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Al-Ahram Weekly
2 days ago
- General
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Stories from the land of Egypt - Features - Al-Ahram Weekly
Dina Ezzat talks to geographer Atef Moatamed about the changes taking place in the human geography of Egypt as a result of modern attitudes and the loss of traditions 'We will only understand our country when we walk its roads and deserts and move around its villages and cities, whether in the Nile Valley or further afield at its borders,' said Atef Moatamed, a geographer and writer, commenting on the many festive occasions that take place across Egypt such as the slaughter of sheep for the Eid Al-Adha or the end of Muslim fasting at the end of Ramadan and the Eid Al-Fitr or the celebration of Christmas or Easter. * A version of this article appears in print in the 26 June, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly 'Religion and religious festivities are always subject to folk influences, and they are inspired by the nature and habits of communities,' Moatamed said. He added that while there are of course common elements that connect the country together, there is no denying the fact that for centuries Egypt was as diverse as it was unified. This diversity, he said, is a fact about the place. A professor of geography at Cairo University, earlier this year Moatamed saw the launch of his book Sawt al-Makan: Sayran ala al-Akdam fi Goghrafia Masr (The Sound of Place: A Walk through the Geography of Egypt), a 270-page volume published by Cairo publisher Al-Shorouk. It is neither an academic text on the geography of Egypt nor a traveller's chronicle, however. Instead, it is a dedicated attempt to explain the impact of the diversity of the country's topography on the cultural makeup of its people, including in the Nile Valley, the coastal cities, and at the borders. The book does not cover the country's entire 1,010,408 square km, of course. But it is representative of what could be called the 'many profiles' of Egypt – profiles and not faces, Moatamed says, because he is convinced that Egypt's diversity does not undermine its core uniformity. He reminds us that similarities are always there to qualify diversity in one way or another. It is hard to overlook the imprint of ancient Egypt 'as a culture and an identity' on the habits and practices of modern Egyptians, for example. Moreover, it would be hard to argue that the three Abrahamic religions are practised in Egypt in the same way they are elsewhere, he said, despite the fact that they vary 'from one part of the country to another.' In his book, he reflects on the way religion changes into cultural practices in different locations in the country. 'Across Egypt, tolerance is hard to miss,' he said, adding 'this is a function of how all Egyptians perceive religion – as a concept and not just as a faith. But it is also a function of the impact of the topography of Egypt, which prompts unity and a sense of togetherness,' he added. But there are differences. One example mentioned in the book is the cemeteries of Al-Shatbi in Alexandria, which Moatamed says are as serene, but less sombre, than those elsewhere. This is the inevitable result of religious diversity and its impact on practices of remembering the dead. In Nubia in the far south of the country, Moatamed sees an openness to colour that is not easily spotted elsewhere. This is the case despite the displacement of the Nubian population in the 1960s as a result of the construction of the Aswan High Dam. But there is still a lot that residents of the Nile Valley share, despite their local differences. 'Today, there are many references to the word Kemet, which means the 'Black Land' or the fertile land where the ancient Egyptians lived in the Nile Valley,' Moatamed said. The name is not designed to reflect a sense of ethnic superiority as some might think today. 'It is a sense of identity that comes from the geographical core of the country,' he stated. Over the centuries, the geographical scope of the country has changed, mostly by expansion, allowing the introduction of neighbouring cultures 'including the Nubians, the Amazigh, the Arab tribes, the African tribes, and others.' This expansion and the closer association between the Black Land of the Nile Valley and the Red Land of the Desert to the east and west created new cultural rhythms, according to Moatamed. He argued that it is hard to underestimate the impact of incoming influences, especially that of the Arab Conquest, which introducing a new language – Arabic. ARRIVALS: Egypt has worshipped countless deities over its millennia-long history, Moatamed said, and religions in general have had a wide impact. 