Community Times November Issue

November 2017

Since 1996

IN TUNE WITH THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1996

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LIFE THROUGH THE LENS OF A N T I K K A INTERVIEWING

WORLDWIDE ILLUSIONISTS

NIHAL ZAKI:

DESIGN AWARD WINNER

EXPLORING AMSTERDAM

AL DAHABA:

THE ARTISANAL MINERS

www.communitytimes.me

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Contents November 2017 TOWN TALK 06

Destinations

22

Talk of the Town News

Style 10

Elia: Egyptian Footwear Brand

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Soria Mostafa Optics: Vintage Glasses Pioneer

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Interviewing Design Award Winner Nihal Zaki

Culture 22

ART Life Through the Lens of Antikka

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Books This Month’s Recommendations

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Events Events You Do Not Want to Miss

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FIlm November Movie Releases

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Stage Interviewing Three of the World’s Top Illusionists

FEATURES 36

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scenes The Art-Inspired Manyal Palace

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Newly Opened “Bawabat” for Spiritual Retreats

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Hotel Offerings in Egypt

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Travel Visiting Controversial Amsterdam

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Al Dahaba: The Artisanal Miners

Community

November 2017

Since 1996

IN TUNE WITH THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1996

3

LIFE THROUGH THE LENS OF A N T I K K A INTERVIEWING

WORLDWIDE ILLUSIONISTS

40

40

Real People Rising Egyptian Travel Blogger

42

Education Takatof’s New School Project in Matareya

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CUISINE 58

NIHAL ZAKI:

DESIGN AWARD WINNER

Different Ways to Make Turkey for Thanksgiving

EXPLORING AMSTERDAM

AL DAHABA:

THE ARTISANAL MINERS

SOCIETY 62

Cover Credit: © Photograph by Hossam Farouk (Antikka Photography)

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Social Events and Gatherings

Editor’s Note

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

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sually between seasons people feel down-cast and despondent, so this month we thought we would make this issue a happy one.

Photographer Antikka’s journey through his young life should give hope to many youth that if there is a will, there is a way. Also, in the Culture Section of the magazine, there are several lively events that are coming up in November where Angham, Wael Jassar and Carmen Soliman, as well as Maria Del Mar Bonet, will be holding concerts. Maria from Spain sings Balearic songs. The style takes its name from Spain’s Balearic Islands, but it originates from one spot in particular: Ibiza. The Cairo Film Festival, which is being held this month, will probably be bringing some interesting films to Egypt’s cinemas. In the Scenes Section, we are publishing incredible photos of the Manyal Palace Museum, a place that is definitely worth a visit.

Editorial Department Editor-in-chief Moguib Roshdy Acting Editor Najla Riad Assistant Editor Rawan Abdel Latif

Writers Ahmed Kafafi, Mona Bassel, Noha Kandil, Rana Kamaly, Soha Elsirgany, Zaina Hassan Salama and Zeinab Abul Gheit

Art Department Art Director Khadiga El Badan

On another note, the other day, I saw the “boat people” once more, who live on the Nile. We wrote an article about them exactly ten years ago, in November 2007. These are a group of fishermen who live on tiny boats with their families and who fish, cook, eat, sleep and go about their daily lives on those boats. Their children leave during the day and go to school, while the women cook and tidy up and the men sell the fish they catch. It may be sad to know this, but I admire their resilience and if you watch them for a while, you see that they are content with their lives and accepting of their fate.

Finally, for those celebrating Thanksgiving this month, and since it is the season for turkey dishes, we have some recipes for you that you may enjoy in our Cuisine Section.

Senior Graphic Designer Marina Raafat

Sales Department Sales Director Rania Halim

Production MANAGER Enas Adly

Administration Department Distribution Manager Rana Ezzat Salem Salem

Office Manager Magda Adib

Financial Consultants Hazem Abdel Tawab Ahmed Abbas

Office Clerk Mohamed Adel Office Custodian Ismail Othman Distribution Al Ahram, Next Media Mohandessin, Zamalek, Heliopolis, Maadi, Nasr City, New Cairo, 6 October City, Sheikh Zayed City

The Editor 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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CommunityTimesEgypt

@CtimesEgy

Towntalk Most Exquisite Diamonds Offered to the Market at Christie’s Christie’s and de Grisogono worldwide will present: The Art of de Grisogono, forming a partnership that will bring to auction the most exquisite diamonds ever offered to the market. Christie’s forthcoming auction season in Geneva highlights the very best of de Grisogono by presenting a unique necklace suspending a 163.41 carat, D colour, flawless, IIA type diamond.

The sensational 163.41 carat diamond suspended from an elegant emerald and diamond necklace propels de Grisogono into a class of their own.

