Community Times June Issue 2017 by Community Times

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Contents JunE 2017 tOWN tAlK 06

Talk of the Town News

Style 10

Concho: From Conchology to Art

Ramadan at Ikea

Culture 14

Books June Rcommendations

ART Aswan Symposium Wings of Mexico Exhibition

miND, BODy AND SOul 42

Seated Exercises for Ramadan

DeStiNAtiONS

FesTivAls Al Hayy Festival at Genaina this Month

scenes Exploring Siwa

Film First Gouna Film Festival Coming up

TRAvel Tips on How to Travel on a Budget

FeAtureS

Advertising in Ramadan

Crafts in El Moez Street

COmmuNity

JUNE 2017

Since 1996

gReen communiTy The Nile Flower: A Source of Fortune

educATion A Talk with Cambridge Examinationsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; CEO on Education

ReAl PeoPle nazih Rizk: Photographer masters sight disability

In tune wIth the CommunIty SInCe 1996

CAleNDAr 52

June Culture Events

CuiSiNe 32

Mountain View Launches iCity October

The Evolution of Ramadan Desserts

Innovative Ramadan Dessert Recipes

SOCiety 60

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Social Events and Gatherings

Publisher Live Colors, Nicosia Managing Partner Najla Riad Associate Partners Ahmed Samy Mohamed Maher

EditoriAl dEPArtMEnt Editor-in-chief Moguib Roshdy Acting Editor Najla Riad Assistant Editor Rawan Abdel Latif

WritErs Hania Moheeb, Yossra Goueli, Rehab Saad, Zeniab Abul Gheit & Rana Kamaly

Art dEPArtMEnt Art director

Editor’s Note This month we have nothing to say but to condemn all acts of terrorism that is prevailing in many parts of the world.

Khadiga El Badan

senior Graphic designer Marina Raafat

sAlEs dEPArtMEnt sales director Rania Halim

Production MAnAGEr Enas Adly

AdMinistrAtion dEPArtMEnt distribution Manager Rana Ezzat office Manager Magda Adib Financial consultants

May the innocent Egyptians who have fell victims in a recent atrocious act rest in peace and may the terrorists pay dearly for their aggression.

Hazem Abdel Tawab Ahmed Abbas

office clerk Mohamed Adel office custodian Ismail Othman distribution Al Ahram, Al Akhbar, Next Media Mohandessin, Zamalek, Heliopolis, Maadi, Nasr City, New Cairo, 6 October City, Sheikh Zayed City

ctP & PrintinG by

The Editor

Sahara Printing Company

editor@live-colors.com

Address: 48 Abdel Moneim Hafez Street, Midan El Sabaa’ Emarat, Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt Tel/Fax: (+202) 2290 8127 - 2415 8762 Mobile: 0100 005 2322 - 0100 005 2323 E-mail: editor@live-colors.com Website: www.communitytimes.me © Copyright 2004 Community Times is a monthly publication published by LC Live Colors Nicosia, Cyprus

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june 2016 | Ct

TownTalk

Mashrou’ Amal Awards at Cairo Marriott As a part of Marriott International continuous “Spirit to Serve” initiatives, Cairo Marriott Hotel joined hands with media magnates MBC Amal and TEDxCairoWomen to host the “Mashrou’ Amal” awards ceremony. The competition was launched to support high performing and aspiring Egyptian business women with innovative ideas to bring forth their vision to life. The final awards ceremony was held in the presitigious Salon Vert as a celebration of World Women’s Day. Top shortlisted applicants were announced, and during the ceremony, the candidates pitched their business ideas to a jury who then selected the top three winners. The event also included a panel discussion between experienced and successful Egyptian women and entrepreneurs who shared their inspiring stories of hard work, ambition and passion. p

Unique Funerary Garden Discovered by the Spanish Archaeological Mission The mission working in Draa Abul Naga necropolis on Luxor’s west bank has discovered a unique funerary garden almost 4,000 years old. The funerary garden has been unearthed at the open courtyard of a rock cuttomb of the Middle Kingdom, which seems to have contained different kinds of plants and flowers. In the middle, there are two elevated spots for a small tree or bush. At one of the corners, the root and trunk of a 4,000 year old small tree has been preserved to a height of 30 centimeters. Next to it, a bowl was found containing dates and other fruits, which could have been presented as an offering.

First Online Program of a Museum’s Artifacts in Egypt

The discovery may shed light on the environment and gardening in ancient Thebes during the Middle Kingdom, around 2000 BCE.

The Mallawi Museum in Minya has launched its first radio program about the museum on YouTube to interact on a social media basis with its audience. The aim is to showcase the architectural value of its artifacts and the contents at the museum.

Dr. Jose Galan, head of the Spanish mission and Research Professor at the Spanish National Research Council in Madrid, said that on the walls of a number of New Kingdom tombs, a small and squared garden is represented at the entrance of the funerary monument, with a couple of trees next to it. It probably had a symbolic meaning and must have played a role in the funerary rites. However, the like has never been found in ancient Thebes.

The idea is to choose one piece at a time and describe it in a simple way to the viewer through a storyline, in addition to choosing one of the subjects taught in the school curriculum and explain it to the children to enhance their knowledge on their country’s history.

The mission also uncovered, near the entrance of the Middle Kingdom rockcut tomb, a small mud-brick chapel attached to the façade. Inside, three stelae of the 13th Dynasty, 1800 BCE, were found in situ. The owner of one of them, Renef-Seneb, is of “the citizen Khemenit, son of the lady of the house, Idenu”, and the latter mentions the gods Montu, Ptah, Sokar and Osiris.

Since the start of the launch, the channel has received more than 6,000 viewers. p

“These discoveries underscore the relevance of the central area of Dra Abu el-Naga as a sacred place for the performance of a variety of cultic activities during the Middle Kingdom,” said Galan. p

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Attijariwafa Bank Group Acquires Barclays Bank Egypt In accordance with the agreement between Attijariwafa Bank and Barclays Bank PLC signed last October, the acquisition by Attijariwafa Bank of 100% of the capital of Barclays Bank Egypt was finalized last month, after obtaining all the necessary regulatory approvals. Attijariwafa bank’s headquarters is based in Morocco and the bank operates in 25 countries. Attijariwafa has become the first banking and financial group in the Arab Maghreb and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) and a key player in the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (EMCCA). In addition to banking activities, the group operates through subsidiaries specialized in financial sectors: insurance, mortgage loads, consumer credit, leasing, asset management, stock brokerage and private banking, among others. The acquisition of Barclays strengthens Attijariwafa’s choice of establishing a presence in Egypt through a well-known bank covering the universal banking business, and benefiting from high-quality human capital and strong assets. Attijariwafa bank aims to make a significant contribution to financial inclusion in Egypt and its economic development by leveraging its skills and assets, in particular for the benefit of SME’s and the middle class by deploying its distinctive distribution model and technology. p

Recent Discoveries in Dahshur The Egyptian archaeological mission uncovered the burial chamber of a 13th Dynasty Pyramid discovered last month in Dahshur’s archaeological site. Adel Okasha, head of the mission and the General Director of the Dahshur site, explained that after removing the stones that covered the burial chamber, the mission discovered wooden boxes engraved with three lines of hieroglyphics that are rituals to protect the deceased and the name of its owner. The box once housed the four canopic jars of the deceased. The name engraved is for the daughter of the 13th Dynasty king Emnikamaw whose pyramid is located 600 meters away. The mission also discovered a relief with hieroglyphics bearing the Cartouche of King Emnikamaw. Inside the box, the mission found wrappings of the deceased’s organs. Remains of an anthropoid sarcophagus have also been found but in a very bad conservation condition. p

Tatweer Misr Celebrates the Realization of the UN’s Latest Resolution Designating June 27 as “Micro-, Small and MediumSized Enterprises Day” Tatweer Misr’s Managing Director and ICSB Board Member, Dr. Ahmed Shalaby, spoke last month at the International Council on Small Business High Level Knowledge Summit held at the United Nations. The summit was held to mark the adoption of a UN resolution designating June 27 as “Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day” thereby recognizing the crucial role (MSMEs) play in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Dr. Shalaby was one of 20 people invited to talk about the importance of small and medium sized enterprises representing his role as Board Member at ICSB and more significantly Tatweer Misr’s active efforts towards bringing in international universities, whose main ethos is focused on entrepreneurship and MSME development. Only a year ago, ICSB submitted a petition for the designation of that day signed by various members around the world including from Egypt: H.E. Dr. Sahar Nasr, Dr. Ayman El Tarabishy and Dr. Ahmed Shalaby. Following that, the Mission of Argentina to the UN authored the resolution that was presented to and negotiated with all UN member states. The resolution was co-sponsored by 45 member states, representing over five billion people. p

june 2017 | Ct

TownTalk

Exhibition Promoting Tourism in Fayoum Under the sponsorship of Fayoum Tourism Authority, an exhibition was held in Heliopolis Club last month to promote tourism in Fayoum and encourage handicrafts, productive families and vulnerable women. “We hold this exhibition four times a year, starting with the Shooting Club, and now in Heliopolis and we are planning to go to el Gezirah Club in El Zamalek,” said Mohamed Kamal El Din – the General Manager of Fayoum Tourism Authority. The exhibition included Egyptian hand-made products, loungewear and bed sheet sets made by productive families, reed baskets and handbags made by vulnerable women, silk handmade carpets and pottery products. p

New General Manager at Sofitel Legend Old Cataract

New Hotel Manager at Sofitel Winter Palace & Pavilion

Sofitel Legend Old Cataract has recently appointed Ahmed El Shandawili as the new General Manager of the property. Shandawili has more than thirty years of experience in the hospitality industry as he started his career in the United States working in Hyatt, Starwood then joined Accor & Movenpick in Egypt and has progressed throughout his career by taking on extensive management experience gained in luxury, business as well as resort destinations. p

Sofitel Winter Palace & Pavilion has recently appointed Selim Shawer as the new Hotel Manager. Shawer held the position of Executive Assistant Manager of Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan since July 2013 and was in charge of the Sales and Marketing of Sofitel Taba Heights beforehand. Selim joined Accor in 2009, coming from Hilton with experience in the rooms division. p

Opening of New Samsung Store Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announced the launch of its latest brand shop at the Cairo Festival City Mall; the new all-inclusive brand store includes all of Samsung’s innovative product lines from TV’s, home appliances, ACs to hand-held products. For the first time in Egypt, with the consumer in mind, this new brand store features Samsung’s global display language for the best customer shopping experience including revolving display units and a first display of the cutting edge Q LED TV technology. With the opening of this new store, the total number of Samsung brand stores is now 48 stores. “Our consumers are our main priority, we will always strive to provide them with the best shopping experience and level of service.” said Mr. Ahmad Ali - Brand Shops Manager, Samsung Electronics Egypt. It is worth mentioning that Samsung Electronics has introduced new installment programs in partnership with several leading banks to provide its consumers with more freedom of choice along with discounts and promotions on select TV models and Home Appliances. p

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Ramadan at CaiRo’s Hotels Experience the true spirit of Ramadan at Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers. The vibrant Si Omar is set against the backdrop of contemporary design, and overlooks the gardens. This modern lounge features an extensive al fresco terrace and a full range of delectable offerings.

