Author: Bab Masr
Egyptian journalist Lina El Wardani remembers Hani Shukrallah—her first and last editor: his humour, his defiance, and his unforgettable spirit. I first met Hani Shukrallah when I was 21. I graduated from the Faculty of Languages at Ain Shams University in 2002, after training at several newspapers—Al-Ahram, Al-Akhbar, Al-Alam Al-Youm—as well as television. Once I was sure I was addicted to journalism, my father took me to meet Hani Shukrallah, who was then the managing editor of Al-Ahram Weekly. Hani welcomed us very warmly. He noticed my tan and asked if I needed a vacation. I smiled and said I had just gotten…
Randa Shaath remembers Hani Shukrallah: the friend who knew her heart, encouraged her writing, and always kept Palestine close to his. By Randa Shaath In 1982, war was raging in Lebanon. The Israelis had occupied the south and were laying siege to Beirut, its people and its fighters. The office of Dar Al-Fata Al-Arabi in Cairo was packed with people who loved Palestine and Lebanon and were trying to help however they could. I volunteered. My job was simple: I’d follow the news on the telex machine, cut out each item, and hand it over to the more experienced people,…
A lyrical exploration of Alexandria’s founding celebrations, tracing its evolution from a meticulously planned ancient metropolis to a modern-day cultural paradox where the ordinary individual was first immortalized in art and science. By Mirna Gohar
The chromatic world of Egyptian artist Lina Osama in “Eyes Full of Dreams.” From the ancient influence of the Fayum portraits to the bustling art scene of 1990s Cairo, discover how she redefines the human face as a mirror of the soul in this exclusive look at her latest exhibition at Zamalek’s Picasso Gallery. By Aya El Samaloussy
The sacred artistry of Egypt’s maritime calligraphers transforms fishing vessels into floating canvases of faith and lineage. From protective prayers to the names of beloved grandchildren, discover how these vivid inscriptions anchor the souls of sailors against the unpredictable Mediterranean tides. By Helmy Yassin
From the pioneering vision of Aziza Amir to the evocative power of cinematic costume, the Aswan International Women’s Film Festival explores how women shaped the visual and cultural identity of Egyptian cinema through history, artistry, and grit. By Wafaa Amin
In the Egyptian city of Kafr al-Battikh, the ancient tradition of Nuqout has evolved from a simple social gesture into a sophisticated, self-sustaining economic engine. Explore how this rhythmic cycle of monetary gifting supports thousands of livelihoods, maintains communal harmony, and operates on a ledger of honor that transcends modern banking. By Helmy Yassin
An evocative exploration of the “City of Our Dreams” exhibition in Alexandria, where interactive maps and oral histories resurrect the city’s vanishing Greco-Egyptian heritage to redefine urban memory through the stories of its people. By Mirna Gohar
From the British military camps of the 1940s to the historic reopening of the Suez Canal, Fawzy al-Dabbousi known as the ‘Job of the Sea’ recounts a life defined by resilience, linguistic mastery, and an eternal bond with the water. A lyrical journey through Egypt’s maritime history and the philosophy of a man who found his soul on the waves. By Osama Kamal
In the shadow of rising fuel costs, the ancient Kanun a traditional mud-brick hearth is seeing a revival in the homes of Upper Egypt. This feature explores how rural women are returning to the rhythmic, slow-burn rituals of their ancestors to find both economic sanctuary and a taste of the past. By Amany Khairy