Established in Geneva, Switzerland in 1993, de Grisogono was founded by Fawaz Gruosi on three pillars: craftsmanship, innovation and creativity. On the eve of the 25th anniversary year of de Grisogono, the founder’s vision is to expand his fine jewellery collection by working exclusively with a handful of the largest, flawless diamonds of perfect polish and symmetry. Combining these unparalleled stones with years of craftsmanship, the first exceptional jewel has been created around the largest D colour, flawless diamond ever to come to auction, a 163.41 carat stone, cut from a 404 carats-rough, which was discovered in early February 2016 in the Lulo mine, located in the Lunda Sul Province in Angola.

In Geneva at de Grisogono, Gruosi, together with his team, created 50 different designs around the 163.41 carat stone and in early February 2017, coinciding with the first anniversary of its discovery, the final choice of the design was made: an asymmetric necklace with the 163.41 carat diamond as the centre piece, on the left side, 18 emerald-cut diamonds and to the right, two rows of pearshaped emeralds, offering a fresh contrast to the cool white diamonds.

It took over 1700 hours to create this unique jewel and involved a team of 14 craftsmen and their know-hows as well as love for perfection for each detail in the necklace.

Christie’s will present this masterpiece of exquisite workmanship during their preview exhibitions in Hong Kong, London, Dubai, New York and Geneva. The necklace will be offered in the Magnificent Jewels auction taking place on November 14 in Geneva at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues. p

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Travco Properties Wraps Up Summer of 2017 with Endless Achievements In 2014, Travco Properties successfully launched Almaza Bay and has continued to witness rapid growth ever since. Located 38 km before Marsa Matrouh, Almaza Bay is built on a land plot of 6.5 million sqm and currently features 5 fullyfunctioning world class hotels, along with corresponding F&B and retail outlets.

Karim Abu Samra, Travco Properties’ Business Development Director, proudly stated: “At Travco Properties, we consider Almaza Bay to be more than just a project, it is our unique way of introducing a new perspective to mixed-use developments by creating alternative, progressive and beach communities. We aspire to enhance living experiences in Egypt through an array of developments, building through innovative and intelligent design and well-engineered solutions that result in outstanding functional living spaces.”

It is worth noting that Almaza Bay, Travco Properties’ flagship development on Egypt’s North Coast, will feature almost 2,000 residential units, an active marina, a retail urban center, F&B outlets and outdoor dining, a sporting club, and several open space activities upon completion. Moreover, the carefully sited amenities, coupled with contemporary design and resort sensibilities, seeks to create a yearround destination that offers a timeless sense of place.

All phases of Almaza Bay are being developed with a significant layer of infrastructure, ensuring overall sustainability. p

Marriott International Continues Extensive Expansion in Africa with New Hotel Signings Marriott International announced further expansion plans in Africa with seven new hotel signings.

The company is targeting over 200 hotels with 37,000 rooms open or in the pipeline by 2022, equating to around $8.5 billion of capital investment. The investment is expected to generate substantial economic activity and around 50,000 direct and indirect jobs once the hotels are open.

Today, Marriott International hotels are present in 20 African countries: Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Zambia.

The company is expected to foray into new markets including Benin, Botswana, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania and Senegal, and has signed 1,300 new rooms marking the debut of Marriott International into Côte D’Ivoire, while strengthening its presence in existing markets that include Ethiopia, Ghana and Nigeria.

In Egypt, the company recently reopened Sheraton Cairo, a city icon for over four decades, after extensive renovation. It is now looking to debut its renowned luxury brand St. Regis, with the opening of the spectacular St. Regis Cairo, a highly anticipated addition to the company’s luxury portfolio in the country.

Today, Marriott International has a strong footprint across the continent operating 140 hotels with close to 24,000 rooms across 12 brands. p

Netflix Announces its First Arabic Production in the Middle East Starring Lebanese Comedian Adel Karam Netflix, a leading Internet entertainment service, is producing its first local production in the Middle East in 2018. Netflix will air its first Arabic stand-up comedy in the Middle East to all Netflix subscribers around the world in cooperation with Egypt’s Creative Arab Talent.

In this yet-to-be-named comedy special, Lebanese comedian Adel Karam was chosen to star on the show. In a cynical and humorous way, he will tackle everything from relationships to social issues that most Arabs face everyday.

“Adel Karam is a very strong voice in comedy. We are extremely excited to collaborate with him, and can’t wait for the local audience, who have a deep appreciation of comedy, to watch the show as well as to introduce him to our global audience,” said Erik Barmack, Vice President of International Original Series at Netflix.

