mammal, is yet another renowned species that draws tourists to Zambia for many reasons. It is one of the few countries in the African continent where white rhinos can be observed in the wild – sometimes along with their young. The government’s and rangers’ efforts to conserve this critically endangered species have been most effective, especially in Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park where the population of rhinos has been steadily increasing despite poachers’ attempts to hunt them down. From Hwange National Park to the Blue Lagoon National Park, each province and park is characterized by its own distinct flora and fauna, almost guaranteeing a diverse range of wildlife encounters, from colorful birds and buffalo to mellow zebras and hippopotami. Game drives usually take place early in the morning (as early as 6 AM) or late afternoons, as these are the surest times when animals are most active and can be photographed up close. For those looking for a more note-worthy experience, they can easily journey up to the GRI Wildlife Conservation Center, near the capital Lusaka, where baby elephants are homed following poaching attempts, or the Mukuni Big Five, a remarkable sanctuary of big cats such as lions, and non-native tigers in need of care. Additionally, Zambias emphasis on environmentally-conscious tourism makes the safari and game drive experiences even more memorable. To safeguard its ecosystems, the government has created a multitude of national parks and natural protectorates often with signage and interesting facts about the country’s wildlife, and has systematically trained its rangers, in order to ensure that Zambias natural legacy will be enjoyed and appreciated by future generations both domestic and international. Those going on safaris and game drives are always accompanied by guides, with strict rules to adhere to for both their and the animals’ safety. Rich tribal cultures Ask a Zambian where they come from, or which language they natively speak, and they will happily boast their tribal origins. Landlocked, the country is home to a rich and diverse heritage shaped by over 70 tribes, although the official religion is Christianity. The tribal cultures and traditions of Zambia represent a tapestry of multiculturalism, each contributing to the countrys unique identity as a nation, before and after British colonialism. Unlike the Maasai in Kenya, these tribes can be visited on special occasions. Among them are the Tonga people, celebrated in the Choma Museum and Crafts Center; this group primarily inhabits the southern province of Zambia, with a particular fondness for agriculture and ancestral worship. Their culture is expressed mostly via music and dance, with indigenous instruments like the kalumbu drum and horn playing a central role in Tonga music. Similarly, the Bemba constitute one of the largest ethnic groups in the country and are predominantly found in the northern and Luapula provinces. The chieftaincy system of the Bemba is ingrained in their culture, and each chief serves as a guardian of their peoples traditions and customs, often also serving as revered leaders of villages. In addition to the Tonga and Bemba tribes, Zambia is home to numerous other diverse tribes such as the Lozi, Ngoni, Tumbuka, and Chokwe, each with their distinct practices and belief systems. More can be known about them by traveling to their respective provinces, or by visiting Zambia’s oldest museum in Livingstone, or the Lusaka National Museum. Wonderful, traditional food The Zambians like their food hearty and filling. Usually, similar to Southern African cuisines in general, the cuisine relies on stews and is often accompanied by a vegetable side (ndiwo) such as spinach or rape (similar to kale), and staple yet nationwide consumed nshima. Surprisingly, Zambia’s tomatoes are delicious and are often used in side dishes including okra, or with pumpkin leaves, onions, and groundnuts (chibwabwa). Inspired by their wildlife and deeply rooted in the country’s diverse cultural heritage, traditional meals include Village Chicken, ifisashi (greens in groundnut sauce), and mbuzi (goat stew). For those looking for a more adventurous take on the cuisine, they can savor fried grasshoppers, fried sardines (kapenta), or crocodile meat steak. For the most part, meals are characterized by simplicity, and the use of locally sourced ingredients without an over-emphatic use of spices. Nonetheless, Zambians are avid carnivores, and they take great pride in their game meat, which can also include kudu, and impala. Juices are abundant: from avocado leaf infused with ginger to mango and papaya, these beverages are particularly consumed when the weather is warm or when in need of a sweet pick-me-up. Similarly, while the country is not big on sweets and desserts, Zambians cook delectable fritters (vitumbuwa) made from baobab fruit which can be homemade or found as common street food. Heart of gold Friendly, and with a stellar sense of humor, Zambians are some of the most generous and welcoming people one can ever meet. They luckily possess an innate spirit of giving and kindness that is deeply ingrained within Zambian culture, and have remarkable patience when addressed with a myriad of questions. They also possess a natural ability to make others feel at ease, with their warm smiles and genuine interest in getting to know others. It is common, and very often expected, to strike up a conversation with a stranger or greet someone they pass on the street. Also unsparing and willing to help others, Zambians have a sense of communal kinship, with most – if not all – belonging to tribes and villages across the nation. Travelers will often be met with curiosity and a smile, and if lucky, will be offered an icy cold bottle of Mosi (local beer) or popular Amarula (cream liqueur from South Africa) on the house. They will not shy away from taking pictures with travelers, and village guides provide exceptional facilitation and interpretation to local customs. At parties, Zambians will sing and play beloved traditional songs, form dance circles, and pull one in to join the festivities without batting an eyelash. Most noteworthy is also the Zambian attitude to taking care of protectorates and wildlife. Due to their proximity to nature, Zambians are attuned to their natural environments, have a deep reverence for animals, and each is quick to share his or her own anecdotes about wildlife encounters. Egyptian Streets would like to introduce the Zambia Series, a series of articles and features aimed at highlighting unique aspects of Zambia’s heritage and tourism. The content is a byproduct of a familiarization trip undertaken under the auspices of the Zambia Tourism Agency.The post The Zambia Series: Why Everyone Needs to Visit the Home of Victoria Falls first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: Arts & Culture, Travel, africa, bemba, Blue Lagoon National Park, british colonialism, choma museyum, Christianity, devil's pool, featured, game drive, GRI Wildlife Conservation Center, hippopotami, hwange National Park, kapenta, livinstone museum, lusaka, Lusaka National Museum., Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, Mukuni Big Five, Ngoni, nshima, safari, tonga, travel, vitumbuwa, zambia, zebras]