Break your fast with a selection of authentic cuisines offered at oriental buffets at Aqua e Luce and My Kind of Place restaurants. For an exquisite Lebanese Iftar set menu, savor mouthwatering dishes at Al Dabké. From a private Iftar and Sohour of 50 people to a grand ballroom event for up to 1,300 guests, Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers offers the largest and best-equipped function spaces in Cairo with exclusive set menus. Celebrate the month of Ramadan with an Oriental Iftar Buffet served daily at the Terrace Café overlooking the Nile River at Ramses Hilton while listening to Oud music. Or enjoy the ultimate Ramadan experience at Breezes Lounge & Grill located at the pool level overlooking the Nile and enjoy the taste of a wide variety of Oriental dishes and creative juices whilst enjoying live entertainment provided by a traditional Oriental band and Takht. Iftar Buffet: 280 LE, Sohour Set Menu: 180 LE.

InterContinental CityStars’ spectacular lobby will be

the focal point for blissful celebrations. Esplanade hosts Iftar followed by Sohour featuring the Oriental Takht musical ensemble from 10:30 pm until midnight. For celebrations with an authentic Oriental touch, head to Fayruz, while Al Khal will display that so-special Egyptian ambience. The Lounge will stage a traditional Sohour buffet with music provided by a DJ and live band. There is also a DJ and live music performance at the Pool Bar, with shisha and Ramadan drinks packages and Iftar choices. At Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars, there will be a splendid Iftar buffet located in Windows with Oriental melodies. This year The Nile Ritz-Carlton invites guests to break their fast with an array of delicious food offerings at several outlets. A selection of gourmet Arabic and International delicacies are offered at Culina Restaurant. Main courses are provided through interactive cooking and molecular gastronomy stations for main courses and desserts add an element of culinary theatre to the experience.

Wust El Balad Ramadan Tent features a unique tent for memorable Sohour nights and delicious shisha flavours. The tent includes large TV screens airing the most popular TV shows and series of the season. Al Qahira and Alf Leila Wa Leila Ballrooms are suitable for big groups and family gatherings, offering lavish set Sohour menus and Iftar buffets.

Semiramis InterContinental’s Night & Day is serving

numerous buffets all Ramadan with authentic Egyptian specialties as well as Indian, Chinese and Italian dishes. Fill your appetite with some mouthwatering items such as tabbouleh, seafood Tepanyaki and for dessert, a sweet Om Ali fresh from the oven. Worried about how to make your Iftar or Sohour event memorable? At the hotel the banquet halls are the perfect setting holding up to 1,200 persons. To make life simpler, they also provide outside catering and supply everything from menu planning to cutlery to waiters. You can also indulge in your favourite Thai dish courtesy of the award-winning restaurant, BirdCage. For an alternative and unforgettable Ramadan experience with an elegant twist, enjoy a set menu at The Grill Restaurant, while Nile Terrace presents Fawanees and authentic Ramadan Iftar and Sohour experiences. For an Italian flavoured Iftar or Lebanese flair, you can go to Pane Vino or Sabaya.

As dusk falls, Omar’s Café beckons with Cairo’s grandest Iftar buffet at Cairo Marriott Zamalek. Then see in the early hours with ’street chic’ a la carte Sohour live cooking stations among dazzling fawanees lanterns and evening breeze at Som3a Basha. Celebrating with your favourite people has never been easier... Starting 15 or more guests, hold Iftar and Sohour banquets in the royal ballrooms or host their ‘five star’ outside catering at the comfort of your home or at your preferred venue. p june 2017 | Ct

STYLE

ConCho

From Conchology to Art

hile many of us enjoy collecting shells from the shoreline and placing them around our homes as decoration, Chaymaa Cheta has turned this into her brand, Concho, by creating home décor, jewelry and accessories from seashells and fossils found in seas and oceans. A few months ago, she started selling her pieces online. Ten years ago, Cheta created décor using what the sea throws away, starting with a mirror for the bathroom. “More untouched, virgin areas are home to rare shellfish, especially on the coast of The Red Sea,” she mentioned. Cheta also collects shellfish from different countries whenever she travels, her favorite being the Far East as there are beautiful carved shells derived from their oceans, which provide a different variety than the seas. Originally a pastel artist, Cheta decided to focus her artwork on conchology. In order to do so, she read through specialized dictionaries to learn more about the different types of shells and fossils available in the waters, and where they can be found. “Both the Pharaonic and Chinese civilizations inspire me as they have a particular color scheme and spirit that

Ct | June 2017

reflects their history,” she mentioned when asked about her inspiration. “I love recycling, and so I never throw anything away, whether stones, shells or textiles, and I use all of these in my pieces. I also love mixing flowers with shells, as they compliment each other really well,” she explained. “I use micro shells that are one millimeter in size as they are great in accessories,” Cheta added. Concho now includes beach footwear and bags, as per people’s recommendations. “I began creating more practical pieces, as that is what my customers are usually looking for in order to further expand my brand. Even though I like everything in its natural form, I experiment by painting on shells to present a larger variety of artwork,” Cheta explained. In Marsa Allam, there is a shell known as the “Gabriella” that is very rare worldwide but is found in great quantities on virgin shores here. “I would love to export this shellfish abroad, and mention that it is found here in Egypt. It is a beautiful shell that does not break easily and has a natural red color on the back,” she concluded. p Facebook: @concho.eg

June 2017 | Ct

STYLE

Ramadan at Ikea

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Jan June / feb 2017 | Ct

Culture Books

June Book Recommendations

Hunger: A MeMoir of (My) Body By roxAne gAy This memoir explores food, self-image and weight, discussing sensitive issues about the relationship between food and the human body. Gay touches upon her own emotional struggles, showing us that we all share the same confrontations and anxieties when it comes to our appearance, health and desires. In Hunger, the bestselling author of Bad Feminist gives the readers an insight to her own experiences, and the violent act that turned her past around, taking us on her journey and leaving herself vulnerable yet relatable.

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once And for All By SArAH deSSen

THiS SAvAge Song By vicToriA ScHwAB

After her first love story ended tragically, Louna, the daughter of a popular wedding planner, is left skeptical about happilyever-after endings. When she meets a charming serial dater, she keeps her distance, staying true to her beliefs; however, he does not give up in his pursuit to win her heart.

Book one of two, This Savage Song is held at a time of war, when a city is overrun with monsters. A young man and woman, who are heirs to a segregated city, must choose whether they should join forces, and whether become the heroes or the villains. Both with different visions, Kate considers ruling as her father did, who let the monsters roam the city but keep himself protected, while August seeks to be a good-doer and protect the innocent.

This realistic novel that ends in a happy yet imperfect way is complete with humor, romance and drama.

Kate slowly realizes Augustâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s true nature; that he is one of the monsters. After a failed assassination attempt, the pair must flee for their lives.

cArve THe MArk By veronicA roTH Cyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people whose gift gives her pain and power. Akos is the son of a farmer from the planet of Thuvhe, whose loyalty to his family is limitless and tested once his brother is captured by enemy Shotet soldiers. A story about the power of friendship, Akos is thrown into Cyraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world, and the hatred between their countries and families seems impossible to overcome, and so they are tested to see if they will be able to help each other survive, or destroy each other.

We Are Okay By Nina LaCour After tragically leaving everything and everyone behind from her old life, Marin, who moved to New York for college, is still haunted by the memories of her past. Not even her best friend at the time knowing the truth behind what happened during her final weeks at home, Marin returns for winter break, and is forced to confront her loneliness and face everything that she left behind.

No One Can Pronounce My Name By Rakesh Satyal In a suburb outside Cleveland, a community of Indian Americans has settled into lives that cross between Eastern and Western cultures. Harit, a lonely Indian immigrant in his forties, lives with his grieving mother who attempts to keep both himself and his mother sane by dressing up in a sari every night to pass himself off as his deceased sister. Another Indian immigrant, Ranjana, has recently sent her only child to college, and after her doubts that her husband is having an affair; she seeks solace by writing paranormal romances in secret. When the two cross paths, they begin an odd yet necessary friendship that brings to light their own passions and fears.

The Inexplicable Logic of My Life By Benjamin Alire SĂĄenz Until this moment, Sal was always sure of his place with his adoptive gay father and their loving MexicanAmerican family. Thrown a curb, Salâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own history haunts him, and life-altering events force him and his best friend to confront issues of faith, loss, and grief. Sal questions everything, and is in a search to find out who he truly is after realizing he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t truly know his identity.

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness By Arundhati Roy On a concrete sidewalk, a baby suddenly appears after midnight. In a snowy valley, a bereaved father writes a letter to his fiveyear-old daughter about the people who came to her funeral. In a second-floor apartment, a lone woman chain-smokes as she reads through her old notebooks. This novel tells the stories of heroes, both present and departed, who have been broken by the world we live in-and then mended by love. p

This humorous novel highlights how people must balance their culture and traditions with their own dreams and desires.

june 2017 | Ct

Culture Art

Modern Art Revives Ancient Glories at Aswan Symposium

By Ahmed Kafafi

n a hill overlooking the Nile, the symposium is home to huge sculpture works that are spread out in a big desert stretch where you can get a panorama of the historic city of Aswan.

For more than two decades, many sculptors from different countries around the world would come together in this open-air museum to turn huge masses of rocks into inspiring shapes. “This is the fifth time I come here, and each time is a new and incredible experience,” says a British tourist. Aswan is the ideal location for the symposium as the surrounding mountains are where the stones used to create marvel structures like the pyramids, temples and obelisks were shipped to the different parts of the Nile Valley. “In the middle of 1988, the National Centre for Fine Arts carried out a number of studies that highlighted new forms of artistic activities to be held locally and internationally. Among these was the sculpture symposium,” mentions Professor Ahmed Nawar.

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“In 1990, the governor of Aswan was contacted regarding this issue, and showed great enthusiasm for it, demanding the implementation of the necessary measures needed to kick-start the event. A preliminary committee was formed to put the general detailed plan, including Dr. Ahmed Nawar, Samir Gharib, the Ministry of Culture’s art advisor, the famous sculptor Adam Hunein, artist Yosri Hasa and the report of the British sculptor Steven Cooks who was assigned by the British government to sculpt a statue to be presented as a gift to the Opera House,” he continued. Nawar added, “In 1990, an agenda was presented to the Minister of Culture for approval, and a fixed date was given for the symposium to feature annually during the winter in a place that could be easily accessed by the locals and tourists. Due to its closeness to the granite quarries, Basma Hotel was chosen to host the sculptors. The committee suggested that a group of young sculptors should accompany the international artists to allow direct interaction and further develop their talents. The subject and method of expression has been left entirely to the artist.” The symposium is worth a visit, especially when the sculptors are at work. Their inspirations and creations are a reflection of both modern and Ancient Egyptian art. p june 2017 | Ct

Culture Art

The Wings of Mexico Land in cairo “Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?” Frida Kahlo

By Hania Moheeb

wo huge wings stood there just before sunset. Posing to receive the tender spring breeze and the last of the warm sun rays, they call upon any passersby to step forward and try them out. The place is the courtyard of the Cairo Opera House and the wings are no usual wings, they are The Wings of Mexico.