Netflix has rapidly become the home of stand-up comedy specials from some of the most popular comedians around the world. Karam, a well-known actor and comedian, has appeared in several prominent late night shows, series and Lebanese movies and lately, the movie “The Insult”, directed by Ziad Doueri, which premiered in the official competition of the Venice Film Festival. p Nov 2017 | Ct

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Towntalk

Egypt and U.S. Celebrate Completion of Ancient Memphis Development Project

Cairo Marriott Sponsors Cross Egypt Challenge for the Fourth Year in a Row to Promote Egypt Last month, the seventh season of the famous rally took place in a continuous effort to promote tourism and to prove that Egypt is safe for travels.

Minister of Antiquities Dr. Khaled El-Enany, Dr. Sahar Nasr, Minister of Investment and International Cooperation, Thomas Goldberger, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires and Kamal Eldaly, Governor of Giza, celebrated the completion of the Ancient Memphis Development Project in Mit Rahina. The project connects eight archaeological sites in the center of Egypt’s first capital city during the Pharaonic period.

Cross Egypt Challenge is a unique cross-country rally on motorcycles and scooters that is the ultimate adventure for those who love adventure travel and extreme sports. The 2017 season started on October 12th and lasted for 10 days, including eight stages that consisted of a total distance of 2,490 km.

Within the framework of the bilateral agreement signed between Egypt and The United States entitled “Sustainable Investment in Tourism in Egypt”, the USAID granted 9,200,00 EGP to start the project in 2015.

The Cairo Marriott is the official hotel sponsor having their three Marriott branded scooters joining the challenge! For the fourth year in a row, Cairo Marriott chooses to support Cross Egypt Challenge year after year because of its eagerness to promote the destination; Egypt.

Dr. El-Enany pointed out that the collaboration between the ministry and the USAID has a long successful history.

It is shown in different projects among which are the decreasing of the subterranean water level in Edfu temple and Medinet Habu in Luxor, the restoration of Khonsu and Mut Temples in Karnak, the Red Monastery in Sohag and archaeological sites near the Red Sea.

The challenge began from the Mediterranean’s largest seaport city, Alexandria, and then headed east to Port Said, one of Egypt’s most busy port cities and the gate to Africa, with the final destination being Cairo to end the season under the Great Pyramids of Giza!

Dr. Mark Lehner, director of the organization, AERA, explains that they have developed the Memphis Walking Circuit, a path with signposts that tell the story of eight archaeological sites in the center of Egypt’s capital city.

These sites include the Great Temple of Ptah, the Apis House (a major tourist stop in Roman times), a Hathor Temple, a New Kingdom shrine and a series of early tombs and residences.

The Walking Circuit is complemented by newly developed signage to encourage visitors to learn more about ancient Memphis. A website called Memphis Egypt was also launched on the Internet to provide detailed information on the necropolis. p

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With a carefully planned route, the 2017 season of Cross Egypt Challenge included an endurance track that passed through many of Egypt’s finest spots including modern cities, coastal resorts, historical sites, the Eastern Desert and Egypt’s Nile Valley. p

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48, Abdel Moneim Hafez Street, off Nozha St., Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt Tel/Fax: (202) 2290 8127 - 2415 8762 Mobile: 010 005 2322 - 010 005 2323 Email: editor@live-colors.com - rania.halim@live-colors.com

STYLE

A Look into the Brand “Elia” the Egyptian Footwear Industry

By Noha Kandil

The entrepreneurial scene in Egypt has been flourishing for the past years, and against all odds, Egyptians are determined to turn their visions into a reality, setting the bar very high for competitors.

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hat is really exciting about this entrepreneurial boom is that it is not limited to a certain field; many youth are even exploring untapped, risky industries.

A perfect representation of such a daring spirit is Amira Motawea, founder and sole designer behind “Elia”, a home-grown footwear brand.

Motawea shares her journey, giving us a look into the Egyptian footwear industry.

After making the decision to take your passion to the next level, what did you do?

I wanted to design shoes but I had no idea where to go and what to do. I started by searching for places that taught shoe design in Egypt, but I found nothing that fit my needs. Then I started looking for, and found, online design courses and sketching tutorials that made me feel like I could actually make this happen. I wanted to translate my sketches into wearable products. It took me a long time to find factories that would produce my designs.

Can you explain the concept behind “Elia”?

“Elia” is an Egyptian footwear brand founded in August 2015. It all started as a passion for design and innovation while staying true to our authentic identity. The Egyptian culture and history will always remain the main inspiration behind this brand.

Have you ever reached a moment when you thought that you could not continue? How did you get past it?

The beginning was the hardest part as I got demotivated the most when I just started looking for factories to produce my designs. I almost lost hope when I could not find the quality I wanted, and if it was

Armed with a profound passion for shoe design, combined with her academic background in marketing and her e-commerce experience, Motawea was up for her biggest challenge yet: tapping into an industry that is considered nonexistent because of the imported products and international brands monopolizing the footwear market.