— Egypt Delays Onion Export Ban to October

 

at 9/24/23 7:27am

Image Credit: Rawpixel The previously planned three-month ban on onion exports, which was set to commence last week, will now come into effect on 1 October, announced Egypts Ministry of Trade and Industry on 24 September. This delay is in consideration of existing export agreements. The Egyptian Cabinet had initially announced a three-month prohibition on onion exports on 20 September to curb rising prices in local markets. Onion prices have surged to EGP 35 per kilogram in some local markets, a significant increase from EGP 27 the previous month and EGP 12 a year ago. This increase is attributed to intermediaries and traders stockpiling onions, as noted by Alaa Khalil, the director of the Field Crops Research Institute at the Ministry of Agriculture, to the Happening in Egypt TV programme Egypt’s Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) recently attributed volatile food prices to the country’s record-breaking annual headline inflation rate of 39.7 percent in August. Egypt typically harvests over three million tons of onions annually and exports a substantial portion of that production. Onions have traditionally been an affordable staple in Egyptian cuisine, with the average Egyptian consuming around 15 kilograms of onions per year. Subscribe to the Egyptian Streets’ weekly newsletter! Catch up on the latest news, arts & culture headlines, exclusive features and more stories that matter, delivered straight to your inbox by clicking here. The post Egypt Delays Onion Export Ban to October first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: News, Politics and Society, alaa khalil, buzz, CABINET, Cairo, CAPMAS, Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics, economy, egypt, egypt cabinet, egypt ministry of agriculture, egypt ministry of trade, Egyptian cabinet, egyptians, featured, inflation, middle east, middle-east, Ministry of Agriculture, ministry of trade and industry, news, onion, onions, politics, society]

— 24 Hours in the City of Fashion: Milan

 

at 9/24/23 4:34am

  Before I traveled to Milan, nearly everyone I told advised me to lower my expectations — “Milan is the most boring city in Italy,” they said. I was about to go and spend seven full days there, so I boarded the plane, guarded, unsure what to expect. Yet, for what is famously described as the city of fashion, Milan represents much more than that. It is the heartbeat of Italy’s north; every corner holds a piece of history and a glimpse of modern charm. It is impossible not to lose oneself in the grandeur of its architecture or the aroma of Italian food that beckons with every step. In Italy, breakfast is sweet: one would start by sipping on an authentic cup of Italian cappuccino, paired with a croissant — flavor of choice. For those who desire a true Italian experience, Caffe Napoli — a gem from the heart of Naples, Italy — is a great choice. For those visiting Italy for the first time, beware of ordering a cappuccino after noon, as Italians think it is considered more appropriate to switch to stronger, richer coffee such as an espresso or a macchiato throughout the day. Once done with breakfast, a visit to Milan’s Duomo — also known as Santa Maria Nascente (Saint Mary of the Nativity) — is a must. This gothic structure that characterizes the city’s skyline is the fourth largest church in the world. One can either marvel at the church from outside or choose to go inside with a guided tour. The fast-track private tour for EUR 19-35 (EGP624-1,150) includes visits to the cathedral, the archaeological area, as well as the rooftops, where visitors can view a stunning panorama of the rising city. Tip: for those planning on visiting the church, visitors must adhere to the dress code, which stipulates that knees and shoulders are covered. While near the Duomo, one cannot pass Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II without soaking in its charm. Although it is known as Italy’s oldest shopping landmark, the place lends itself more as a cultural and historical landmark that depicts Milan’s rich heritage and architectural mastery. Afterwards, visitors can make their way up to Starbucks Reserve, located in Piazza Cordusio, a five-minute walk from the Duomo. For the caffeine devotees, visiting Starbucks Reserve is a Milan right of passage. The beautifully restored former post office building, also known as Palazzo delle Poste (Post Office Palace), makes Starbucks Reserve in Milan an experience in its own right. From the decor, which sees coffee tubes in the ceiling, to the alluring smell of roasted beans and baked goods that are sold in the bakeries inside — Starbucks Milan is a perfect place to go for a coffee break and snack. Inside this iconic Starbucks is Princi, a well-known bakery founded in Milan in 1986. The bakery offers delectable pastries and Italian-baked goods. One of the best items to get from Princi is their Focaccia bread for EUR 4-15 (EGP 165-400). For the history lovers, Milan is home to Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper painting, located in the Santa Maria delle Grazie church. The painting is one of the most interesting attractions to visit in Milan. However, the availability of tickets is quite limited so reservation is mandatory, and can be bought online for EUR 15 (EGP 495). When the sun begins to simmer down, aperitivo is due. In Italy, aperitivo refers to a popular pre-dinner ritual that involves enjoying a light drink and appetizers. There is no better way to enjoy a Milanese sunset than on a rooftop bar overlooking the Duomo. The Obicà Mozzarella Bar, which can be accessed through La Rinascente department store chain, is the perfect place to unwind before the hunger cues present themselves. At the bar, one can enjoy Aperol Spritz, Italy’s famous sizzling orange drink, for EUR 14.5 (EGP 470), paired with buffalo mozzarella (translation) for EUR 8.5 (EGP 250) and bresaola di chianina (meat bresaola) for EUR 19 (EGP 628). To end the day, head over to Brera, a cozy neighborhood characterized by its narrow yet lively streets. If hunger calls, Brera houses Osteria Da Fortunata, a dining spot that is famous for its homemade pasta dishes and desserts. Although there is often a long waiting line, the food is worth the hold up, especially the Carbonara which costs EUR 18 (EGP 595). Once done with food, stroll down Brera’s streets, then make your way back to Piazza Del Duomo to experience its enchantment at night. At last, one cannot end a day in Italy without gelato, so be sure to try Venchi, especially their tiramisu flavor, or Amorino, gelato that promises a true taste of Italy. Buona notte.The post 24 Hours in the City of Fashion: Milan first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: Travel, Uncategorized, Cairo, culture, duomo, egypt, featured, food, history, italians, Italy, Milan, milanese, pasta, pizza, travel]

