Author: Esraa Mohareb
Egypt’s resilient mangrove forests act as silent sentinels along the Red Sea, sequestering blue carbon, fostering vibrant marine biodiversity, and shielding coastlines from the encroaching tides of climate change through innovative community-led restoration and sustainable ecotourism.
The story of Hajjah Zakia, the blind visionary who abandoned Cairo for the desert of Humaythara. A compelling portrait of a modern Sufi saint whose legacy of devotion and service continues to anchor the spiritual landscape of the Shadhili shrine.
In the early 2000s, Safaga was a beacon of Egyptian theater. Today, its cultural palace stands shuttered, deemed unsafe. Former actors and directors tell the story of a vibrant movement that collapsed, and what it meant for the community
In Hurghada, an extraordinary museum is carved entirely from sand. Home to 59 sculptures ranging from pharaohs to superheroes, it ranks as one of only three sand museums in the world. Here’s how it’s made and why visitors keep coming back.
Al-Qusayr celebrates the annual Mahmal Festival on Mid-Sha’ban, honouring Egypt’s historic role in serving the Two Holy Mosques through a centuries-old Mamluk tradition with decorated camels and festive processions. In a solemn yet celebratory procession, the Red Sea city of Al-Qusayr marked Mid-Sha’ban with “The Mahmal Festival”, a day eagerly awaited by residents each year. The sounds of mizmar (reed pipe), drums, and dhikr chants filled the streets as twelve camels walked through town, each carrying a decorated howdah (ceremonial palanquin) adorned with bright colours and Islamic inscriptions. The scene symbolically reenacts the historic sending of the Kaaba’s covering (kiswa)…
How a small initiative in Al-Qusayr is using art, writing, and storytelling to transform lives
How a 3,000-Year-Old Fish Preservation Method survives in Egypt’s Red Sea coastal city
Historic Red Sea port structure from 1834 deteriorates as residents attempt amateur restoration
A Forgotten Monument That Once Fed the Holy Cities of Mecca and Medina
In the center of Al-Qusair on the Red Sea coast, the house of Sheikh Tawfiq Ali Mustafa tells chapters of a history that spans more than a century. This house was known among the locals as “the house of ghosts” before it was converted into a heritage hotel that reflects the spirit of the city and its ancient features. The house combines Islamic architecture with a local character inspired by the sea, becoming a distinctive model for the revival of old houses and their transformation into landmarks that preserve Al-Qusair’s identity and bring its forgotten heritage back to life.