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It has been my passion to design for as long as I can remember. I have always had this way of restyling footwear either by coloring them in or adding bits of jewelry to make them unique. This drive is what encouraged me to achieve my dream of having my own line.

We need to have organizations that teach, support and fund new talents, especially when an industry has the potential of generating revenue for the country in the future. not for the support I was getting from my family, friends and my mentor, Mr. Sameh, I am not sure if this brand would have been established.

that specialized in shoe repair. After that, I started looking for factories instead, and finally by luck, one of the factories I came across agreed to train me.

We have many skillful craftsmen in Egypt. Finding them, however, might be a challenge. How did you tackle this issue?

I figured that the best thing to do was to learn the techniques myself. Although I could not find an established institute where I could learn and study footwear design, I managed to find a shoe factory that agreed to give me a three-month training.

The factory owns one of the well-known shoe brands in Alexandria. Mr. Sameh, the manager, was super helpful and supportive, and was eager to pass on his knowledge as he saw my potential and he wanted new talents to create modern designs that would compete in the market.

When I think back now, I believe that spending time at this factory was far more beneficial than any institute I would have gone to. It gave me a behind-the-scenes look into the industry and I became aware of what can and can’t be manufactured in Egypt.

How did you find the factory and what would you say you learned about the industry from there ?

I would walk around the streets of Alexandria, my hometown, hoping to find workshops and asking shoe makers if they could teach me, but I only found places

There, I learned the various types of leather used, the glue needed for each material, as well as the different accessories. I also became familiar with the different machines included in production, like those for sewing, cutting, splitting or repairing, as well as machines used for polishing, finishing and those specialized in sole making. My training also included learning pattern making and other practical techniques that are used to create handmade footwear.

I benefited greatly from Mr. Sameh’s knowledge. He worked in Turkey for 15 years in various factories, and his main concern was that, even though we have some of the best craftsmen in Egypt, we are lacking the technology needed.

I remember that most of the employees at the factory were men between the ages of 20 and 50, unlike in clothing factories, where the majority are women. I believe that this is due to the fact that this craft is much harder than it seems, as the workers need many safety precautions, like certain clothing, equipment, ear protectors, face masks, gloves and safety spectacles.

Knowing that we are behind in technology, were you tempted to decide on producing abroad?

I was tempted to do so, but I found out after conducting market research that most of the raw materials used abroad are made in Egypt, and so I challenged myself to use all that I have here and make the best out of it. We have a lot of resources that we are not using efficiently, for instance, we have factories that manufacture diverse types of soles, and despite that, most of the soles we have in Egypt are imported.

However, I had to import certain material as I was seeking higher quality, like some of the accessories, including zippers and clips. Also, I occasionally import certain types and colors of fabric that I need for limited-edition pieces.

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STYLE After becoming aware of the gaps in the industry, is there anything you think young designers like you can do to help?

I struggled at the start to find someone who was willing to pass on the knowledge, and I hope I could make it a bit easier for other aspiring designers. That is why I am planning to open a workshop that teaches design and shoemaking that I hope can turn into an accredited degree in Egypt.

The economy plays a major role in every industry. How has the increase in prices affected “Elia”?

Prices have affected my brand greatly, as the material we use is expensive and it was challenging at the beginning for Egyptians to trust an emerging brand that is relatively not cheap compared to imported shoes.

How do you see the quality of the resources and raw materials available?

One of the main challenges I faced is delivering the high quality I seek. It took a year to pick factories with the highest quality in terms of equipment used.

Searching for raw materials was also quite time consuming. All of “Elia” products are made of genuine leather, while the market is full of fake leather and it was tough to figure out the difference between them at first, as I did not have any experience at the time.

Getting used to going to Bab El Shariah, the hub for raw material and accessories needed for shoe-making, was a challenge on its own.

Factories are usually associated with mass production. Do you mass-produce?

At the beginning, I was torn between creating limited edition products and positioning “Elia” as your everyday shoe.

I want the brand to be recognized locally and internationally someday, but without losing its uniqueness to the customer.

The factories were very strict at the beginning with the minimum quantity order, but I managed to find one that agreed on a certain quantity as a start, and I will increase the production gradually according to the demand.

How do you see the local footwear market in Egypt?

Local footwear has huge potential as I am

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witnessing emerging designers nowadays.

I believe what is missing is that we do not have proper workshops that teach design and shoe-making in Egypt, whereas it is a university degree in other countries.

What is ironic is that many of the international brands, like Zara and Massimo Dutti, manufacture their products in Egypt because we have cheap labor, yet experienced workers. This proves that we have potential, and that is why we need our country’s support. We need to have organizations that teach, support and fund new talents, especially when an industry has the potential of generating revenue for the country in the future.

In your opinion, why are Egyptians recently becoming more drawn to the local brands?