— Behind the Success: Decoding Mobinil’s Community-Focused Marketing

 

at 9/23/23 3:58am

Snapshot from Mobinil’s 2012 Ramadan music video “Eftah Albak We Erafny” When the Mobinil ad Dayman Ma’a Ba’ad (Always Together) aired in 2012, it achieved unprecedented success. Themes of community, sharing and unity quickly became a sensation in Egyptian TV marketing, transforming the industry and inspiring other companies to follow suit. To this day, Orange, the rebranded identity of Mobinil since 2016, remains committed to its community-focused marketing campaigns, annually releasing songs, often during the month of Ramadan, that echo this enduring theme. In an era where many communications companies emphasize fast internet speeds, connectivity for professional relationships, or an array of offers and services, Mobinil, or Orange, chose a different path. Many have consistently pondered the meaning behind these emotionally charged advertisements. Every year, in the lead-up to Ramadan, there’s a tradition among Egyptians abroad to joke about Orange dropping its ‘seasonal depression song,’ declaring they are not mentally prepared for the emotional experience and continuing to wonder why Orange persists with this tradition. From a marketing standpoint, how could commercials emphasizing the importance of family and friends possibly impact the profitability of a communications company? On a broader level, brands employ emotional marketing with the goal of establishing a firm presence in people’s lives and becoming an integrated part of society. In Egypt, a collectivist society that deeply cherishes its communal values, brands like Mobinil/Orange, which visibly demonstrate alignment with these values, strive to cultivate a more loyal and receptive customer base. However, when it comes to the communications industry, this approach is especially apt. The idea is as simple as encouraging individuals to check up on each other and participate in deep conversations, whether through phone calls or video calls, rather than succumbing to the rapid realm of texting — a return to the fundamental essence of communication and the very reason smartphones came into existence. The following is a list of Mobinil/Orange advertisements from over the years that incorporated community-centric themes: Dayman Maa Baad (2012) Rooted in its opening line, ‘ashan lazem nekun ma’a ba’ad’ (because we must stick together), the ad celebrates Egyptian collective bonds: the Nile delta farmers’ willingness to share both joy and adversities, the Mediterranean sailors’ endearing hospitality, the unwavering unity among the Sinai Bedouins, and other heartwarming instances of community solidarity and warmth spread across every region in Egypt. Bahtaglak We Tehtagly (2013) Capturing the essence of the song with the line ‘ma benna alf hala’et wasl’ (a thousand ties link us together), this ad once again explores the concept of communities embarking on life’s journey together and building bonds that turn their lives into interlocking mosaic pieces that cannot be separated. Eftah Albak We E’rafny (2014) This ad marks a departure from the harmonious tone of the 2012 and 2013 songs. Its message urges people to embrace openness, emphasizing the motto ‘open the doors of your heart.’ It drives home the idea that ‘I am a human just like you, and our dreams are no different.’ In fact, it provides a stark reflection of the polarized nature of Egyptian society during that period, which differed greatly from the euphoric, optimistic, and communal atmosphere portrayed in the first two ads. Fa’el Kher (2015) In a similar shift from describing communities to encouraging the proactive creation of communities, the 2015 commercial is centered around the notion that kindness spreads like wildfire, and by sharing gestures of goodwill, one can infuse the world with light and positivity. Motivating individuals to take initiative in performing acts of kindness, the lyrics show how even small efforts can set in motion a profound ripple effect of kindness that transcends generations. Gary Ya Gary (2018) This cheerful song is a heartfelt tribute to neighbors and the love-hate relationships formed between them. A single building or locality is a melting pot of people from all walks of life. Some are noisy, some are a bit irritable, some are incredibly warm-hearted, some are pet enthusiasts while others are terrified of them, and a handful put the energy in every gathering. Nevertheless, their coexistence in the same living spaces fosters a close-knit community, infusing an extra dose of warmth and unity into the spirit of Ramadan. Sonnet El Hayah (2020) This song marked the return of emotionally charged Orange ads by adopting the theme of sustaining connections with loved ones while they are away. The central idea here is that the natural course of life (sonnet el hayah) often leads individuals in disparate directions, yet that ‘el ghaly beyefdal ghaly’ (the precious ones remain eternally precious). The music video’s narrative revolves around families, couples, and friends who remained connected over the phone for an extended period, only to reunite in deeply emotional scenes at the end, as if time had stood still. The Redefinition of Community in Egyptian Advertising As this evolution is observed, the definition of the communities—or, in more sociological terms, the ‘in-groups’—highlighted and idealized in these advertisements gradually narrows. At the outset, the definition encompasses extensive connections across different regions of Egypt. Later on, it evolves into a somewhat nebulous concept, emphasizing individuals who are similar and share common values. Subsequently, theres a call to take action in supporting those in need, followed by a spotlight on neighbors, and eventually, on family and friends separated by physical distances. This progressive transformation mirrors the socio-cultural changes witnessed in Egypt over the past decade, leaving a poignant reflection on the evolving nature of connection and community in contemporary Egyptian society. Subscribe to the Egyptian Streets’ weekly newsletter! Catch up on the latest news, arts & culture headlines, exclusive features and more stories that matter, delivered straight to your inbox by clicking here.The post Behind the Success: Decoding Mobinil’s Community-Focused Marketing first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: Arts & Culture, Buzz, Listicle, collectivist culture, community, egypt, egypt telecommunications, family, featured, marketing strategies, mobinil, orange, ramadan commercials, telecommunications marketing]