His work often depicts horses, centaurs, garudas, children and acrobats, along with elements such as spheres, masks, arrows, boats and scales. These concepts are consistent with recurring themes such as reflection and balance. His style has a strong foundation in the integration of baroque dramatic art with a powerful sensuality and a subtle sense of the perverse.

The display of this special piece of sculpture by prominent Mexican artist Jorge Marin was the result of the cooperation between the Egyptian Ministry of Culture and the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs upon an initiative started by the artist himself.

Marin produced his outstanding piece of sculpture with the objective of having it tour the world, sending a message of peace and freedom to people everywhere. “I created it in 2010 and the success was almost immediate,” he says. The wings are part of an urban art project that includes 13 works by Marin, which all encourage interaction with audiences and create new experiences in public spaces.

The ArTisT Marin, who inherited his passion for the fine arts from his architect father, is a Mexican sculptor and painter born in 1963 who has been an active figure in the contemporary art scene for the last 25 years. Bronze has been his preferred material for the last ten years, where he employs the lost wax bronze technique.

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The Wings of Mexico

Influenced by the age of social media, the freestanding wings invite the audience to pose with them, take a picture and imagine the feeling of flying. This special piece of sculpture was first displayed

under the title “Wings of the City” in Mexico City in the same year it was produced, and eventually became iconic of Mexican art. “I believe that wings are a very universal symbol, and that is why it is well received all over the world,” Marin said, adding that he is honored to display his work to an Egyptian audience. The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs was enthusiastic about the idea of sending a message of peace and fraternity from Mexico to the entire world, and the wings have started touring globally ever since, visiting a number of cities in Asia and even in the United States. Now, “The Wings of Mexico” are displayed for the first time in Africa and the Arab World. The ambassador of Mexico to Cairo, H.E. Jose’ Octavio Tripp, proudly says that he has been pushing to bring the wings to Egypt for some time and he believes that people in Egypt, have a high application for culture. “I find it very interesting that this piece allows interaction with the public, and I am quite pleased that the show will go out of Cairo to places like Alexandria, Luxor and Aswan,” he mentioned. Tripp goes on confirming that “cultural interaction is one of the most relevant dimensions in cooperation with Egypt.” His statement materialized in eight activities over the last year, the ninth of which is this current exhibit. This unprecedented activity was well planned by the Ministry of Culture towards a specific objective, “Since I was honored to be minister,

I was very keen on diversifying our cultural interaction with the world and hosting activities that show diversity to create a balance in our relations with other countries,” says Minister of Culture, Helmy El-Namnam. However, this activity with Mexican artists comes also in another context as Egypt and Mexico will soon be celebrating 60 years of relations.

Egyptian-MExican tiEs El-Namnam, who is a notable writer and researcher, speaks very highly and extensively of the Egyptian-Mexican cultural ties and history. He highlights literature as an art that manifests those resemblances recalling the great success of Naguib Mahfouz’s masterpiece “A Beginning and an End” in Mexico. The famous Egyptian novel was not only translated to Spanish, but was also turned into a play and a film, as well as radio episodes in Mexico. Also, perhaps not many Egyptians are aware of the ancient pyramids in Mexico that were inspired by the Egyptian heritage, or about the Mexico military campaign that was sent there during the reign of Khedive Ismael. After finishing its mission, the campaign left behind several military personnel, the predecessors of whom have established a society of Egyptian Mexicans, according to El-Namnam. The Wings of Mexico will be here for six months and will be touring a number of Egyptian cities to give audiences, who are not typically exposed to foreign arts and culture, the chance to interact with this very special sculpture. p

june 2017 | Ct

Culture Music

Al HAyy FestivAl June 4th – 14th The annual Hayy Festival brings folklore and cross-cultural music to El Genaina, Azhar Park,

Sunday 4 June 9:30 pm Tickets: 30 EGP Opening Act: DOkkAn Dokkan is one of the few instrumental music bands in Egypt. Active in the Egyptian musical scene since 2015, they perform contemporary music infused with traditional Egyptian music elements. They are currently preparing their first album.

nAsser el MezDAwi El Mezdawi is the true Guru of the Arabian popular song today. Starting out in the seventies, his music transcends genres to create its own style and rhythms. He combines Berber, Arab, African and popular European music, blending them all into his own unique voice. Over the years, he has helped endless Arab artists rediscover their own voice and identity. A lot of popular Arab artists today have launched their careers covering his songs and imitating his distinctive, bold and unconventional style.

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Tuesday 6 June 9:30 pm Tickets: 30 EGP Opening Act: lOOperiA Strongly attached to its African roots, Looperia delivers an exceptional Sufi experience depending on loops of rhythm and music lines coming from the heart of Africa, passing by North West Africa, and finally reaching Egypt’s rich mixture of cultures. Their themes reflect divine love, peace, and Africa, the mother of all.

siDi BeMOle With his joyous, sometimes humorous, and multi-genre music, the Algerian Composer and Singer Sidi Bemole has carved a niche for himself. He has been releasing albums and touring for 20 years, covering a wide array of musical genres: Popular, Blues and Rock, Berber, and even Celtic music. He sings in Arabic, Berber, French and English. Sidi Bemole’s 2017 album “L’Odyssée de Fulay” is his 10th album.

Sunday 11 June 9:30 pm Tickets: 30 EGP Opening Act: Shahira Kamal’s Band Formed in 2016, Shahira’s Band performs Arabic songs with a diverse set of styles. Her lyrics always relate to personal experiences, social issues and philosophical paradoxes. The band has a lyrical ability to express and ponder over a magnitude of topics and issues, whilst entertaining their audience.

Haydar Hamdi With lyrics and a folkloric groovy sound, Haydar is considered one of the most prominent artists representing modern day Tunisia. He sings of, and for the people, and incorporates themes of social issues, love and economic pressures in his art; all daily issues that people struggle with in his beloved country. In 2012 he moved to Paris and released the album “404”, and in 2015 he released “FIKRA”.

Wednesday 14 June 9:30 pm Tickets: 30 EGP Opening Act: Aqsa Al Wasat Formed in 2013, Aqsa Al Wasat is an experimental jazz band that creates a fusion of various sounds in their music. The band members are: Amr Ezz, Tuqa McAwi and Bichoy Nessim.

Malika Zarra Malika Zarra sings in various languages: Berber, Moroccan Arabic, English and French. According to CNN’s “African Voices” program, “Malika Zarra is defining the term fusion and is adding her unique sound to the world.” After moving to France with her parents at the age of three, she managed to survive a tough life through singing which helped her to come in peace with any challenges she faced. Her extremely unique yet accessible sound fuses Soul, Jazz and North African tunes, resulting in an experience that can only be lived along Malika’s music. p june 2017 | Ct

Culture Films The FirsT ediTion oF el Gouna Film FesTival launches in eGypT under The sloGan â&#x20AC;&#x153;cinema For humaniTyâ&#x20AC;? The Founding Committee of El Gouna Film Festival officially launches the first edition of the Festival, which will take place from the 22nd to the 29th of September 2017, in El Gouna. The event is the result of collective efforts supported by Egyptian businessmen and corporate sponsors, who wished to start a festival that could offer an exceptional experience by creating a new platform where filmmakers could express their ideas and engage with industry experts and international media and audiences. The foundation was instated through an initiative led by Engineer Naguib Sawiris, actress and producer Bushra Rozza, in collaboration with a group of energetic young talents and with Amr Mansi, international event organizer and CEO of I-Events at the forefront, in addition to Producer Kamal Zadeh. Despite the fact that the event will mainly be funded through private sector sponsors, it will also be presented under the auspices of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture. The GFF team includes world-class and experienced individuals such as Intishal Al Tamimi who will act as the festival director given his extensive experience. El Gouna Film Festival, which aims to activate the cinematic and cultural scene in El Gouna and create the opportunity to develop, will also encourage and support all contemporary forms of creative expression in the MENA region, especially for the younger generations. p

NAGuIB SAwIRIS

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INTIShAl Al TIMIMI

FEATURE

Ramadan adveRtising campaigns By Yossra Goueli

It all runs parallel to the growing culture of consumerism across the Middle East that seems to accelerate during the holy month, eclipsing the spirituality that Ramadan was once known for.

very Ramadan for the past two decades or so can be marked by a slogan, a jingle, a sound bite or a punchline. Remember last year’s “rah fein zaman el sha’awa”, or 2015’s “skenshayzar” and “dehlab”? How about “Bibo far’a’ Gigi” from over a decade ago? These phrases have become as ubiquitous in everyday conversations as famous movie quotes, all thanks to the boom in advertising and marketing efforts by brands in the annual attempt to run the most buzzed-about campaign and win the hearts, minds and paychecks of Egyptians across the country. As a result, Ramadan season has become akin to the Super Bowl and Christmas rolled into one in terms of advertising, with every brand from washing machines and underwear to banks and real estate giants pulling out the big guns and spending millions of pounds for two minutes of precious airtime at most. It all runs parallel to the growing culture of consumerism across the Middle

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East that seems to accelerate during the holy month, eclipsing the spirituality that Ramadan was once known for. In addition, Ramadan is peak season for TV series, thus increasing the competition among advertisers for the most coveted time slots. With all eyes glued to the screen, Ramadan is a golden opportunity for brands to not only generate profits and reach new audiences, but also to cement their place in Egyptian pop culture. Year after year, viewers tune in not only to watch their favorite celebrities in the newest shows and soap operas, but also the latest commercials. The Coca Cola versus Pepsi and Chipsy rivalry is one for the ages, with both heavyweights spending millions of pounds each year to come out with the winning campaign. In recent years, Pepsi has relied on the nostalgia factor as well as on rolling out as many celebrities as possible in under two minutes. Meanwhile,

Coke’s famous “Share a Coke” campaign was one of the most memorable of its season and was hugely successful after winning over other international markets. The yearly Vodafone versus Etisalat versus Mobinil (now Orange) battle of the telecoms is also a fierce showdown. Vodafone’s 2015 and 2016 campaigns both used family as the central theme and were jam-packed with celebrities singing lively jingles. Last year’s one minute-long “El ‘Ela El Kebeera” advertisement drew criticism for its over the top budget. That same year, Etisalat’s “Imagine Tomorrow” campaign featuring well-off Egyptians in drum circles and color festivals was accused of being “classist” and “irrelevant”. The season presents a chance for brands to show their creative muscle and capture the cultural zeitgeist. Mobinil successfully carried this out in 2012’s “’Alashan Lazem Nkoon Ma’ Ba’d” advertisement following the 2011 uprising and again in 2013’s “Dayman Ma’ Ba’d”. Both spots featured uplifting and original songs that stressed unity and harmony, airing during times when the nation was facing divisions across political and social lines. While many brands resort to cliché, slapstick comedy and annoying jingles, others go the extra mile with relevant, innovative advertisements. Creative campaigns do not always translate to brand success or market share. Crunchy, the chocolate biscuit snack brand that had a wildly successful campaign in 2015 is an example of this. Despite having clever copy, deadpan humor, talented and charismatic casting and catchy sound bites that instantly went viral, the advertisements failed to propel Crunchy to commercial success. Today, the brand can rarely be found in kiosks or on supermarket shelves.