The Egyptian consumer is smart. I was certain that if they tried the brand, they would automatically recognize the high quality fabric used and appreciate the unique designs. Why would Egyptian customers choose international brands when they can buy locally with these same qualities?

What are your customers usually most content about?

Customers love the uniqueness of our designs and they can tell them apart from any other brand. Also, the product is known for high quality and comfort.

Do you have a formula for success that you would like to share?

I do not believe that there is a specific formula for success. Just follow your heart and turn your dream into a reality. p

Advertorial

Posh Hire: Your Newest Dress Agent in Town Nothing can stand in the way of the digital revolution that is sweeping over all our lives. Fashion is also having its fair share of that; from online retail to using technology for more sustainable fashion, the industry has been introduced to new ways of advancement.

One way to advancement is realizing the need for fashion recycling. We’re not talking about actual recycling of the fabrics, but about hiring and renting out dresses, creating a more conscious community that both appreciates fashion, but doesn’t abuse it.

This is the driving factor behind Egypt’s latest online hiring platform, Posh Hire, which just launched, granting thousands of women accessibility to a wide selection of evening and cocktail gowns to accommodate their many occasions and social outings.

“Who wants to be seen wearing the same dress twice?” said Passant Morshedy, founder of Posh Hire. “With social media being in full gear, once that Instagram picture goes up, the dress is burnt.”

This platform is beneficial for all parties, whether the person who hires out or the one who hires. Anyone can hire out their dresses at Posh Hire, not only designers.

The platform is stocked with dresses from Egypt’s most loved designers, including Rafik Zaki, Iman Saab, Nehal Khalifa and Kojak. The platform also includes international favorites, such as Ted Baker, Guess, Asos, Missguided and Sherri Hill.

Posh Hire is for the modern woman who is practical and cares a lot about her style.

To accommodate this mindset, the online platform doesn’t only offer hiring, but also has the options of purchasing a dress or swapping it out for another dress.

To complete the look, clients can also choose from a selection of jewelry and accessories, offered by Djewelled and Sandbox, which will be available for purchase through the website.

Posh Hire’s official launch event took place on October 22nd at Badie Architects, sponsored by a wide-array of fashion and entertainment brands, including Mohammed Al Sagheer, My List, Mori Sushi, Nola Cupcakes, Di Macaron and The Glitter People.

STYLE

Soria Mostafa Optics:

the Pioneer Behind the Vintage Glasses Trend Written by Mona Bassel Photographs by Ahmad Kawi

Founded in 1968, Soria Mostafa Optics looks like any other optics shop – only standing out because of its impending 50-year anniversary. However, there is something special about it; something that gives a new meaning to the term “Old is Gold”.

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Some of the models were exceptionally valuable, made from unique material like wood, ebony, ivory, and even shells and cellulose acetate that are no longer used

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ucked away in a small Bab El Louq street amidst the hustle and bustle of Downtown Cairo, an optics shop near the renowned El Horreya Bar looks deceptively simple from the outside; just like its many counterparts on the same block.

At first glance, the shop seems average, with neatly organized rows of different models and brands. However, once you turn to the left, you will immediately understand what makes Soria Mostafa Optics special, and why its many loyal customers hold it dear to their hearts.

Indicated with a small white sign with the word “Vintage” written in red, rows and rows of authentic vintage glasses are proudly showcased, some of which have been around since as early as the 1950s.

We talked to Emad Refaat El Sherif, optics expert and owner of Soria Mostafa Optics, about his journey in this industry and what drew him to go against the tide; selling vintage glasses at a time when modern styles were the most popular in the country.

El Sherif is the son of the late Soria Mostafa, who founded the shop back in 1968. With their golden anniversary coming up next March, El Sherif could not be prouder of his shop and all that makes it special, recalling its soonto-be 50-year journey to fame.

How it all Began “Back in the 1950s and all the way to the early 2000s, we used to buy glasses in bulk; perhaps 10,000 pairs of the same model. With time, more than 60,000 pieces remained unsold, and they had to go into storage,” El Sherif recalls.

The forgotten pairs spent many years in storage, seeming like wasted money. Flash-forward to five years ago: El Sherif decided to visit the warehouse to check out the many varieties of vintage glasses left behind.

He looked through the collection and realized that the glasses were in perfect condition and needed to be sold rather than just thrown away. After spending time sorting through the thousands of pairs, he realized that he had a whopping 2,000 models in large quantities of both prescription and sunglasses.

Because it was evident that those pieces were quite rare and therefore valuable, El Sherif decided to take a chance and showcase his treasures. He set up a little vintage corner in his shop, unsure of whether or not people would want to buy them.

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STYLE

Models “Some of the models were exceptionally valuable, made from unique material like wood, ebony, ivory, and even shells and cellulose acetate that are no longer used because they are too expensive,” he muses.