— Egyptian University Student Develops ‘Egypt Metro’ App for Seamless Navigation

 

at 9/23/23 2:58am

“I would always have trouble navigating the metro lines and would always get lost, and when I found that a lot of people were like me, I thought I would do something to help make things easier,” explained Osama Hamdy, creator of the ‘Egypt Metro’ application on Google Play, to Al-Masry Al-Youm The idea of ‘Egypt Metro’ is to help commuters get to their destinations through stress-free metro travel. The app — which is available on Google Play — is user-friendly; commuters only have to input their location and destination, and it will provide them with the best routes, taking into account directions, cost, travel time, and station count. It also helps users find their nearest stations and gives directions through Google Maps. Hamdy, a 21-year old student at the Faculty of Commerce at Cairo University, initially started by designing a website to help with metro navigation. He decided to develop it into an application so that it is easier to use for commuters. His passion for programming led him to learn the skill through watching educational videos on YouTube. The app has over 10,000 downloads, and has received praise from its users with a Google Play rating of five stars from over 1500 reviews. In response to a comment on LinkedIn about adding other languages to cater to foreigners, Hamdy said that he is currently working to add English. The metro in Egypt has been undergoing various changes, with a new metro ticket pricing scheme introduced last February and the opening of new metro lines, such as the stations of the third metro line which is said to reach Imbaba, Rod El-Farag, and the Ring Road. Despite an increase in metro ticket fares in the last few years, Egyptians continue to depend on the metro as one of the more affordable modes of transportation. Subscribe to the Egyptian Streets’ weekly newsletter! Catch up on the latest news, arts & culture headlines, exclusive features and more stories that matter, delivered straight to your inbox by clicking here.The post Egyptian University Student Develops ‘Egypt Metro’ App for Seamless Navigation first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: News, Politics and Society, app, Cairo, cairo student, cairo university, coding, destinations, egypt, featured, Google Maps, google play, MENA, metro, metro line, middle eas, navigation, news, osama hamdy, programming, software]

— Bridging Egyptian Artists and the World: ‘Forever is Now’ Exhibition Returns at the Pyramids

 

at 9/22/23 8:30am

The Kultebrivatore Art DÉgypte foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to bridging the gap between Egyptian artists and the world, announced the third edition of its annual art exhibition, Forever Is Now, during a press conference on Wednesday, 20 September. The exhibition, which aims to promote Egypt’s rich art scene, will be held from 26 October to 18 November, 2023, at the Pyramids Plateau in Giza a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The press conference was attended by Ambassador Omar Salim Assistant, Minister of Foreign Affairs for Cultural Relations, and Nadine Abdel Ghaffar, founder of Art DÉgypte. What will the new edition be about? Forever Is Now III is the third edition of an annual art exhibition organized by the Art DÉgypte foundation. Previous editions organized by the foundation have been held at the Egyptian Museum (2017), Manial Palace (2018), al-Muizz Street (2019), and the Pyramids of Giza (2021). This year’s exhibition will feature works by 12 artists from around the world, namely Belgian artist Arne Quinze, Brazilian artist Arthur Lischner, Emirati artist Azza Al Qubaisi, American artist Carol Feuerman, Greek artists Dionysios and Kostas Varotsos, French artists JR and Stéphane Broquet, Egyptian artist Mohamed Benway, Argentinian artist Pilar Zeta, Bahraini artist Rashid Al Khalifa, Saudi artist Rashid Al Shashai, Dutch artist Sabine Marcelis, and Egyptian-British artist Sam Shendi. Egyptian artist Mohamed Benawi will be the sole Egyptian participant this year, and will  contribute an interactive piece linked to ancient Egyptian culture, reflecting his philosophy and study of the universe, and his desire to manifest the laws of the universe on Earth. “I see the world as a mosaic painting, where its features [have constantly changed] since the creation of the universe,” he said during the press conference. What is Art DÉgypte?  The Art DÉgypte foundation has organized a series of leading exhibitions that have changed the way the world views contemporary art in Egypt. The annual exhibitions, held at heritage sites that connect Egypts rich past with its creative present, have included Eternal Light in the Egyptian Museum in 2017, Nothing Fades Everything Transforms at the Prince Mohamed Ali Palace in Manial in 2018, and Reimagined Narratives, the third annual exhibition held in 2019 at four historic locations on Muizz Street in historic Cairo, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also included their prominent exhibition Forever Is Now, held in its first and second editions on the slopes of the historic Giza Pyramids. Art DÉgypte was also invited to participate in the Abu Dhabi Art Fair in 2019 and Art Geneva in 2020.The post Bridging Egyptian Artists and the World: ‘Forever is Now’ Exhibition Returns at the Pyramids first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: News, art, art exhibition, culture, egypt, featured, news]

— Explainer: Will The New India-Europe Corridor Affect Egypt’s Suez Canal?

