Author: Hadeer Mahmoud
The therapeutic wonders of the Dakhla Oasis in Egypt’s New Valley, where ancient sulfuric springs offer natural relief for rheumatism and skin conditions amidst a serene, star-lit desert landscape.
An evocative look at the closing of the “Confrontation and Wandering” cultural initiative in Egypt’s New Valley, where the iconic El-Laila El-Kebira puppet operetta and local art exhibitions bridged the gap between Cairo and the Oases to foster community and counter extremism.
From the ancient springs of Kharga to the shade of hallowed date palms, discover how the residents of Egypt’s New Valley celebrate Sham El-Nessim. An exploration of oasis heritage, communal feasts, and the timeless rituals that bridge the gap between antiquity and the modern spring.
In the Kharga Oasis, Ramadan iftar means rice cooked with fresh alfalfa, garlic, and desert spices. Passed down through generations and cooked over wood fires, this ancient dish is a taste of oasis identity.
In Egypt’s New Valley Governorate, Ramadan tables are incomplete without Mareesa—a thick, golden date drink made by hand in clay pots. This is the story of a tradition that has survived centuries.
Discover the unique architectural treasures of Egypt’s Western Desert. Learn about the Nasr El-Din and Waddah minarets in the Islamic village of Qasr, Dakhla Oasis—ancient structures built from local materials that blend Ayyubid design with Ottoman-era construction.
Discover how three Arab archery experts from Egypt, Jordan, and Kuwait are reviving the ancient art of Mamluk archery, transforming historical manuscripts into a modern competitive sport with international standards. A unique sporting and cultural movement is emerging across the Arab world, one that goes beyond traditional competition to reconnect with historical identity. Three elite archery experts are leading an ambitious mission: bringing the art of Mamluk archery out of ancient manuscripts and into the modern sporting arena, complete with rigorous international standards. Bab Masr spoke with the leaders of this alliance, Captain Sayed Al-Shoura from Egypt, Mahmoud Al-Qalyubi from…
What does it take to transport a bride across 30 kilometers of desert in a wooden palace mounted on a camel’s back? For Egypt’s Bedouin communities, the answer involves months of preparation, specialised knowledge passed down through generations, and a tradition that connects them to ancient Egyptian royal processions. Hadeer Mahmoud reports
For four consecutive days, the city of Kharga, the capital of Egypt’s vast New Valley Governorate in the Western Desert, hosted the New Valley International Festival of Traditional Sports and Arts. The event brought together participants from several Egyptian governorates alongside delegations from Arab countries, positioning the New Valley as a growing hub for cultural heritage, traditional sports, and people-to-people diplomacy. The festival offered a rich program of camel and horse racing, traditional archery, falconry, Saluki hunting dog competitions, folkloric performances, poetry, and handicrafts, demonstrating that Egypt’s living heritage is not confined to museums but remains practised, evolving, and shared…
The desert reveals its secrets only to those who listen to its silence and stillness. In the presence of the endless sands, time itself seems to dissolve; years become mere grains swept by the wind, revealing yet another archaeological enigma on the outskirts of Kharga, the capital of Egypt’s vast New Valley Governorate. This site, passed daily by locals who see only an unremarkable hill, or tiba, is in fact a layered archive of untold stories and ancient beliefs. They walk, unaware, over accumulations of history over the lost temple of Beris.