Most of the glasses in storage were European, with the lion’s share from Italy, France, Vienna, Germany, Canada and Australia, and only a few from the United States.

Promotion and Customers “We took a chance, and got very lucky as eventually, vintage styles became trendy, so we began promoting this collection through publications and social media to attract more customers,” he says.

While El Sherif made sure the shop’s Facebook page was in Arabic to attract Egyptian customers, he found that foreigners – along with English-speaking Egyptians – were the ones who were most interested in what his shop had to offer.

“Foreigners respect the value of vintage glasses, despite the fact that the ones they admire were manufactured in their

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own countries. However, they can’t find these models there anymore because factories have stopped producing them,” he mentions.

Now, Soria Mostafa Optics has a wide fan base, 60 percent of which are foreigners, with Egyptians occupying the remaining 40 percent.

Soria Optics on Screen Stylists who work on the wardrobes of actors and actresses make it a point to stop by the shop before the taping of a new production.

“More than 20 stylists have come to our shop to pick out glasses for movies, TV shows and commercials,” El Sherif explains.

Sometimes the production in question is not even based on past events, but could involve a few minutes of flashbacks that the stylist wants to portray accurately. The most recent production showcasing the shop’s glasses was the advertisement for the Value Added Tax (VAT), which featured actor Hamdy Al Marghany wearing several types of glasses provided by Soria Mostafa Optics in all his scenes.

“I usually sit with the stylist and talk about the characters they are dressing up; their occupations, personalities and the events they go through and the era they live in,” he says, adding, “They might show me a picture of the actor and what they intend to dress them up in, and we pick frames together accordingly.”

Sometimes, El Sherif has to add prescription lenses to the frames if the actor has weak eyesight, resulting in a lot more than just a prop. The stylists make sure to get more than one frame, in order to have backup options in case the first one breaks, although that has never happened before, according to El Sherif.

Prices While most vintage boutiques offer glasses that might cost you an arm and a leg, the collection at Soria Mostafa Optics can be a lot more wallet-friendly, depending on what you pick. Vintage glasses can cost anywhere between EGP 300 and EGP 3,000. Of course, they can become even more expensive in some rare cases, especially after the devaluation of the Egyptian pound.

“Sometimes, when I run out of a certain model, I look for it in European factories.

We know pilots who spend time scouting there, and sometimes they return with one or two pairs. We pay for the pair and the pilot plus customs as well, so a truly rare pair can go up to EGP 4,000,” he explains.

Other Products and Offerings Even though the shop is mostly known for its vintage collection and high copy specs, Soria Mostafa Optics has a lot more to offer. El Sherif is continually researching and thinking up ways to improve his merchandise, resulting in the creation of several unique types of lenses. They are one of the very few manufacturers of handmade lenses in the country, if not the only ones. “We have a department specifically dedicated to handmade lenses,” El Sherif highlights.

In Egypt, the majority of the stores import the frames and lenses and just assemble them locally.

“Egypt used to have a factory that manufactured lenses from scratch during Abdel Nasser’s era in the early 1960s where it used to import raw materials from abroad, France in particular, and then manufacture it here. Unfortunately, it was later privatized and eventually got shut down,” El Sherif recalls.

Some investors later tried to bring back the local manufacturing process and start a new project, but they had to shut down their operations after illegal smugglers offered optics at half the price; consequently pushing them off the market.

“Sadly, Egypt now has around five different factories for glass and plastic optics, but only for assembling,” he mentions.

Manufacturing Lenses El Sherif’s handmade manufacturing process is so impressive and rare that foreigners often come in to watch him work and record videos. He is also the mastermind behind the creation of two very unique types of lenses, the first of which for daytime driving. Resembling the windshields of automobiles, they feature shaded tops and bottoms in order to enable driving during the day despite the harsh sunlight – an innovation particularly needed in an excessively hot climate like that of Egypt.

“These lenses were only offered by Bausch & Lomb in glass, but I kept trying until I managed to formulate the same type of lens but in plastic,” he explains.

The second type of lens is the High Definition (HD); a remarkably unique yellow lens specifically dyed for blocking

LED lights when driving at night. El Sherif pointed to a wall filled with many of its prototypes, all featuring different thicknesses depending on the customer’s prescription.

“This type of lens used to come as a size zero. What happened in the past was that people would wear this lens on top of their original glasses, which was not practical at all. I formulated it with dyes in a way that can accommodate different prescription needs; not any yellow lens can give the same effect,” he adds.

Upcoming Plans At the moment, Soria Mostafa Optics is preparing to showcase some of its treasured glasses at an upcoming annual exhibition. The products set aside are oneof-a-kind and not for sale, one of which is an incredibly valuable American pair from the 1950s. “This pair is now one-of-a-kind.