 

at 9/22/23 3:35am

A ship passing through the Suez Canal. Photo Credit | Egyptian Regulatory Reform and Development Activity (ERRADA) At the G20 conference — the premier forum for international economic cooperation —  U.S. President Joe Biden declared that Israel, France, Germany, Italy, the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will establish the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC): a multimode transit corridor spanning over 3,000 miles. Israel, which has prioritized improving ties with the Gulf countries over the past three years, praised the initiative, claiming that it changes our global and historical situation and advances the goal of joining Israel to the world. In fact, the initiative was welcomed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the greatest cooperation project in [Israel’s] history. In his description of the ambitious system, Netanyahu described Israel as its essential hub: Our country Israel will be a central junction in this economic corridor, our railways and our ports will open a new gateway from India through the Middle East to Europe, and back. Tzachi Hanegbi, Netanyahus national security adviser, referred to the proposal as the most meaningful evidence that normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel was moving from being a shot in the dark to a viable option with attainable objectives. Since the initiative was announced, questions regarding the impact it can realistically have on normalization with Israel, and whether or not it can overshadow other projects such as China’s Belt Road initiative and the Suez Canal, have been put on the table. Egyptian Streets provides an overview of analysts’ conclusions below: What is the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor? The new IMEC first came into life following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the leaders of the United States, India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy, and the European Union, pledging cooperation to create a new India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. The IMEC will be made up of two distinct corridors: one connecting India to the Arabian Gulf in the east and one linking the Arabian Gulf to Europe in the north. A railway will also be included once finished, which will offer a cross-border ship-to-rail transit network to supplement current maritime and road transport routes, allowing goods and services to transit to, from, and between India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, and Europe. The corridor aims to usher in a new era of connectivity by linking these countries to commercial hubs, making it easier to develop and export clean energy, lay undersea cables to connect energy grids and telecommunication lines, increase the number of people who have reliable access to electricity, and link communities to a safe and reliable Internet. Along the corridor, it is also expected that there will be an expansion of trade and production while enhancing supply chains and food security. The main strategy, according to the MoU, aims to encourage the creation of high-quality jobs by attracting fresh investments from partners, particularly the private sector. The full MoU can be read here. What is different about this new trade route? Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, left, and U.S. President Joe Biden, right, shake hands next to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the day of the G20 summit in New Delhi, India, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Evelyn Hockstein, Pool) For India, the main purpose of the IMEC is finding alternative trading routes and avoiding encirclement by China’s Belt Road Initiative. Five of Indias neighbors are included in the Belt and Road Initiative: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Nepal. Analysts say that India fears that the plan will give Beijing undue political influence in neighboring capitals and that new ports and roadways could one day help China in a military battle. “This new connectivity constitutes a strategic paradigm shift of enormous geopolitical consequence that could reshape [India’s] role in the Eurasian economic order,” says Michael Tanchum of the University of Navarra in Spain, who researches strategic connectivity networks between Asia, Europe and Africa. For the U.S., the IMEC constitutes  a chance to counter Saudi Arabias growing links to China and to normalize relations between the Kingdom and Israel in exchange for a security agreement and U.S. backing for Saudi Arabia’s efforts to create its own civilian nuclear programme. Last month, Biden referred to Chinas BRI as a debt and noose agreement, which the US and the G7 countries intend to resist with alternatives. However, according to Cinzia Bianco, a visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations think tank in Berlin, the regions trade volume is probably insufficient to support both Bidens effort and Chinas initiative concurrently. However, experts suggest that the India-Middle East-Europe corridor isnt necessarily an alternative for the BRI for the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The corridor is a manifestation of the global connectivity agenda the UAE and the region (are) perusing, Mohammed Baharoon, general manager of the Dubai Public Policy Research Centre, told CNN. It will complement, more than compete with Chinas BRI since both of them are attempts to facilitate the movement of goods (including energy), money, people, and data, he said. As explained by Carla Slim, an economist at Standard Chartered Bank, increased efforts to further develop economic corridors and comprehensive trade agreements all feed into the UAEs target to almost double its non-oil foreign trade to Dh4 trillion by 2031, from Dh2.2 trillion in 2022, and to double overall GDP [gross domestic product] to Dh3 trillion by 2030. Efraim Inbar, president of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, said: Its part of President Bidens efforts to bring the Indians into the U.S. camp. This year, an important diplomatic victory for China came when Saudi Arabia and Iran unexpectedly informed Washington that diplomatic relations had been restored in the Chinese capital. Yoel Guzansky, senior research fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv, asserted that the White House received a wake-up call. Since then, there have been efforts to revive a variety of projects and programmes centered on normalizing relations with Israel, as well as with Iran and Saudi Arabia. How will this affect Egypt?  In an interview on Monday, former Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority and the General Authority for Suez Canal Economic Zone Mohab Mamish said that the economic corridor is a very expensive procedure that is not comparable to the Suez Canal. Mamish explained that the cost and time involved are exhaustive for maritime transportation, as it will cross over land and water multiple times. The Suez Canal, he asserted, is the sole option available for maritime transportation, as it continues to be the fastest route: it takes just 11 hours to travel between the Mediterranean and Red Sea via the canal. Despite this, analysts are saying that the economic corridor is just the first step to redraw the economic and political map and center Israel’s Haifa port as a key stage in the corridor. Some commentators say that IMEC essentially stands for a restoration of British colonialism in the Middle East. The Ottoman-built Hejaz railway, which ran from Damascus to Medina with a branch line to Haifa, was taken over by the British Empire after 1917. An oil pipeline constructed by the British in the 1930s connected Kirkuk, in Iraq, to Haifa, which served as a crucial energy and transportation hub for Britain during the Second World War. Israel constructed the Eilat-Ashkelon pipeline in 1957 to transport Iranian oil to Europe. While Israels existence was initially dependent on its incorporation with the British Empire, followed by the Cold War alliances led by the U.S., it is now shifting towards the developing infrastructure of west Asia.The post Explainer: Will The New India-Europe Corridor Affect Egypt’s Suez Canal? first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: Buzz, biden, egypt, featured, israel, news, suez canal, trade]