Given that Ramadan is the month of giving, airtime is not only dominated by big-name brands. Charities, NGOs and hospitals also have an undeniable presence in the advertising landscape. The juxtaposition of a PSA featuring orphaned, cancer-stricken children asking for donations with a spot for a lavish gated compound reflects the small ironies of Egyptian society. Inevitably, advertising expenditure has soared. In 2016, MBC Masr was the most expensive channel for advertisers, charging EGP4060,000 per minute, with CBC and Al Nahar following in terms of costliness. It has also been reported that companies advertising during Ramadan spend an average of 30% of their budgets during the month. Considering the high costs of airtime, there is a lot at stake and brands can’t afford to come out with mediocre advertisements, or even worse; offensive ones. Juhayna’s “Dondoo” advertisements featuring babies humorously making remarks that were later accused of being “sexist” drew many protests, and were eventually banned by the Consumer Protection Authority for violating public morals. The omnipresence of advertising in Ramadan has turned everyday Egyptians into marketing-savvy analysts who are just as likely to dissect the latest Vodafone campaign as they do with Nelly Karim’s annual TV series. Naturally, this marketing phenomenon has been accompanied by the inevitable backlash.

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FEATURE

Many viewers complain that we now watch a long series of advertisements with shows in between, instead of the other way around. Audiences also joke that they often forget what they were watching due to the sheer density of advertising within a showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time slot. A typical 30 to 45 minute show on a channel like CBC or MBC Masr is accompanied with at least 15 minutes of advertisements, causing many to turn to the internet to watch their TV dramas uninterrupted. With viewers increasingly shifting from TV to YouTube to catch up on their favorite shows, brands have quickly followed, placing advertisements every few minutes within a video. Unlike with TV, viewers actually have the option of skipping these ads, no matter how unescapable they are. Digital advertising is clearly growing in importance, exemplified by Cokeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision in 2015 to come out with an exclusively digital campaign and to donate its television marketing budget to their 100 Village Initiative. Many brands also increased their active engagement with users, particularly younger ones, on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram during the month. Ramadan advertising has become such an event that commercials are now arguably more anticipated than exclusive TV series. These days, content and strategies have become more sophisticated and hashtag-driven and are a world away from the naĂŻve, no-frills commercials of the eighties and nineties. Advertisements are now instantly included in memes, analyzed in Facebook posts and meticulously quantified and measured for viewership, evolving into an experience of their own, independent of TV programming. It is easy to see why the annual wave of commercials has become such a spectacle; they have the ability to entertain, inspire and even upset, just as any show could. p

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With all eyes glued to the screen, Ramadan is a golden opportunity for brands to not only generate profits and reach new audiences.

FEATURE

Crafts in El MoEz strEEt Walking in El Moez Street is like browsing through history, with Egypt’s precious authentic heritage visible at every corner. The street is named “El Moez li Deen Ellah” after the fourth caliph of the Fatimid Dynasty, and is home to many historical buildings and mosques covering almost every era, including the Fatimid, Ayubid, Mamluk, Ottoman and up until the reign of Mohamed Ali. By Rehab Saad

ome of the most historical monuments of the area include El Sultan Qalawon Complex, Sabil Mohamed Ali, Beit Wasseela, Beit el Sehemy and Al Aqmar Mosque, to name a few. Shops that sell different types of handicrafts are on either side of the street, which stretches from Bab Al-Futuh in the north to Bab Zuweila in the south.

El Moez Street embraces various kinds of crafts like copper handmade products, textiles, pottery, reed plates and glass painting, among others, which especially flourished during the Islamic and Arab civilizations.

Extinction of Egyptian coppEr products Darb el Nahaseen was famous for displaying splendid copper products used to create cookware like decorated trays with bronze, cups and jars as well as braziers with Kufi inscriptions, bowls and chickpeas, also named “tasset el khadda” as people believed it cured neuropsychiatric diseases. Though this specific craft used to attract tourists and increase foreign currency income, it also led to the increase in raw material prices, opening the doors for importing copper sheets, which led to gradually diminishing the craft. We met with Adel Gomaa, owner of a metal and copper crafts workshop, who inherited the workshop from his ancestors. Although he is a graduate from Al Azhar University and is now a professor there, his passion for the craft led him to keep a hold of the workshop. “With the closure of the Alex Copper factory, the material became unavailable, so I turned to buying old Egyptian copper from the countryside and Upper Egypt, as I do not like to work with imported copper because the quality is uncomparable to the local,” explained Gomaa.

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“The market for genuine handmade copper is fading, and unfortunately we can’t sell products in the local market due to the high prices of products made from Egyptian copper as well as the increasing availability of machine made products. Moreover, youth nowadays have lost interest in this profession as they are unaware of its value. The craft requires a lot of effort, time and patience, as a piece might take from three months to a year to produce, passing through several stages starting from the formation to the polishing, and so accordingly, there is a lack of trained craftsmen,” he mentioned. “I managed to sell my products to companies that work in the exporting field, and I succeeded to gain credibility that gained me a loyal customer base,” resumed Gomaa. The copper pieces made by Gomaa are rich, and his collection includes a copper Qalawon brazier plated with silver inlaid with gold and a copper Qalawon table with Kufi inscriptions. When asked how this craft can prosper again, he said, “The government, especially, the Ministry of Culture, started to encourage the production of handicrafts, and they are giving us their support by holding regular exhibitions for our products. I received a certificate of appreciation from the Ministry for my contributions in metal works, yet I propose that there should be more organized workshops to train the unemployed youth and those interested in the art of craft-making, which will also work towards increasing the awareness of copper crafts’ value,” emphasized Gomaa. “I have been working at this workshop ever since I was six years old. I wanted to learn how to create engraved copper trays, even though a lot of time and effort needs to be put into it,” said Hag Mahmoud Hafez, a craftsman. “The problem is that although engraving copper trays requires talented craftsmen who are specialized in the formation of this metal’s ore, we unfortunately do not sell enough, and so we are suffering from low income. Unfortunately, the majority of copper products in bazaars are not 100% handmade as they use machines and imported copper sheets,” he added.

The egypTian TexTile MuseuM The Egyptian Textile Museum represents one of the major industries that flourished during the Middle Ages, when Egyptian fabric started becoming considered as the best worldwide, and the textiles were then widely spread globally, especially in the European market. The museum comprises an exclusive collection of Egyptian textiles. Built in 1828 during the era of Mohamed Ali, it was designed to be a charitable educational facility, which later became a school launched by Farouk Hosny, the former Minister of Culture. In December 2010, the building became the Egyptian Textile Museum before it closed for renovation and reopened again in April 2014.

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FEATURE Going through the various sections of the museum, I realized that most of our clothing nowadays stems from Ancient Egyptian styles and fabric. Most of the fabric displayed was embroidered with floral units, hearts or geometric shapes. Textiles that were used at that time were linen and wool, then later cotton and silk were introduced, and were widely spread all over the world. Ancient Egyptians used to dye textiles using vivid colors extracted from natural plants, so red came from madder roots, blue from indigo plants, yellow from safflower and pomegranate, green from mixing of yellow and blue dyes and pink was obtained from insect’s scale. Textiles in Ancient Egypt served other purposes besides clothing. They played a major role in trading before the introduction of currency, and were also used in manufacturing shears, covers for cushions, making royal chariots, strainers for perfumes, oil and wine, curtains and clothing for funerals in which shrouds were painted with water or wax. Pottery is also one of the most important features of the Egyptian craftsman, as it proves his creativity and talent.

Visual arts Mahmoud Mareey, a visual artist who graduated from the Faculty of Art Education from Al Azhar University, opened his own atelier that gained strong recognition in 2014, and can be found beside Beit el Seheimy. He also participated in 29 group exhibitions and held six solo exhibitions. His first exhibition took place when he was a student in 2005, which was sponsored by the Cultural French Palace. He also participated in exhibitions organized by the Acquisition Cultural Museum and the International Parliament Union in Switzerland. He won prizes at the 24th and 25th Youth Salon, as well as being awarded the acquisition prize from CIB. “I would classify myself as an abstract artist as I like to use space and colors in my drawings and paintings. At the beginning, I determine the shadow areas and color, and then I start dividing the usage of colors. I usually use Egyptian tin or old wood, and write Sufi poems on fabric to enrich the surface,” explained Mareey. “I have established my company in handmade home accessories, and I wanted to encourage handicraft works and support in providing suitable jobs to copper ore workers,” he added. “I use Egyptian raw materials like copper, marble, nickel, Fayrouz, seashells and gemstones that play a role in creating my modern Islamic pieces,” mentioned Mareey. Unfortunately, all these crafts gradually declined due to negligence, the scarcity of skilled workers or a loss of interest. However, recently, the government has started to focus on the importance of renovating our heritage as well as encouraging handicrafts by holding regular exhibitions in various governorates. p

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Green Community

The Nile Flower:

A Source of fortune In the last 90 years, the Nile Flower prevailed in an unprecedented way in the Nile Basin countries

in Africa, Southern United States, Southeast Asia, Indonesia and China. This beautiful plant,

scientifically known as the Agapanthus, is now dubbed as the worst in the world because of its

dangerous effect on the environment. However, several states have transferred its disadvantages into a

source of fortune through several industries.

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By Zeinab Abul Gheit

How it came to egypt According to Dr. Walid Hakiki, official speaker of the Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources, the first person to introduce the Nile Flower in Egypt was Mohamed Ali Pasha in 1890, and it became popular during the era of Khedive Tawfik who was fond of the plant’s beauty and used it as decoration in the fountains of his palace. The appearance of the flower in the Nile started when the gardeners of the royal palace threw its remains into the river where it started to multiply wildly, as one plant produces nearly 5000 seeds, resulted in inflicting the Nile’s irrigation and drainage networks. Hakiki remarked that the Nile Flower is a national problem because of its avidity in absorbing water, causing the loss of three billion cubic meters of the Nile water yearly, as well as the extinction of fish and other marine creatures, seeing as it also absorbs oxygen from the water.