'It might not be something that many people know, but the Nubians embraced Christianity first and then Islam,' he said. He noted that geography was not neutral in the way that different religions gained ground in Egypt. The spread of each new religion avoided parts of the country that were surrounded by mountains. Moreover, the way religion ended up being perceived and practised in different parts of the country was influenced by local cultures. The impact of geography was also important in the choices made by invaders who have conquered Egypt over the centuries. 'Both the Arabs and the Europeans, whether the Greeks in 300 BCE or the French and the British in the 18th century CE, came to Egypt via the north coast, where the city of Alexandria came to be founded,' he said. But in the case of Arabs, who came in the seventh century, it was impossible for them to settle in Alexandria or to take it as their capital 'because Alexandria is about the sea, and the Arabs who came from the heart of the Arabian Peninsula in the seventh century had no association with the sea. They knew the desert better and preferred it.' Diversity continued to influence space in Egypt over the centuries, especially with the improvements in connectivity that allowed people from the north to get a taste of the life of people of the south and vice versa. 'Today, we see that the ethnic roots of clothes and jewellery are being celebrated – from Nubia, Siwa, and Sinai – but they are all celebrated as authentic Egyptian arts,' he said. 'Egypt is one land, but it is not one thing; this is something we should be happy about because it is ultimately a source of richness,' Moatamed added. In ancient Egypt, all Egyptians worshipped one God, but each of its over 40 provinces had its own deity. Today, each province exhibits a cultural duality – one side owing to its association to the whole of Egypt and the other owing to its particular geographical and topographical identity, with adjacent provinces sharing much of this. However, modernity has been affecting this ancient pattern. 'Weddings across Egypt are becoming less unique and more standardised and more in line with norms generated from the centre, for example,' he said. There is less space for local songs than there used to be, for example in the Oases of the Western Desert, and all brides now go to beauty salons to have their hair and makeup done before the wedding, even waiting at the salon for the groom to pick them up from the doorstep. 'This would not have been the case in the past,' Moatamed stated. What goes for social occasions also goes for religious ones, he argued. More and more of the specific practices associated with the holy Muslim month of Ramadan or the Eid Al-Adha are disappearing in favour of more standardised behaviour. This is a function of modernity whose advances are curtailing the uniqueness of different places and bringing more connectivity. 'When I think of peasants in the villages of Sohag [in Upper Egypt], for example, I can see the change,' Moatamed said. 'In the past, their lives were all about farming. They were attached to the land, and they would not want to leave. This is no longer the case.' 'With the increasing demand for workers for the mines across the Red Sea desert, these farmers are leaving their land,' Moatamed said. This, he explained, is a function of the changing nature of the local geography due to the greater connectivity between Sohag and the Red Sea. It also leads to another change, namely the decline in the use of agricultural land. CHANGE: Modernity is not the only bringer of change to Egypt, Moatamed said, since there is also climate change. He referred to the erosion of the North Coast in and around Alexandria, something reported on in his book in detail. Speaking to Al-Ahram Weekly before the storm that hit the city in late May, Moatamed said that he was as worried for Alexandria as he is for Port Said and the entire north of the Delta. 'I am not sure we are ready to deal with the consequences of climate change on the North Coast, and my fear is that we could lose some of these cities or at least face a dramatic change in their nature and consequently in the story they have contributed to the overall story of Egypt,' he stated. There are other factors whose impacts are coming, among them economic. Moatamed said that economic pressures are prompting more and more people to abandon their land in favour of more profitable jobs in the country's cities. The construction and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) that is feared will influence the flow of Nile water into Sudan and Egypt is another factor to take into account with regard to the possible impact on agricultural land, he said. 