— A Beginner’s Guide to Skateboarding in Egypt

 

at 9/21/23 9:50am

Photo credit: Wallpaperflare.com Grinds, slides, ramps, and stairs—skateboarding is an exciting physical activity that approaches public spaces in a different way by looking for obstacles to overcome, fostering determination, creativity, and friendship. Though not well-known in Egypt compared to other sports, skateboarding is gaining popularity at a rapid pace. It may seem intimidating watching the pros pull off mind-boggling tricks, but skateboarding is not about how good someone is, rather it is about how much they are enjoying it and expressing themselves freely. And though it is never easy, as skateboarders are always challenging themselves, it does get easier once the basics are mastered. For beginners who do not know where or how to start, here is a brief guide to skating in Egypt. Where to Buy a Board? First of all, it is important to note that skateboards can come as a complete skateboard or as independent parts. A skateboard is made of a deck (the wooden part of the board), and bolts holding the deck to the trucks (two metal pieces underneath the deck) which hold the wheels and the bearings inside the wheels. Finally, a piece of griptape is plastered on top of the deck, which would otherwise be too smooth and slippery to use. The griptape, however, takes a toll on a person’s shoes, which also need to be strong enough to not get ripped too quickly. For beginners, it is recommended to get a complete. In recent years manyskateshops have emerged in the scene. Based in Cairo, Temple Skateshop, Amulet Skateshop, and Oxada Skateshop all work to provide high-quality goods to skaters in the capital. Alexandira-based Skateimpact, the oldest skateshop in Egypt, also delivers to Cairo and anywhere in Egypt. Additionally, though not a skateshop, Decathlon also stocks skateboards. Last but not least, Skatealligent is a skateshop based in Suez, working hard to grow the skate scene in the city. Where to Skate? Where to skate depends on what type of skating is done. The overwhelming majority, if not the entire scene, practices street skateboarding—pulling tricks on or over common obstacles such as stairs, rails, ledges, and banks. Vert skating with mega ramps is currently impossible in Egypt, as no such ramps exist in the country. However, those interested in transition skating—bowls and mini ramps—would be happy to learn that a skatepark suited for the task; Egyskatepark, has recently opened in Sheikh Zayed City. In addition, there is a bowl in Beit El Wadi in Wadi El Natrun. If possible, skaters can also build a miniramp and skate at home. In terms of street skating, a stream of skaters can always be spotted on top of Royal House supermarket, next to the Merriland in Heliopolis, on a Thursday or Friday night. Another popular spot is in front of the Omar Ibn Al Khattab mosque in Rehab. In the greater Cairo area, other spots can be found in 6th of October City and Madinaty, among others. Outside of Cairo, there are a few well-known spots in Alexandria and, of course, each city has its own spots. Finally, if a prospective skater is interested in freestyle skating, all that they would need is good flatground. How to Start Learning? Tutorials on YouTube can be very useful to understand the basics of skating and the tips and tricks of the trade. However, it all comes down to practice. Skateboarding both ingrains and requires a certain determination and persistence; oftentimes hundreds or even thousands of attempts are needed to learn a specific trick, but it can be very rewarding for those unafraid of falling and getting back up. After growing comfortable on the board and learning how to push, stop, and turn, beginners typically have the option to learn one of two tricks at first: ollies and shuvits. Ollies are the basic jump, while shuvits, whether backside (rotating forward) or frontside (rotating backwards) are the basic rotations of the board itself, while the body does not rotate. From there, various tricks are unlocked including jumps with rotations of 180 degrees and variations of the shuvit. Once more basics are mastered, a beginner can start attempting flip tricks, such as the kickflip and the heelflip. In general, each new trick learned unlocks a whole category of other tricks based on the trick combinations under one’s belt. Once a beginner is ready, they can start moving on to obstacles such as stairs, ledges, and banks. Dropping off of a one-stair and rotating on a bank are basic movements that should be learned early on. It is highly recommended to skate with others more experienced as well as those at the same level for guidance as well as inspiration. While individually-practiced, skating can very much be a community activity. Who to Follow? For watching the pros, Thrasher Magazine, The Berrics, and Transworld Skateboarding are some of the well-known places. In Egypt, there are community pages such as Egypt Skateboarding Hub and Skateboarders of Egypt, in addition to the skateshops aforementioned as well other various pages. Subscribe to the Egyptian Streets’ weekly newsletter! Catch up on the latest news, arts & culture headlines, exclusive features and more stories that matter, delivered straight to your inbox by clicking here.The post A Beginner’s Guide to Skateboarding in Egypt first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: Buzz, activities, activity, egypt, featured, guide, skateboarding, sports]

— Traveling to Egypt? Here’s How to Issue Your Visa

 