Negative impacts The accumulation of the Nile Flower caused a drop in the level of water in Al Mahmoudiya Canal, consequently causing many problems in the drinking and irrigation water, besides delaying navigational movement in the Nile. The season of the proliferation of the Nile Flower is during spring and summer due to the temperature, low salinity of the water and existence of leftovers from the factories in the canals and drainage system that also promote its reproduction. According to a professor at the Desert Research Center, the evaporation of three billion cubic meters of water yearly by the Nile Flower is a great loss since Egypt’s water consumption is 105 billion cubic meters a year, whereas its yearly quota from the Nile is only 55 billion cubic meters. On that basis, 80 billion cubic meters are needed to cover the deficit, which is covered by the processed agricultural drainage water and the aquifer of underground water. Hamdi Ali, head of the Union of Water Users in Fayoum governorate, says that the Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources spends EGP 35 million yearly for eradicating the Nile Flower, adding that all the means had failed in removing the plant completely. This means that Egypt will lose nearly 10% from its quota of Nile water yearly.

BeNefits aNd Uses

industries include paper, carton, artificial soil, wood, biogas, baskets and bio fertilizers. Dr. Ali El Magdoub, a professor at Alexandria Faculty of Agriculture, says that the Philippines uses this plant in making rope, shoes and bags, while in India, after being removed from water, it is left to dry and ferment after adding the remains of animals’ dung to it and the biogas is extracted from the mixture. The National Center for Water Researches carried out a successful experiment on the production of biogas and organic fertilizers. “The technique is very simple for meeting the basic needs of energy and also for producing a good organic fertilizer that increases agricultural production,” Dr. Mohamed Abdul Motaleb, head of the National Center of Water Resources, said. “This is based on mixing the Nile Flower with animal dung for producing a clean biogas and high quality of fermented organic material, which has no smell and can be used as a good organic fertilizer.”

The technique is very simple for meeting the basic needs of energy and also for producing a good organic fertilizer that increases agricultural production.

Five fermentation units were also established by the Delta Barrage Research stations, in addition to the implementation of two fermentation units for producing biogas in Desounes village in Beheira governorate. The process was successful, and the biogas was produced to use in cooking and lighting, in addition to the production of bio fertilizers that contain a high rate of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.

However, there are economic benefits that can be

Removal metHods

achieved in several industries as some parts of the plant can be used in the production of toothpaste, cosmetics and other pharmaceutical industries. The leaves c used as a fodder for animals, while other

A Chinese delegation in Kafr El Sheikh will be assisting in the removal of the Nile Flower from the Nile, canals and lakes via untraditional means to be used in beautification products.

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Green Community

The leaves and trunk for animal fodder, the nape (neck) of the leaves for producing coal, while the roots can be used to produce artificial soil .

During an interview with officials from the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, it was revealed that before 1990, chemical procedures were used but were stopped due to their harmful effect on health. Now, mechanical and manual means are being used, says Dr. Alaa Abdin, a professor and the general supervisor at the National Water Research Center. In the last few years, the Ministry succeeded in reducing the areas inflicted by the Nile Flower and water weeds in areas located at the end of the Rashid and Damietta branches.

AdvAntAges And disAdvAntAges of RemovAl Dr. Abdin adds that the industrialization of the Nile Flower can achieve economic revenues and will contribute to curbing the costs of maintenance. On the other hand, no use was made until now from the Nile Flower after being removed from the water. Internationally, the Nile Flower has not been economically exploited for several reasons. Mainly, the flower contains 95% of its weight water, accordingly, the cost of its removal from the water then separating the part to be industrialized is not economically tempting. However, Abdin noted that each part of the plant can be used in a different industry: the leaves and trunk for animal fodder, the nape (neck) of the leaves for producing coal, while the roots can be used to produce artificial soil.

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Dr. Mostafa Al Bakshawan, professor at Alexandria Agriculture University adds that the Nile Flower, though it reduces the rate of pollution by 75 to 80% and improves the quality of the water by absorbing some hazardous elements such as arsenic, cobalt and nickel from the water, it impedes the canals and drainage system.

He advises that the plant should remain in the water for a while, but when it reaches a certain level of proliferation, removing it will become necessary. It is noteworthy to mention that each kilogram of the dried Nile Flower produces 374 liters of biogas, and that when combined with sugarcane honey and orange, it is a nourishing meal for animals. p

Advertorial

Mercedes-Benz holds the 9th round of “MercedesTrophy – Egypt National Final 2017 Golf tournament” Following 3 qualifier sessions in Cairo, Giza & Alexandria - The MercedesTrophy 2017 National Final concludes at Sokhna Golf club

ercedes-Benz Egypt has concluded its 9th round of the “MercedesTrophy” annual golf tournament in Egypt. This year’s national final was marked by 72 golfers competing throughout two days of skilled golfing playoffs. The MercedesTrophy - Egypt National Final 2017 has been played at the Sokhna Golf Club on the 19th and 20th of May 2017. On the first day of the national final, a special “Drive to the Major” competition took place, as well as an official Hawaiian themed welcome event for the golfers and guests, which included lively entertainment in a classy ambience. This year’s competition also featured the “Hole in One”, an independent competition for the proficient participants of the MercedesTrophy-Egypt National Final 2017.

“Both Mercedes-Benz Egypt and the MercedesTrophy have a long standing & successful history in Egypt and this year is no exception. With 37 National Finals played worldwide, the MercedesTrophy Egypt National Final featured several world class acts and exceptional “money can’t buy” experiences. Said Thomas Zorn, CEO and President ~ Mercedes-Benz Egypt. I would like to extend my congratulations to the winners of this year’s MercedesTrophy National Final and the winner of the “Drive to the Major” competition, and I hope their upcoming golf participations at the outstanding MercedesTrophy World Final will be fulfilling and alluring”.

Three Egyptian winners, which are Mercedes-Benz owners will travel to Stuttgart, Germany to compete at the MercedesTrophy World Final next October to represent Mercedes-Benz Team Egypt and compete with other qualifying golfers from over 60 countries.

In order to be able to participate at the prestigious MercedesTrophy Egypt National Final, all players competed throughout 3 qualifying rounds taking place across some of Egypt’s most competitive and skill demanding – 18 hole golf courses in Alexandria, Giza & Cairo, namely, the Alexandria Sporting Club, the Allegria Golf Club and the Katameya Dunes Golf Club. Each qualification round was a full fledge MercedesBenz Experience, in its luxury, elegance and class. As a yearly tradition, following all the green action and intense golfing, all the competitors enjoyed a Gala lunch & prizes for the qualifying players.

It is worth mentioning that the “Drive to the Major” competition winner, who achieved the straightest drive closest to a marked line will receive VIP access to the 2017 Open Championship to be played at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in England from 20 to 23 July 2017.

Over years filled with passion, competition and sportsmanship, the MercedesTrophy has become one of the most important amateur series in the world, and the MercedesTrophy Egypt has also become the most prominent event in the Egyptian golfing scene.

Education

British Egyptian Cooperation at the Outstanding Leaners Achievement Ceremony A Talk with Cambridge Examinations’ CEO

t goes without saying that the reform of education is the foundation of any country’s progress, be it economic, political, social or scientific. An event held last March brought about some hope in this regard as the Cambridge International Examination in cooperation with the British Council recognized the achievements of 79 outstanding Egyptian students from Egyptian schools offering the Cambridge curriculum.

The grand ceremony held at the premises of the British embassy in Cairo was attended by the UK ambassador, H.E. John Casson, the newly appointed Egyptian Minister of Education, Dr. Tarek Shawky, and the CEO of Cambridge Examinations, Michael O’Sullivan. This celebration of achievement was just an introduction to a number of promising projects within the framework of the British Egyptian cooperation for the reform of education. The honored students who were all seated on the stage to receive the ‘Outstanding Cambridge Learner’ have scored the highest in Cambridge senior examinations; IGCSE taken by students at the end of grade 10, the Cambridge AS level taken in grade 11 and the Cambridge A levels taken in grade 12. We talked with the CEO of Cambridge Examinations during his short visit to Egypt for an exclusive interview.

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By Hania Moheeb When asked about the main characteristics of the Cambridge education system, he said, “On one hand, it is holistic education; and not about learning separate subjects. It is also about developing the overall characteristics of the child. We emphasize five Cambridge learner attributes: confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged. However, it is also important to prepare for university and for life by learning deep knowledge.” O’Sullivan goes on explaining that the system also involves helping students “learn how to understand themselves as learners” as they believe that this does not stop at the end of school or university, but is rather a continuous process in the 21st Century to keep up with the rapid changes in the world.

Casson revealed promising plans when he said that the program the UK is carrying out with the Egyptian government has already trained 25,000 public school teachers and aims at reaching 100,000 teachers over the next few years.

The best part of the celebration came about upon the announcement of the names of the top six students in the world in specific subjects, namely: physics, accounting, sociology, French as a foreign language, travel and tourism and mathematics. Mohamed Tawfik, graduate of St. Fatima School Nasr City, mentioned, “I am currently studying engineering at the American University in Cairo. It is different from physics yet I noticed that I manage better than my colleagues in physics courses.” Tawfik thinks that the Cambridge system is so distinct because it allows for a broader choice and it exposes students to the latest scientific finds. Another top six achiever is Yara Hamed who scored the best in French as a foreign language. Hamed, a student of the Arab Academy for Science and Technology, says that she did not expect to be named as the top in the world, “I love French and was very keen on enhancing my knowledge of it yet the score came as a surprise.” Yara plans on pursuing a university degree in a subject other than French. “You achieved great results and I hope you inspire your peers in Egypt to learn and reach new heights. The collaboration of Cambridge in education is solid and we are working on projects that will make a positive difference in the country,” said Egypt’s Minister of Education, proudly addressing the honored students. The promising cooperation does not stop here as Casson mentioned that by 2018, 70 partnerships will be established between Egyptian and British universities, and a fund of 100 million Egyptian Pounds will be added to the Newton/Mesharafa Fund for science and innovation. He also praised the outstanding achievement of the students saying that it manifests the great potential of Egyptian students when given quality education. In his speech, Casson revealed promising plans when he said that the program the UK is carrying out with the Egyptian government has already trained

25,000 public school teachers and aims at reaching 100,000 teachers over the next few years. More insight about this promising cooperation was given by O’Sullivan about the major project that his organization has been carrying out over the last six years: Nile International Egyptian Schools. “We are working with the government to develop a new bilingual curriculum taught partly in Arabic, partly in English and covering the whole curriculum from primary school to the end of school. Currently, it is well developed in five pilot schools in different parts of Egypt and we are looking forward to working with our Egyptian partners to expand this program. I think it could have a dramatic impact on learning in public education in Egypt. It is certainly a big morale boost for Egyptians to know that steps are being taken to improve education, yet the long legacy of poor funding, neglect and wrong decisions can represent a challenge to those working on the project. When asked about the main challenges, O’Sullivan said, “You need to have a realistic time plan and you need patience. Also, a principle that applies everywhere, including Egypt, is that successful reform of education must focus on the quality of the teachers and that in practice means helping teachers improve and develop.” We also asked O’Sullivan to comment on the suggestion made by one of Egypt’s notable IT experts a couple of years ago implying that there is a shorter road to the improvement of education and this involves empowering students with tablets to help them educate themselves. The Cambridge Examinations CEO did not seem to entirely agree with this opinion, “I have three comments to make on this matter: the first comment being that there are no quick remedies in education. Secondly, technology can certainly help improve education when it is used well. Lastly, it is almost impossible to succeed if we neglect or marginalize the role of teachers in education.” p june 2017 | Ct

Real People

Photographer Masters Sight Disability

By Rehab Saad

Dr. Nazih Georges Rizk lost his sight at the age of 16 due to a severe attack on his face by one of his colleagues. Although he went through ten operations in Egypt and England, they were all unfortunately unsuccessful.

ithout giving up hope, Dr. Rizk decided to overcome his disability by continuing his studies in specialized schools for blind people in Zeitoun, and after high school, he completed his Bachelor and Masters in Sociology from the Faculty of Arts. Deciding to become a professional photographer, he has changed people’s idea that photography, by default, depends mainly on our abstract eye to understand the scene we are shooting. “Losing my eyesight motivated me to focus on my other senses and their importance and functions, later realizing that these senses became the main pillars of my life. We have to use them to grow their capabilities,” he commented. Dr. Rizk later became a lecturer, teaching his students the importance of the other four senses, whether they have disabilities or not, and now has followers from all around the world.