'It is painful to see the decline in agricultural land, whatever the reason,' he said, adding that this will impact the villages of the Delta and Upper Egypt and consequently also their cultural practices. In his book, Moatamed pays tribute to the commitment that the people of Nubia have shown to their traditions even after their displacement from their traditional land with the building of the High Dam. He writes at length about the 'right to place,' the title of the second chapter of the book, where he laments the inegalitarian access to Mediterranean beaches that have become closely associated with the financial ease. He also laments the lack of access to Red Sea beaches, which 'again is about economic limitations,' he says. In the latter area, the issue is not just socio-economic inegalitarianism but also industrialisation and a development plan that gives hardly any consideration to the 'right to place, including the right to access the beaches that people are supposed to be entitled to,' he said. 'We have forgotten that the banks of the River Nile in Cairo are often no longer accessible for strolls for those without financial means, unless they work in the restaurants and cafes that are dedicated to those who can afford them,' he added. In the central chapter of the book, Moatamed reminds readers that the 'relationship between people and nature – be it the river, the sea, or the land – is not about leisure and pleasure,' but instead is 'the main motive for creativity and productivity.' 'Zoning off the river and the sea with gates that only the rich, and never the poor, can get through does not just lead to short-term socio-economic grievances but also actually undermines the [inspiring] concept of endlessness... in favour of the [constraining] concept of limitation,' he said. He said that his book is a testimony about things that are endangered. 'I am not sure that we can be accurate when we talk about endangered things, because at the moment it seems that so many things, or almost everything, is somehow at risk,' he added. Worrying about the loss of connections between places and people in Egypt is not an idealistic thought, he argued. It comes from an understanding that the more these connections decline, the less association people will have with places and for that matter with the culture that they have given rise to, he said. Such changes also affect the relationship between the tribes of the Eastern and Western deserts and the land, which has now become more about making money through tourism or other activities than about traditional affinity. 'Some 20 years from now, those who are currently in their 30s will not be the 'elders' of their local communities. Unlike [those who are in their 50s today], they will not have sufficient knowledge to share the incremental story of Egypt,' he stated. In the introduction to his book, Moatamed writes that his decision to share his trips across Egypt and the research associated with the impressions he has gathered is about sharing testimony but also about calling attention to the need to think carefully about what must be done to keep the Egypt story intact. It is time for other people to set out on tours of Egypt, even in the simplest and most basic ways, in order to get a close and first-hand look at a story that might impact them in different ways and to take ownership of it. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Leaders
5 days ago
- Business
- Leaders
Najran Industrial City: Growing Center for Manufacturing, Investment
Najran Industrial City is rapidly establishing itself as a key investment and manufacturing hub in Saudi Arabia. Its rise is fueled by a strategic location, rich natural resources, and modern infrastructure developed by the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON). Located about 45 kilometers northeast of Najran City, the industrial area spans 6.5 million square meters, with over 3.6 million square meters already fully developed. Numerous infrastructure and development projects have been completed to support the expanding industrial sector in the region. The Najran region is home to 90 factories, 29 of which operate within the industrial city. These facilities represent a wide range of industries, including food processing, chemicals, plastics, paper, and non-metallic minerals such as marble and granite. Collectively, these factories employ more than 1,200 workers, including around 400 Saudi nationals—a reflection of continued efforts to boost Saudization and create local employment. Najran Industrial City One of Najran Industrial City's most significant assets is its proximity to extensive mineral reserves. The region includes 27 mining complexes covering over 5,400 square kilometers, rich in resources such as gold, copper, iron, and ornamental stone. Additionally, designated zones for copper and zinc reserves span another 70 square kilometers. This mineral wealth offers tremendous potential for downstream industries that process granite, marble, and silica sand into high-value industrial products, contributing to Saudi Arabia's industrial GDP. Najran also plays a strategic role in the Kingdom's export economy. Products manufactured in its industrial city are exported to more than 25 countries, including the United States, Germany, France, South Korea, and neighboring Gulf states. Leading companies such as Bin Harkil Group and Polystar have helped expand the international reach of Saudi-made goods, especially in the plastics, metals, and stone sectors. Related Topics : Najran Celebrates Eid Al-Fitr with Cultural Festivities at Al-Ukhdood Archaeological Site Eid Al-Fitr 2025: Unparalleled Fireworks, Concerts, Food Festivities in Riyadh How to Take Zamzam Water Home Through Saudi Airports ? Eid Al-Fitr Vacation: Discover Saudi Arabia for SAR 99 with flynas Short link : Post Views: 8