at 9/21/23 5:52am

Photo credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities There are many reasons Egypt is at the top of most travelers’ bucket lists across the world. While some tourists seek to explore the beauty of diving and snorkeling in the Red Sea, others prefer to discover hidden tombs and visit the pyramids at the Giza Plateau, or be mesmerized by the ancient Egyptian temples and River Nile in Luxor and Aswan. But before deciding on travel plans, most tourists planning to travel to Egypt must obtain a visa. As there is more than one way to obtain a tourist visa to Egypt, and multiple types of visas, here is all prospective travelers need to know before visiting. Aside from Bahrain, Lebanon, UAE, Kuwait, Macao, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Oman, Hong Kong, and Malaysia, most foreign nationals need to obtain a visa to enter Egypt. To apply for an e-Visa, travelers must be visiting Egypt only for tourism, and for a maximum of 30 days. With a passport that is valid for six months, and a debit or credit card, applicants can apply for Egypt’s e-Visa, for a USD 25 (EGP 773) non-refundable fee. After filling in a short application form, the e-Visa is sent by email, to be printed and presented at the immigration desk upon arrival in Egypt. Like the single-entry visa, the USD 60 (EGP 1,854) multiple-entry visa is valid for three months from the date of being issued. However, the multiple-entry visa allows visitors to travel to Egypt multiple times in the six months after their first entry, and stay up to 30 days in each visit. Although the e-Visa is the most convenient option for obtaining a visit visa to Egypt, whether single or multi-entry, travelers can also queue and pay for a visa on arrival at any of the immigration kiosks at Egyptian airport terminals. The fees for visa on arrival must be paid in cash in USD, EUR, or GBP, as card payment is not accepted. Visitors who are eligible for the Egyptian e-Visa are also eligible for a visa on arrival. To increase tourism and combat its foreign currency shortage, Egypt recently introduced a long-term multiple-entry visa, which allows holders to stay in Egypt for a maximum of 90 days per trip. For a fee of USD 700 (EGP 21,629), travelers can visit Egypt over five years. However, this type of visa can only be obtained upon arrival at the airport. As of 2023, tourists coming from China, India, and Turkey can obtain a visa upon arrival through Egyptian ports, while citizens of Iran and Israel can enter certain parts of the country – South Sinai and Hurghada – with a visa upon arrival, provided that they coordinate with travel agencies first. For more information on eligibility requirements and types of visas, visit the Egypt e-Visa Portal. Subscribe to the Egyptian Streets’ weekly newsletter! Catch up on the latest news, arts & culture headlines, exclusive features and more stories that matter, delivered straight to your inbox by clicking here.The post Traveling to Egypt? Here’s How to Issue Your Visa first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: Buzz, Travel, Alexandria, Aswan, Cairo, egypt, experience egypt, featured, hurghada, Luxor, multiple entry visa, single entry visa, tourism, tourism in egypt, tourist, visa, visa on arrival, visa upon arrival, visit egypt]

— Egyptian Minister of Environment to Co-Chair COP28 Negotiations on Climate Finance

 

at 9/21/23 3:21am

Egypt’s Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad. Photo credit: Ministry of Environment. Egypts Minister of Environment, Yasmine Fouad, has been appointed as a co-chair for climate finance and implementation mechanisms negotiations during the upcoming 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, commonly known as COP28, to be held in Expo City, Dubai. This responsibility will be shared with her Canadian counterpart, Steven Guilbeault. The announcement of Fouads appointment was made by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat, the UN entity responsible for supporting the global response to climate change. Sultan Al Jaber, the President-designate of COP28, made the selection. The two ministers primary role in this capacity will be to facilitate negotiations related to climate finance and the implementation of crucial measures, including technology transfer and capacity building. These negotiations are scheduled to take place throughout the duration of COP28, which will run from mid-September to mid-December. Fouad stated on Monday, 18 September that her selection is part of a broader global effort aimed at reaching an agreement on pressing issues concerning implementation mechanisms. These issues encompass the establishment of new quantitative global funding targets, increased financing for adaptation, and the restructuring of operations within multilateral development banks and international financial institutions. Moreover, it involves addressing other facets of implementation, such as facilitating technology transfer from developed to developing nations and strengthening the capacity of these developing nations to effectively confront the challenges of climate change. Fouad emphasized the significance of building upon the achievements of COP27, which took place in Sharm El Sheikh and resulted in the establishment of a loss and damage fund to aid developing countries impacted by the effects of climate change. She also commended the persistent and dedicated efforts of the United Arab Emirates in advancing negotiations related to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Subscribe to the Egyptian Streets’ weekly newsletter! Catch up on the latest news, arts & culture headlines, exclusive features and more stories that matter, delivered straight to your inbox by clicking here.The post Egyptian Minister of Environment to Co-Chair COP28 Negotiations on Climate Finance first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: News, canada, climate finance, cop28, Dubai, egypt, featured, implementation mechanisms, minister of environment, Steven Guilbeault, yasmin fouad]

— Sunken Sanctuary of Aphrodite and Temple of Amun Discovered in Egypt

 