How it Started

When asked how he decided he wanted to become a photographer, Dr. Rizk mentioned, “One of my friends gave me a camera, unaware that I had become blind, and at the same time, my knowledge about photography and cameras was limited. I began to take weak and unclear photos, which improved with practice by increasing my dependency on the senses of touch and hearing. I usually note down my remarks of the shot, so that I can compare notes, and after many attempts, my photos became more artistic.”

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“Moreover, I have an assistant who describes to me the entire scene I want to shoot, and then I choose the angle accordingly using my imagination. This might take days or even months to put together,” he added. Dr. Rizk’s first exhibition was sponsored by Al Ahram Caritas Egypt in July 1987. In April of the following year, he was nominated by the Ministry of Social Affairs to travel to the United States, representing Egypt as the first blind photographer in this art form in the world. After that, he settled in Nebraska in 1992 and completed his PhD in the art of sensory photography in the United Sates in 2001. Dr. Rizk’s artistic photos are displayed in over 45 states, as well as in Egypt at Al Ahram, the Press Union and the 6th of October University.

Takfik Namati TV

Dr. Rizk did not stop there, but in 2012, he founded Takfik Namati, the live streaming channel in California, and in 2013 he launched a second branch in St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Abbaseya, Egypt. Takfik Namati is a non-profit channel that depends mainly on donations. “The painful experience I lived inspired me to think more broadly about other people with disabilities and the need to change the society’s behaviour towards them, especially in Egypt, as they do not receive all of their rights. For example, they should have the right to have a place in schools and universities, a place in the parliament and the right to participate in the government. We have rights in all aspects of economic, education and sovereign positions,” he expressed. “My aim is to grant those with disabilities their rights as designated by the United Nations. The organization presents illiteracy courses, directing them to schools and institutes, in addition to creating chances for technical education for individuals who are not interested in joining the university. The channel provides these people with health care programs, as well as holding training workshops for individuals and families dealing with the disabled. We also provide them with suitable job opportunities and train the handicapped according to the disability of each on various works,” explained Dr. Rizk. “Three of the board members of the channel have different disabilities, and we have employed skillful and well-trained staff, the majority of them also with disabilities. The channel will also present political, sports, economic and social programs. It is a wide-ranging and diverse channel, and our slogan is: ‘Disability is a disability of spirit and thought, but there is no physical disability,’” he elaborated. “I hope that businessmen contribute to the expansion of this channel.” Takfik Namati is planning to hold training sessions for the blind on computers with screen readers, for students up to any age, and will remain in communication with universities and big institutions all over the world in order to help people with special needs achieve scholarships. The channel is also planning some projects for the handicapped, like providing them with means of transport, medical aspects, family consciousness, development projects, recreational clubs and artistic regards, as well as paving the way for them to explore all these fields.

Other Achievements

Dr. Rizk held several exhibitions in the field of photographic art in the East and West. He is the second person from Egypt after the late president Anwar Al-Sadat who was honored with the Kennedy Gold Medal from the Kennedy Center for Arts in Washington DC. He also holds many awards from all over the world as well as the keys of global cities, including the Gold Medal of the Al-Ahram newspaper in 1995. p

june 2017 | Ct

MIND, BODY & SOUL

ExErcisEs to do WhilE sitting doWn

With the approach of Ramadan and the summer holiday simultaneously, many of us are looking to stay in shape while saving our energy for long days of fasting, or avoiding spending too much time sitting at our desks when we could be participating in a small workout. Here are some exercises you can do while sitting on a chair:

Elbow Curls To work your chest, shoulders and biceps, bend your elbows at a ninety-degree angle and raise your arms at your sides, so your fists are at the same level as your head. Bring both your elbows and arms together slowly, before opening them again.

Reps: 30

Chair Dips

Bring your leg up off the ground and rotate your ankles, alternating the direction every five seconds. This exercise strengthens your ankle and increases its flexibility, in order to reduce the likelihood of sprains or injuries.

This workout strengthens your shoulders and triceps. Sit on the edge of your chair with your arms at your sides parallel to your body and with your fingers just over the edge of the seat. Lean forward and lower your body down towards the ground off your chair, and hold, counting to five, before pushing yourself back onto the seat.

lEg lifts This simple exercise aims to improve your hips and thighs and strengthen your core. Start by placing both of your feet flat on the floor, and lift your right leg up straight until it is approximately at a ninety-degree angle to your body, keeping your back straight, and then repeat with your left leg.

Reps: 40 for each leg

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For back relief and strengthening your triceps and core, press-ups are the perfect exercise. With both your feet on the ground facing forward, place your hands on the arm rests of the chair and push, keeping your back and head straight, lifting your body off the chair. Keep pushing until your arms are straight, before slowly bending your arms again and lowering your body back to the chair.

anKlE rotations

Reps: 40 for each leg

prEss-ups

Reps: 30 KnEE CrunChEs This exercise works your oblique and core muscles. While sitting down, bring your right elbow to touch your left knee, twisting your torso, before returning to your seated position. Repeat this with the opposite elbow and knee. Make sure you bend forward a little so you can feel the contraction of your core muscles. p

Reps: 30

‫كل عام و أنتم بخير‪...‬‬

‫رمضان كريم‬

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fter their huge success in New Cairo, the leading real estate company DMG launched their much-awaited project, Mountain View iCity October, a new housing project located in 6th of October City; behind Mall of Arabia and the Shooting Club.

A VIP event brought together top society guests to celebrate the launch including government officials, businessmen from Egypt and Saudi Arabia, along with celebrities and socialites. The phenomenally successful event also saw a steady flow of clients turn up to register and secure their iCity October unit, which is finished in the traditional Mountain View style.

Mr. Ayman Ismail, non-executive chief officer of the new administrative capital & CEO of DMG, and Engineer Amr Soliman, founder and CEO of Mountain View, spoke about the new project, along with revealing the project in a 4D format to the guests. Mr. Mostafa Madbouli, Minister of Housing, Utilities and Urban Development, Mr. Ayman Ismail, and Mr. Mohamed El Daban, CEO of Sisban group, shared their visions about the new 50 billion EGP residential project and expectations for the Egyptian real estate market during the event. Attendees included known figures such as Youssef Hossaini, Khairi Ramadan, Ahmed Sallem, Amr Rizk, Ragaa El-Gedawy, Maya Shehia and Mohamed Shakankiri, as well as Head of the Tourism Development Authority, Mr. Hisham El Demery, Spokesperson of the Egyptian Armed Forces Mohamed Samir and his wife TV presenter Eman Abou Taleb, and businessmen Mansour El Gammal, Ihab Talaat, Gohar Nabiel, and Gamal Salah. The event was hosted by the graceful Jasmine Taha Zaki, and the night came to a perfect end with veteran pianist Omar Khairat playing some of his most popular western, oriental fusion compositions.

DESTINATIONS Scenes

Exploring Siwa By Rawan Abdel Latif

Known for its natural hot springs, Siwa Oasis is an underrated treasure near the western border of Egypt, and is home to many historical monuments dating back to the pharaohs, breathtaking natural landscapes and the Great Sand Sea.

s temperatures soar during the summer time, our group of friends decided to travel mid-April, when there was still a lovely spring breeze. In order to get the full Siwa experience, we turned to eMZee Club, one of the organizers for desert and diving trips around Egypt, who had planned a visit to Siwa during Easter break that included a day of sightseeing and a day of off-roading.

A group of five cars, we made our way to Marsa Matruh first via the new Dabaa’ road, where we stopped for coffee before continuing another 300 kilometers on a one-lane road to Siwa, making the total number of kilometers travelled reaching an estimated 800. Our first impression of the city was how beautiful and ecofriendly it was. All the buildings were basic, even the gas stations seemed like they had not been upgraded for decades. However, locals choose to live that way, away from any effects of technology, preserving their beautiful culture and avoiding

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straying away from their roots. Large, intertwining palm trees surround each road, landmark and pool of water, creating a peaceful and cozy atmosphere that I have yet to feel anywhere else.

AccommodAtion And trAnsportAtion We arrived at the city at around six in the evening, where we checked into the Paradise Hotel before making our way to dinner. The hotel was very basic, offering the bare necessities, but that was just what we wanted, and it added to the ecological element of living by the desert. It had a restaurant that did not offer a large variety of food, but was of great quality, and everyone who worked there was extremely hospitable and friendly. The hotel was also right next to most of the markets, and not too far away from the hot springs, proving to be the perfect location. We moved around the city mostly by car, occasionally moving on foot when we visited the markets and certain monuments. There is however what the locals call “Taxi Siwa”, a tok tok that can take you to any place you want.

Historical MonuMents Mountain of the Dead

On the outskirts of Siwa, you can find The Mountain of the Dead, a large hill that holds the tombs of 1,400 people, aside from those of higher ranks whose tombs are engraved with detailed depictions from the time of the pharaohs. Many of the tombs were unfortunately affected by the second world war, however, one of the tombs we entered was large, with side rooms, and had inscriptions of Nut, the goddess of the sky, as well as Anubis, the god of mummification and afterlife. Another tomb we entered was for the creature known as Nebr Batut, one of the oldest tombs in the area as the inscriptions were monotone. The third tomb we visited had the drawings of Isis and Osiris, and a king and queen of Egypt, who were married siblings. You can climb up to the top of the mountain, where you get to see the remarkable view of Siwa, as well as its beautiful oases and the palm trees that surround it.

june 2017 | Ct

Scenes

Cultural and Natural Heritage Center

This center gathers all of Siwa’s traditions, heritage and unique characteristics, where visitors can get a first-hand look at the locals’ roots. Also included is a screening room that plays documentaries as well as a computer with a search engine that further adds to visitors’ knowledge of the area. In the museum, you get to see what women’s traditional clothing for certain occasions were, like a woman’s wedding dress, the dress she wears three days after the wedding when her cousins are visiting, as well as a black printed dress that she wears when her mother comes to visit after seven days of marriage. We also got to see their detailed, heavy silver jewelry, as well as their beautifully woven bread baskets, the agriculture tools used, kitchens and ovens and the room in which the children would gather around their grandmother, who would be responsible for teaching them manners and the local way of life.