If I sell it, I won’t be able to find another one in the world like it,” El Sherif concludes.

Soria Mostafa Optics is one of those downtown gems that gained popularity among many patrons from around the world, and the numbers make that clear.

Starting with 60,000 pairs of vintage optics, the shop is now down to 20,000, continually searching for more to add to its stunning collection. p

Address: No. 1, Mohamed Mazloum Street, Bab El Louq Facebook: ‫نظارات سوريا مصطفى‬ Phone: 01007706962 Photographer’s Website: www.ahmadkawi.com

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: I K A Z L Y A T I H L I A N C I R RACT E N IG ND P S E D A Y R R O UXU I R E INT LE OF L

STYLE

or ber f m e t p t in Se ome no i a b h u e e to D ould tak ny n a l p sirga w l a e E h a n s o oh

By S i got ot know ight. k a Z n n l Niha s, she did ors that r e n esig Award ious hon d r o teri perty e prestig n i o r n P tia re ia Egyp nd Arab e, but th n e on Wh frica a A e th

A TA

My project was the only one that offered a classic period style, and many were surprised, asking me if people were still using this in Egypt

Z

aki’s “Karma Residence” project, in addition to being one of the winners in the category of Residential Design, was also provided with an Excellence Award, enabling her to compete on a global level in the International Property Awards (IPA).

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The Property Awards have celebrated exceptional achievement in the real estate industry by honoring the best projects from companies in all sectors. Contenders are evaluated by leading industry experts, who ultimately determine the world’s finest companies in the field.

Though the top winners in every region are automatically nominated for the overall International Awards, Zaki will be the only contender for “Best Interior Design of Private Residence - Africa” in London next December, while the other categories may have more than one competitor from Africa or Arabia.

To give an idea of how much detail went into this residential haute-couture project, The Chinese Bathroom of the Karma estate was among the ten finalists for the SBID (Society of British International Design) International Design Excellence Awards

in the category of KBB (Kitchen, Bedroom and/or Bathroom).

unique taste, to handle the styling and art direction of a furniture showroom.

This project holds a special place in Zaki’s heart, not only because of the recent award, but also as a very fulfilling campaign.

“I come from a family that has always been interested in antiques, and was often with them in Europe visiting shops and markets, and so I grew up knowing about the different styles,” Zaki says.

“It took five years to complete, and was like a beacon of light at the time when many projects were cutting down their budgets during the revolution’s break out,” the designer tells Community Times.

Nihal Zaki’s Background

Flashback to almost 20 years before receiving her awards, Zaki was an AUC graduate of Economics and Psychology, working as a researcher and publishing a paper on the GATT textile agreement.

Despite excelling in that position, she jumped at an opportunity offered to her from a family friend who knew she had a

She spent five years directing the showroom, immersed in all its aspects and getting a hands-on experience. Meanwhile, she also had another opportunity to help in styling interior shoots, an experience that taught her a lot about how to light interiors; a major aspect in design.

In those formative years she knew she had found her calling, and took it a step further with a diploma at the prestigious and private Inchbald School of Design in London, specialized in interiors.

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STYLE

“This experience is what shaped me. They took us on tours to mansions, private houses, country side visits, visits to the harbor of fabrics, and I learned about everything from antique restorations to how to deal with clients,” Zaki shares.

Upon completing the diploma, she was offered the opportunity to work with two of the biggest names in the field; Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, and Persian designer Alidad, who were both based in London.

Zaki declined both offers, in favor of returning to her homeland and starting her own design house.

“I just love Egypt and everything it stands for. All the resources, the authenticity, the history, the culture in every corner on every street, the materials and the colors … for an artist to be born and raised here, it is great,” she explains.

Karma Residence Project

The Karma Residence has 20 different styles, each room with a different theme, while an underlying soft palette connects them and transfers you from one room to another. The estate stood out at the awards for its unique and eclectic style.

“My project was the only one that offered a classic period style, and many were surprised, asking me if people were still using this in Egypt,” Zaki says, adding that

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some of the hand-painted work on the walls are recreations of a palace in Paris.

She emphasized that every detail was a result of deep research.

“It is nice to have a client who is well acquainted with the different period styles, and who also believes in me and challenges me at the same time.”

Challenges Faced

Sometimes however, working with a client can present a different type of challenge for a designer with such a clear and particular voice to reconcile her own taste with her client’s.

When it comes to designing their homes, many people still cling to traditional ideas that have proved impractical, or simply want to follow the latest hypes or trends.

“I do not follow trends, as I believe you can have both luxury and practicality. There are times when I try to convince my client against certain choices, like for example, in a two storey house, why have a large dining room on the first floor that is never used while the upper floor is crammed with several bedrooms. So I keep trying to push

for my own vision, project after project, until maybe eventually it could lead to a new trend,” she mentions.