at 9/20/23 8:25am

Image Credit: Egypts Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities/Facebook An underwater archaeological mission near Egypt’s Alexandria coastline uncovered remnants of an ancient Egyptian temple devoted to the god Amun, along with a sanctuary dedicated to the Greek goddess Aphrodite dating back to 500 BCE. The excavation, announced by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in a Facebook post on 19 September, was made within the submerged ancient city of Thonis-Heracleion, situated approximately seven kilometres off of Egypt’s North Coast. The find was first announced by the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM), which led the Egyptian-French mission that made the recent discovery. The remains of the Amun temple consist of massive stone blocks, believed to have collapsed during a catastrophic event dated around 200 BCE. Among the temples treasures were silver ritual instruments, gold jewellery including lion-head shaped earrings, Horus-eye pendants, and alabaster containers that stored perfumes. These discoveries provide insights into the luxury of the sanctuary and the religious devotion of the sunken city’s former inhabitants. Islam Selim, head of the Underwater Archaeology Department at the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), highlighted that the discovery of silver ritual instruments was a rare find, as silver was extremely valuable to the ancient Egyptians. The unearthing of the Aphrodite sanctuary east of the Amun temple suggests that ancient Greeks had a consistent presence in the sunken city. Mostafa Waziri, the Secretary-General of the SCA, confirmed the historic trade relation between ancient Greece and ancient Egypt – identifying the remnants that include bronze and ceramic artefacts imported from the former. IN PHOTOS: EGYPTS LATEST SUNKEN TREASURES Image Credit: Egypts Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities/Facebook Image Credit: Egypts Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities/Facebook Image Credit: Egypts Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities/Facebook Image Credit: Egypts Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities/Facebook WHAT IS THONIS-HERACLEION? Egypt’s deep waters have long enamoured history enthusiasts since the discovery of Thonis-Heracleion in 2001. The city served as ancient Egypt’s primary port for centuries, until the establishment of Alexandria in 331 BCE. The now-sunken city’s submergence resulted from a combination of factors, including earthquakes that triggered tidal waves, land liquefaction, and gradually rising sea levels. Since its discovery in 2000 by IEASM, the sunken city has yielded a wealth of treasures, including 64 ships, 700 anchors, a trove of gold coins, statues towering five metres in height, and notably, the remains of a colossal temple dedicated to the god Amun. The latest underwater excavation comes almost two months after another mission uncovered an ancient shipwreck with pottery and amphoras. Another recent diving mission in 2021 unearthed a sunken military vessel near the Thonis-Heracleion. Subscribe to the Egyptian Streets’ weekly newsletter! Catch up on the latest news, arts & culture headlines, exclusive features and more stories that matter, delivered straight to your inbox by clicking here. The post Sunken Sanctuary of Aphrodite and Temple of Amun Discovered in Egypt first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: News, Politics and Society, Alexandria, amon, amun, ancient egypt, ancient egyptians, ancient greece, ancient greeks, aphrodite, buzz, Cairo, culture, egypt, egypt ministry of tourism and antiquties, egypt tourism ministry, egyptians, European Institute for Underwater Archaeology, featured, history, islam salim, islam selim, Mostafa Waziri, mustafa waziri, news, north coast, supreme council of antiquities, temple of amun, tourism]

— Egypt’s Historic Suleiman Pasha Mosque Reopens After Five-Year Restoration

 

at 9/20/23 5:16am

Suleiman Pasha Mosque interior. Photo credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The Suleiman Pasha Al-Khadim Mosque, also known as the Sariyat Al-Gabal Mosque, was officially inaugurated on Saturday, 16 September, after five years of being closed to the public for restoration work. Situated in the Salah Al Din Citadel in Cairo, the historic mosque was constructed in 1528 under the patronage of the Ottoman governor of Egypt, Suleiman Pasha Al-Khadim. The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Ahmed Issa, and attended by Cairo Governor, Khaled Abdel-Aal; Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), Mostafa Waziri; and Vice-Governor of Cairo, Gihan Abdel-Moneim. The restoration project was initiated in 2018 and was successfully completed with approximately EGP 5 million (USD 161,000), as reported by the Ministry. Egypt’s First Ottoman-Style Mosque The Sariyat Al-Gabal Mosque was built upon the remains of a former Fatimid mosque constructed in 1140. During the Ottoman period, the mosque served the Janissaries, an elite unit of the Ottoman armies that conquered Egypt in 1517. Suleiman Pasha Mosque interior. Photo credit:Wikimedia Commons. Sariyat Al-Gabal is renowned as Egypts earliest example of Ottoman-style mosque architecture, characterized by its domes, semi-domes, pencil-shaped minarets, and ceramic tiling. The mosque consists of a prayer hall, a Quranic school (kuttab), and a mausoleum featuring an open central courtyard of colored marble surrounded by four domed porticoes. When constructing it, Suleiman Pasha drew inspiration from the mosques of Istanbul, such as the Suleymaniye Mosque. The mosques main facade faces southwest and features a prominent portal with stone steps leading to the entrance. A distinctive pencil-shaped minaret with muqarnas-adorned balconies and a green-glazed, tile-paneled central dome are among its key architectural features. Renovation To stimulate Egypts vital tourism industry – a significant source of foreign currency – the government has restored important sites in Cairos historic district, which is home to numerous prominent Muslim, Jewish, and Coptic landmarks. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, government spending on these restoration initiatives has doubled, reaching USD 3 million (EGP 92 million) in the current fiscal year, compared to USD 1.5 million (46 million) in the previous fiscal year. In addition, the ministry reported an extraordinary fivefold increase in ticket sales for Egyptian heritage sites. The restoration efforts of Suleiman Pasha Al-Khadim Mosque involved reinforcing and cleaning the stone facades, refurbishing the minaret, and restoring the distinctive marble cladding on the walls. Suleiman Pasha Mosque interior. Photo credit:Wikimedia Commons. Additionally, measures were taken to treat and strengthen the mortar layers in the mosques domes, and the exposed courtyard was also carefully restored. The restoration also involved removing added plasterwork, cleaning masonry, and repairing the mosques walls, woodwork, and other decorative elements. In addition to the mosque restoration, Issa revealed plans for developing the surrounding area at the Saladin Citadel. These plans include constructing restaurants, cafés, and additional parking areas within the citadel premises, all aimed at enhancing the overall tourist experience. Waziri highlighted that the restoration was a self-financed project carried out by SCA restorers using modern scientific techniques, adhering to the original mosque design. The effort aligns with similar initiatives to restore important cultural and religious landmarks in the country, including the Sayida Nafisa Mosque, the Al Hakim Mosque, and Ben Ezra Synagogue. Subscribe to the Egyptian Streets’ weekly newsletter! Catch up on the latest news, arts & culture headlines, exclusive features and more stories that matter, delivered straight to your inbox by clicking here.The post Egypt’s Historic Suleiman Pasha Mosque Reopens After Five-Year Restoration first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

[Category: Arts & Culture, architecture, egypt, featured, ministry of tourism and antiquities, ottoman, Renovation, restoration, Suleiman Pasha Mosque]

As of 9/29/23 3:25am. Last new 9/28/23 9:23am.