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Temple of the Oracle of Amun

This temple, dedicated to the god of the sun Amun, is said to be the only one in Egypt that worships one God, which has several buildings around it that the locals built in high grounds to feel safe. One of the famous visitors to this monument was Alexander the Great, during his time in Egypt.

Natural laNdmarks Hot Springs

On our first night, we made our way to the camp: Aman Ykden. Secluded in the middle of palm trees, this camp was not only home to a natural hot spring, but it also offered food and beverage services, presenting guests with their famous hot drink â&#x20AC;&#x153;Louisaâ&#x20AC;?, the perfect taste between ginger and lemon, as well as a Bedouin area set for a campfire and a tent. In the shape of a small pool, the water was steaming hot. This natural source of water is known to be a healing therapy that people travel especially to Siwa to try. On our second day there, they set up a tent where we enjoyed a perfect Bedouin dinner of charcoaled chicken and goat that was cooked in the sand underground, a method very common in Siwa. We also visited the Cleopatra Eye on the second day, another hot spring in the middle of Siwa, also with a seated lounge area beside it. It is larger than Aman Ykden, however, it is less secluded, as it is located on a popular road. june 2017 | Ct

Scenes

Salt Lakes

On the edge of Siwa, as you approach its desert, there is an endless number of salt lakes. If you have a local tour guide along with you as we did, he will be able to take you to one of the larger lakes, where you get to experience swimming as you would in the Dead Sea, constantly afloat. However, if you do decide to swim, I would advise avoiding any water contact with your eyes or any injuries, as the water is extremely salty.

Great Sand Sea

On our final full day, we prepared the necessary permits to enter the famous desert known as the Great Sand Sea, which parts of it was originally underwater, and so you can still pass through it and admire different fossils of sea creatures, most of which are surrounded by bars to preserve them. Although only a small section of it is open for offroaders due to the security conditions, the area is vast and beautiful, the dunes proving to be like no other in Egypt, forming incredible wave-like shapes, a haven for off-road lovers. Aside from the adventure, you can also visit Beer Wahed, a natural spring in the middle of the desert, which is smaller than the rest of the ones in Siwa, however, is a great spot to relax and cool down from the sun. As we got permission to stay in the desert overnight, we made our way to the Semens camp at sunset, a large area surrounded by rocks that the locals lit up with candles, creating a breathtaking atmosphere. There were many people in the area, both foreigners and Egyptians, all seated

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in different tent-like areas waiting for their dinner. Sitting down by the camp fire, the locals provided us with their traditional Louisa drink, before setting up a long table filled with pasta, duck and chicken, the meat cooked in the sand in a barrel with a campfire on top, which we luckily got to witness. There is something magical about relaxing by the fire, listening to music in the middle of the desert, with a candlelit dinner and away from any cellphone reception.

LocaLs and the Markets The locals I have met there were hands down some of the friendliest, most welcoming people I have ever met. Most of them are very well educated and are able to speak several languages fluently. I was also surprised by the amount of foreigners that were visiting Siwa, and after talking to some of them, I realized that a lot of the expat community here regularly travel to Siwa, despite the long commute and security issues. As expected, the markets there were incredible and endless, all stocked up with beautiful colored bags, clothes, bracelets and carpets, to name a few, as well as their well-known local oils and food and drink products. We spent our last morning in Siwa, hours before leaving, walking around the market and buying as many souvenirs as possible, vowing that we would return once more. p june 2017 | Ct

DESTINATIONS Travel Travel

Tips on How to Travel on a Budget

By Rana Kamaly

Traveling has recently become much more costly after the devaluation of the pound, requiring a lot of effort and planning to be able to travel on a budget. Most of us need to take a break from our daily lives to go somewhere unique and fulfilling, and with the following tips, you do not have to spend years worth of savings to do that. All these tips mostly apply to trips you are planning yourself, and not through an agency.

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Traveling to Europe Visa and Bookings •

Book a visa appointment as soon as you know when you are traveling, noting that the latest you can take an appointment is 90 days from the date you are planning to return.

•

Make sure your hotel and flight bookings are refundable so that if for any reason the visa was not issued, you are on the safe side. Also, there is something called an “unconfirmed flight ticket” that you can have issued from most travel agencies and airline companies that the embassy accepts.

•

When booking a flight, always compare price tickets amongst different airlines and try different dates to spot the cheapest. You can use Skyscanner to compare prices.

•

Do not forget to check the luggage policy to make sure it suits you. If you have to buy the extra luggage space, then buying online is almost always cheaper.

•

If you are traveling to more than one city, most of the internal flights do not have the checked in luggage included in the price ticket, so you have to reserve it in advance or pack lightly to save money and so it is easier to move around.

•

If it is a possibility, then travel during the off-season (October through April), as flights and hotels are much cheaper, and the cities will be less crowded.

Accommodation •

•

If you are traveling alone and are only using your hotel room as a place to sleep, then hostels in Europe would be the perfect choice, as it is much cheaper and will allow you to mingle with new people. If you are two people, then consider the three star hotels, but read the reviews first to make sure it fits your standards. If you are flexible, check out the prices during different dates to ensure you are getting a good deal.

•

Try different booking sites to find the best price. Sites like Momondo and Trivago compare the hotel prices across different booking sites.

•

If you are more than two people, then consider booking an apartment through Airbnb.

•

Combine a mixture of expensive and cheaper cities to stay longer and explore more.

using free Wi-Fi that is available in most shopping centers, hotels, restaurants and airports, rather than buying a local sim card or making international calls. •

Go on the free walking tours, as you will be able to discover more in less time and with the help of experts.

•

Use museum passes, especially if you are planning to visit a lot of them, they will be less costly than individual tickets.

•

Keep track of each penny you spend so you know where you are spending your money, and make a daily budget that you can’t exceed so you do not run out of money in the middle of your trip.

Traveling to Asia Visa and Bookings •

Plan your trip as early as possible. For most countries, you do not need a visa or even if you do, there are no restrictions to when you can apply.

•

Book the flight tickets a year ahead if you can, and compare flight tickets from across different providers.

Transportation •

Use public transportation, and in some cities like Barcelona, if you are more than one person, taking an Uber would be the cheapest option.

•

If you are four people, then renting a car is probably cheaper, however, make sure the fuel prices are low and pick a car model that is fuel-efficient.

•

You do not have to eat in a restaurant everyday, but rather treat yourself to street food. You can also count on the supermarket or a bakery for breakfast.

•

If you are traveling to more than one city, buses are the cheapest way around. Trains and planes are almost the same price. Although planes are faster, trains take you to and from the city center, so you are saving transportation costs as well.

•

If you decide to take the train, then take the night train, as you will be saving hotel fees for the night and saving yourself a day.

•

Walk around from place to place whenever you can. This will save you transportation costs and will allow you to see more of the city. If you are traveling to a lot of cities, then consider a rail pass, but make sure you understand the criteria and guidelines as each pass has its own restrictions.

Exploring •

Planning to shop? Then plan your trip around the sales period, and shop from outlets, as they are cheaper.

•

Group the main attractions you want to visit daily by location so you limit transportation costs.

•

Drink tap water if advised by locals to save the mineral water money.

•

Communicate through WhatsApp or Messenger

Accommodation •

Divide your stay across different hotels. Pick a luxurious room with a perfect view for two days and stay in a clean room closer to the areas you want to discover for the rest of your trip.

Transportation •

Explore by foot or rent a very cheap Vespa or scooter. Scooters are the cheapest and most common method of transportation in most of the cities.

Exploring •

Bargaining is your most important tool. All street vendors and small shops can be bargained down to half, but be smart and polite with your bargaining to avoid any issues with the locals.

•

Do all your shopping in the street, as you will get good deals and nice authentic hand made products.

•

Change your money on a daily basis as exchange rates are constantly changing, and make sure to count them before you leave.

•

Do not go to a shop that is selling the local currency way higher than the others as it is usually a scam.

The most important piece of advice would be to make a daily plan of your trip, including what landmarks you want to visit and what activities you want to do even before issuing the visa, as you will be able to create an estimated spending budget that you can stick to. Also, if you know someone who has been to that place before, ask for their advice on what to see and where to stay, as they always have small tips from their personal experiences. p

june 2017 | Ct

CALENDAR JUNE 2017 Music

June 9th

story telling Khatty El Attaba, story telling by Doum Haky

French Institute, 1 Madreseet El Hokouk Street, Mounira 9:30 pm

ART

June 1st – september 10th

Five Contemporary Artists’ exhibition A unique collaboration between five contemporary Egyptian artists for the upcoming exhibition showing selected artworks from the 1980s.

ART

June 1st – 10th

“Art Lovers” exhibition

A group exhibition by Omar El Nagdi, George Bahgoury, Gerges Lotfi, Ahmed Selim, Adel Tharwat, Emad Rizk, Emad Abou Zeid, Hassan Rashed, Ahmed Sakr, Mohamed Damarawi and many others.

Adel El Siwi, Mohamed Abla, Nazli Madkour, Omar El Fayoumi and Samir Fouad Soma Art School and Gallery, Mohamed Mazhar Street, Zamalek Tel: 0122 242 9292 Daily except Friday, from 12 pm to 9 pm

Al Kahila Art Gallery, 15, El Batal Ahmed Abdel Aziz Street. Gallery hours during Ramadan: Daily from 11 am until 3 pm and from 8 pm until 11 pm, except Fridays

June 10th

Cairo symphony Orchestra

Music

Main Hall, Cairo Opera House 8 pm

June 9th

Dance music

Music

June 14th

Music

piano recital

El Tanoura Performance Traditional troupe performance

Soloist Omar Khairat

Wekalet El Ghoury, El Ghuri Complex, Fatimid Cairo 9:30 pm

Main Hall, Cairo Opera House 8 pm

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June 23rd

RaMadan events

ramadan evening el Mawlawia el Masria ensemble with Amer el Touny

Al Mawlaweya Al Masreya was founded by its vocalist and intellectual leader Amer El Tony in 1994, by which he tried to spread the Egyptian Mawlawi heritage all over the world to prove that Egypt has its privacy of heritage among the nations, which in turn proves its distinctive cultural entity.

