Author: Bab Masr

In 1932, a striking bronze statue was unveiled in Port Said, honouring fallen Australian and New Zealand soldiers. Twenty-four years later, it was destroyed by a mob during the Suez Crisis. Today, two copies stand in Australia. This is its remarkable story By Osama Kamal

In 1987, engineer Magdy El-Bassaty was asked to repair a flooded basement in Port Said. Instead, he discovered a forgotten archive of original architectural drawings. Forty years later, he is still fighting to preserve the city’s built heritage. By Osama Kamal

 In an Egyptian village, 65-year-old Hajja Rahma still twists ropes from halfa grass by hand—a craft she learned from her father as a child. With harvest season approaching, her ropes are in demand. But her body is failing, and no one is coming to replace her. By Amani Khairy

n the heart of Damanhour, Al-Tawba Mosque anchors daily life—hosting prayers, funerals, and Ramadan gatherings. But its origins are shrouded in debate. Did Amr Ibn Al-As really build it? And why isn’t it on Egypt’s antiquities list? By Mahmoud Dueir

In the villages of Upper Egypt, the family diwan is more than a gathering place—it’s a court, a classroom, and a political stage. During Ramadan, it becomes all of these at once, as families host Quran reciters, settle disputes, and reinforce the bonds that hold tribal society together.

 In a narrow alley off Damanhour’s Clock Square, a family has been perfecting the same dish for four generations. Hebash, a tangy, spicy blend of tomatoes, tahini, and secret spices, has become a Ramadan staple and a source of local pride. By Mahmoud Dueir

 In Nubian villages across southern Egypt, Ramadan iftar is a communal affair. Families bring their home-cooked dishes to shared tables in the street, welcoming neighbours, travellers, and Sudanese guests to meals that blend tradition, hospitality, and centuries-old recipes. By Wafaa Amin

For centuries, Egypt’s rulers gathered at Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque for the final Friday prayer of Ramadan. Explore the history of Cairo’s first mosque and its enduring spiritual significance

In Egypt’s second city, rapid development is erasing centuries of history. One Alexandrian is fighting back with a camera, a website, and a simple idea: let the people themselves build an archive before it’s too late By Merna Gohar

The Alexandria International Film Festival for Mediterranean Countries has sparked widespread controversy in recent days since the poster for the 41st edition was announced on the festival’s official Facebook page. The festival was held from October 2 to 6, with 46 countries participating and 131 films screened in eight competitions, including seven film competitions and one screenplay competition. Criticism of the Alexandria International Film Festival posterThe administration of the Alexandria Mediterranean Film Festival, headed by art critic Amir Abaza, announced the launch of the official poster for the 41st edition, which came under the slogan “Cinema in the Age of…