Leaders
19-06-2025
- Science
- Leaders
AlUla Deploys Advanced SHIMM System to Advance Astronomy, Boost Tourism
The Royal Commission for AlUla has launched the state of the art SHIMM astronomical monitoring system at the AlUla Manara site near the Gharameel Nature Reserve. This initiative is designed to evaluate the site's suitability for hosting cutting-edge astronomical research and activities, while reinforcing AlUla's status as a leading destination for both scientific exploration and astro-tourism. The SHIMM system implemented in AlUla ranks among the most advanced globally. Engineered to endure extreme environmental conditions—ranging from intense sandstorms to dramatic temperature shifts—it is equipped with artificial intelligence capabilities that enable continuous, automated monitoring. Moreover, the system ensures high-precision data collection by detecting and alerting to any variables that could affect the quality of astronomical observations. Over a 12-month period, SHIMM will gather and analyze atmospheric and weather-related data to assess visibility and image clarity. Finally, this project aligns with the commission's broader vision to support the future development of AlUla's astronomical infrastructure and solidify its role in global space science and tourism. Related Topics: AlUla Manara Unveils Stellar Experience at AlUla Skies Festival 2025 Eid Al-Fitr 2025: Enjoy Unmissable Experiences in AlUla AlUla Skies Festival 2025: Spectacular Celebration of Celestial Heritage, Discovery Play Qiddiya City Joins the World Travel, Tourism Council Short link : Post Views: 29 Related Stories
See - Sada Elbalad
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
"Al Set Lama" Drops First Set Photos as Production Begins
Yara Sameh Production has begun on veteran actress Yousra's upcoming light comedy film "Al Set Lama". A first-look images from the set of the film have been released featuring the acclaimed actress alongside Hamdy Marghany, who is making a cameo appearance in the pic. "Al Set Lama" also stars Maged El Masry, Amr Abdul Gelil, Ahmad Seyam, Dorra, Rania Mansour, Yasmin Raeis, Donia Sami, Entsar, and more. Khaled Abu Ghraib directs from a script by Kiro Ayman and Mohamed Badawy. The pic is produced by Rana and Nada El Sobky. Yousra made her last appearance on the big screen in the the romance-action film ' Shaqo ' (Brothers). The cast also includes Amr Youssef, Mohamed Mamdouh, Dina El Sherbiny, Amina Khalil, Abbas Abul-Hassan, Mohamed Gomaa, Walid Fawaz, and more. The star-studded film is scripted by Wissam Sabri, helmed by Karim El Sobky, and produced by Ahmed El Sobky. "Shaqo" debuted in the Eid Al-Fitr movie marathon. Yousra, born on March 10, 1955, is an actress, a singer, a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, and a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The iconic cinematic legend is one of the most recognizable names in the region and has been gracing the silver screen for more than 50 years. Since the 1970s, Yousra has starred in some of the most important films in the history of Egyptian cinema, appearing in over 100 films. Her roles in films and TV series continue to influence and inspire generations to this day. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nabila Razali welcomes fans to join her son's aqiqah ceremony
5 Jun - Nabila Razali is welcoming everybody to feast with her, as she and husband Nik Iruwan will be holding an aqiqah ceremony for their first born, Baby M. Sharing the news on social media with a video, Nabila said that the event will be held in Nik's hometown in Kota Bharu, Kelantan on 7 June, in conjunction with the Eid Al-Adha. "We didn't get to return to Kelantan on Eid Al-Fitr, so now we will go back. I want to invite all of you to Baby M's aqiqah on 7 June. The event will be held at the Franky Corner in Kota Bharu from 3pm to 5pm. "The whole family can't wait to see you in Kelantan, so please come!" she enthused. Nabila, who tied the knot with the entrepreneur in 2023, gave birth to their first son in December 2024. An aqiqah is an Islamic tradition, whereby parents of a newborn would sacrifice livestock and divide the meat between friends and relatives, as well as to community members in need to celebrate the birth and express their gratitude to Allah for the blessing. (Photo Source: Nabila IG)