Music

June 18Th

harp recital With Manal Mohie el din and Anamel Sharkia

Open Air Theater, Cairo Opera House 9:30 pm

Winner of the State Incentive Award for Arts in 2013, Manal Mohie El Din brings the harp to a wide audience. Open Air Theater, Cairo Opera House 8:30 pm

RaMadan events June 4Th

Wahabiat Arab Music Institute, Cairo Opera House

June 6Th And 7Th

Sufi Singing El Hadra Ensemble June 22nd

Music

Jazz Concert Yehia Khalil - A legend in his own time. He is one of the most respected and talked about drummers, bandleaders, creative producers, star makers and jazz musicians, and is a phenomenon in the music scene today. Open Air Theater, Cairo Opera House 9:30 pm

Open Air Theater, Cairo Opera House 9:30 pm

June 8Th

ramadan evening

June 17Th

RaMadan events

rai and Arabic Songs

Dina El Wedady and her Ensemble

Ezz El Ostoul Band

Open Air Theatre 9:30 pm

Open Air Theater, Cairo Opera House 9:30 pm June 2017 | Ct

CALENDAR JUNE 2017 Ramadan events

June 11th

Religious Singing

Mahmoud El Tohamy - a religious chanter and the head of the Egyptian association of religious Hymns and litanies.

June 12th

Ramadan evening Ayamna el helwa ensemble

Ramadan events

The band consists of 16 singers led by maestro Mohamed Osman. With a collection of beautiful songs, the band offers a range of monologues for Ismail Yassin, Mounir Murad and others. Open Air Theater, Cairo Opera House 9:30 pm

Open Air Theater, Cairo Opera House 9:30 pm

June 13th

heritage Soufi Singing Ehab Younis - a religious singer who will be presenting a collection of Ibtehalat and Anasheed that purify the self and soul together. Open Air Theater, Cairo Opera House 9:30 pm

music

June 18th

Kolthoumiat A night dedicated to Om Kolthoum’s greatest hits. Arab Music Institute, Cairo Opera House 8 pm

June 4th – 14th

2017 hayy Festival The annual Hayy Festival, which brings folklore and cross-cultural music to El Genaina, will mark the first week of June. This year, there will be a special focus on music from different parts of Africa. Genaina Theater, Azhar Park

June 9th

Ramadan evening Abo Shaar ensemble

Ramadan events

They started Praise since childhood when their band in 1983. Four of them were united to form a band of little sprouts that praises the prophet Mohammad. This band took the name of the companion “Abo Ayub Elansari” the name of the mosque where they graduated in the town of Alzahra, Damascus. Now they live and perform in Egypt. Open Air Theater, Cairo Opera House 9:30 pm

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June 14th

Ramadan events

Ramadan evening nesma Abdel Aziz Band Nesma Abdel Aziz will be accompanied by her band to perform their combination of classical and modern music using a mix between Western and Arab instruments, all in a unique performance. Open Air Theatre, Cairo Opera House 9:30 pm

Cuisine

The Evolution of

Ramadan Desserts

By Yossra Goueli

egular konafa just does not make the cut anymore. These days, the quintessential Ramadan dessert has to carry a little something extra, be it fruit, Nutella or even food coloring. For the past few years, Ramadan desserts in Egypt have added a twist, with confectioners and dessert stores across the country getting more experimental by the year. Chocolate Om Ali bowls, blueberry cheesecake konafas and red velvet zalabya cups are now completely acceptable post-iftar fixtures welcomed at family and friend gatherings throughout the holy month. We believe it may have all started with the “konafa bel manga” craze back in Ramadan of 2011. Just in time for mango season, the new innovative dessert, simply consisting of fresh mango slices and cream stuffed inside konafa, immediately swept the nation, polarizing millions of unsuspecting Egyptians. While many embraced the creation, konafa purists were horrified by the audacity to mess with a traditional regional delicacy. Nevertheless, konafa bel manga was a huge hit, ushering in a wave of annual “east meets west” desserts. Stuffing our beloved Ramadan pastries with Nutella soon followed and neither qatayef, balah-al-sham, nor konafa were safe from the gooey chocolate hazelnut spread. The following year, confectioners took the idea of putting a Western spin on Ramadan desserts to a whole new level with the introduction of the “red velvet” movement, with basbousa, konafa, qatayef and more sweets getting the red food coloring treatment. Not all creative ideas are a hit though; the short-lived “blue velvet” fad hoped to mirror its red counterpart’s success but failed to gain traction. Perhaps even before konafa bel manga became mainstream, Nola Cupcakes was one of the first to introduce the idea of

Ct | june may 2017 2017

Westernized oriental sweets with their konafa and 3asaleya cupcakes introduced many Ramadans ago, to name just one example. Several restaurants also opt to “Ramadanize” their desserts every year; Mince’s Elvis French Toast (stuffed with Nutella and banana slices), for instance, got the Ramadan treatment last year, with its toast replaced with konafa. Every year, big-name confectioners like Coppermelt, Duke’s, La Poire, Sale Sucre and many others all compete to introduce the most outlandish, out-of-the-box and delicious dessert ideas hoping it will successfully take the country by storm. Nowadays, desserts have gone overboard, combining multiple ingredients and-increasingly-multiple dessert types. Devour’s Ramabomb creation was the epitome of this idea, consisting of “chunks of red velvet, brownies, chocolate chips, konafa cubes, melted Cadbury, and mixed together with cream cheese”. La Poire’s Konafa-Basbousa Pistachio Cake creation was another, proving that these innovations have surpassed limits, norms and even basic taste. While the more classic sweets that have been around for generations reflect authenticity, affordability and mass appeal, the new-age desserts are perceived to be more upscale, Westernized, and forward-thinking, reflecting the very demographic they cater to. This same target audience would not mind spending over 200 EGP for dessert, unlike the average Egyptian. These increasingly bizarre concoctions have become so widespread that those looking to buy a good old-fashioned no-frills konafa or basbousa may face trouble finding them. In fact, the simple act of eating an oriental pastry without any of the embellishments has become a resistance against all that is trendy, fashionable, or “in”. With the Egyptian dessert industry booming all year round and new confectioners frequently appearing on the map, one could predict that we will be seeing even more imaginative spins on our beloved Ramadan staples in 2017 and in the years to come. p

june May 2017 | Ct

Cuisine

Innovative Ramadan Dessert Recipes Chocolate Baklava Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

¾ cup honey ½ cup water 1 cinnamon stick 1 cup hazelnut-chocolate spread (like Nutella) ½ cup toasted hazelnuts, chopped ½ cup toasted pistachios, chopped ¼ cup toasted almonds, chopped ¼ cup toasted walnuts, chopped ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon Pinch of salt Cooking spray 24 sheets of puff pastry ½ cup butter, melted

Directions: • Preheat oven to 175C. • Combine the honey, water and cinnamon stick in a medium saucepan over a low heat and stir until honey dissolves. • Increase heat to medium and cook without stirring for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and keep warm. Discard cinnamon stick. • Melt the hazelnut-chocolate spread in a microwave or over a water bath. • Separately combine together all the nuts, the ground cinnamon and the salt. • Lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray. Working with 1 sheet of puff pastry at a time, covering the remaining dough to prevent drying, place 1 sheet in the bottom of the dish and lightly brush with butter. • Repeat procedure with 5 sheets and butter. Drizzle about one-third of a cup of melted chocolate spread over the sheets. Sprinkle evenly with one-third of the nut mixture. Repeat procedure twice with the dough, butter, chocolate spread and nut mixture. • Top last layer of the nut mixture with the remaining 6 sheets of puff pastry, each lightly brushed with butter. Press gently into pan. • Make 3 lengthwise cuts and 5 crosswise cuts to form 24 portions using a sharp knife. • Bake for 35 minutes or until golden. • Remove from oven and drizzle the honey mixture over baklava.

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Stuffed Dates Ingredients: • • • • • •

12 pitted dates 50 grams softened cream cheese 1 tablespoon honey Pinch of ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon sugar (optional) 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts, and more for garnish, if desired

Directions: • Slice 12 dates down one side longwise. Set aside. • Stir cream cheese together with honey, cinnamon, sugar and chopped walnuts. • Fill each date with about 1 teaspoon of filling. • Top with more walnuts if desired for garnish.

Red Velvet Konafa Cups Ingredients: • ½ kilogram konafa • 4 tablespoons margarine • Lemon syrup (water, lemon and sugar) • 2¼ cups flour • 1½ cups sugar • 1 teaspoon cocoa powder • 2 eggs • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 1 cup milk • 3¼ cups vegetable oil • 1½ teaspoons baking powder • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 3 tablespoons vinegar • Pinch of salt • 2 teaspoons red food coloring • Frosting • 400 grams cream cheese • 2 cups fresh cream or whipping cream

Directions: • Preheat the oven to 180C. • Mix together the oil and sugar, then add the eggs

and vanilla. • Sift the baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, flour and salt well before adding them to the egg mixture. • In a separate bowl, mix together the vinegar with the milk, and then add to the mixture before adding the food coloring. • Place the batter in a round baking dish and bake in the oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. • Melt the margarine before covering the konafa with it and hand mixing them well together until the konafa becomes fluffy. Place in a baking dish and bake in the oven at 200C until it turns golden. • In an electric mixer, add the cream cheese and fresh cream together and mix well. • In each cup, add a layer of red velvet cake, followed by a layer of the cream mixture then a layer of konafa, and repeat one more time in the cup. p

june 2017 | Ct

Society Launch of Mountain Viewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iCity October Last month, a huge event was held for the launch of Mountain Viewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new housing project in 6 October City. The event was held at the Nile Ritz Carlton with top invitees including the Saudi partner Sisban Group. The night came to an end with Veteran pianist Omar Khairat playing his most popular music compositions. p

Ct | june 2017

june 2017 | Ct

Society Fashion Avenue Launches its Newest Store in New Cairo Last month, the boutique Fashion Avenue, which launched a store one year ago in Heliopolis, opened its newest branch in Downtown Mall New Cairo after receiving success and acquiring a wide array of loyal customers. The opening showcased the works of incredible local designers such as Sara Besheir, Saraya and many more, with styling tips and sessions from Sara Abou Elela. The store was founded by a female entrepreneur who saw the talent in Egyptian designers and the need to highlight their exceptional fashion pieces that compete fiercely with international brands. Inspired by current trends, the pieces have refelected designers’ skills as they have been constantly running out of stock. p

Steigenberger Alcazar Sharm El Sheikh: Another Magnificent Addition to Egypt by Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts Deutsche Hospitality is expanding its presence in Egypt by adding the first Steigenberger resort in Sharm to its portfolio, Steigenberger Alcazar – Sharm El Sheikh. The resort is comprised of 610 guestrooms and suites, some with private pools, as well as clusters of villas, three heated swimming pools and five speciality restaurants. The services of “mividaspa”, one of the most professional spa and beauty salon brands in Sharm, is located at the resort. p

Ct | june 2017