What it Takes to be a Good Designer

As such, Zaki believes that psychology and skillful communication are at the heart of what makes a good designer. “I am responsible for conveying my work to the people, meaning they are not responsible for understanding my work on their own.”

In their initial meetings, Zaki would show her client photos of a variety of styles, even for directions that are not her favorite, all the while taking extensive notes of their reactions. “Often clients come with a lot to say but not knowing how to express it. So part of my job is to extract this vision from their minds to help them reflect what they want,” explains Zaki.

She adds that designing a residence is a very personal experience where she typically works closely with a client for a period between 9 months to 2 years, which is unlike commercial projects, where there is a tighter time limit and different market needs with less personalization.

Showroom and Design House

The most creative freedom though, can be witnessed at the designer’s showroom, where visitors can immerse in the Nihal Zaki experience. “This is where I tried to display everything I like. I attempted to be a little more commercial, but could not fully do that. I wanted it to really reflect who I am.”

It was also important for her to show that it is possible to mix styles, and how she makes it work. “I would like a client to be able to walk into the showroom and feel that anything is possible and can be done.”

Antique furniture is paired with unique lighting fixtures and intriguing objects, and while every piece screams for attention, it all fits together with flair to create a multilayered visual that is both familiar and unique.

To Zaki, designing a space is all about creating a sensation and capturing an emotion. The first things you might notice upon entering her showroom are the scents that greet you, and how they differ in every room, making it “an experience” that goes beyond the arrangement of furniture.

Meanwhile, as her firm grows, Zaki still favors quality over quantity, and limits the number of clients between four to five per year.

“We are a full-fledged design house, which is very rare in Egypt. Everyone is a designer because that is the easiest part, but we also contract, and do all the finishing to deliver turn-key projects. I feel this is part of my integrity as a designer; to deliver things exactly the way I intended,” she explains.

Their process when working on classical designs is very old school. “We print the designs at a scale of 1 to 1 (life size), and we make all the molds and casts for any sculpted décor and techniques that rarely anyone uses these days,” she says.

Everything is executed by her team of designers and artists who pull off all the incredibly detailed work in top caliber. “I also like to invest in young designers, often fresh graduates,” she adds. “Every now and then, I find someone with great potential.”

For someone as detail oriented and vision-driven as Zaki, she can’t help but micromanage, and the larger part of the work behind the scenes is personally done by her.

Every morning after sending her daughter to school, she has two focused hours for herself dedicated to researching and designing. “Material for research comes from everywhere: photos I take on the streets, pieces of fabric, anything I see and want to capture is all carefully archived in

digital folders. When I need to summon something for a project, I can tell my team exactly where to find it.”

Asked to describe her style in her own words, Zaki says “I do not like to ‘box myself’ and put myself in certain categories.” To simply label Zaki as a “classic” designer would be unfair to her eclectic style, and the relevance she adds to a classic setting makes it more practical.

“I find modern to be dull as it has no soul nor warmth. I am also very bold, and I like what is authentic, has substance and has weight. In the end, the goal is to represent a person [or client] in the language of design,” Zaki mentions.

Egypt’s Real Estate and Interior Design Industry

The designer believes that Egypt has so much potential, and despite the many challenges it faces, it is still thriving in the field of design.

“Just look at all the billboards on the streets for current and upcoming development and real estate projects,” she concludes. As real estate booms on the edges of Cairo and on the North Coast, interior design thrives in parallel. p

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Culture Art

Life Through the

Lens of Antikka Written by Noha Kandil Photographs by Hossam Atef Farouk

P

hotography has been a popular hobby and profession among Egyptians for years, however, customers became more meticulous when deciding on who they should hire.

Hossam Atef Farouk, the photographer behind “Antikka Photography”, was among those who survived the filtration process. Despite his young age of 23, Farouk managed to position himself as one of the most successful photographers in the market. He went from capturing random moments that went viral, like the smiling camel selfie and the “Spiderman in Egypt” series, to photographing well-known artists and establishing his own studio and office.

What makes “Antikka” stand out the most is the free spirit of the young man behind the lens that is portrayed in every photo. Farouk captures images, usually of people, that trigger strong emotions, and he manages to find beauty in everything he sees.

We talked to Farouk to understand more about how he manages to create these moving, inspirational photographs.

What did you do before getting into photography?

I am a person who does not settle down easily, and I get bored very quickly. I played chess for four years and became a national champion before my interests shifted to fitness and nutrition. Taking several courses at Gold’s Gym Academy, I studied fitness and massage and then moved on to work as a masseur in Sharm El Sheikh for a year. However, I came to the conclusion that it was not the job for me.

Upon returning to Cairo, my interest in photography was sparked and I fell in love with it instantly. It was a challenge to buy an expensive professional camera and the needed equipment at the time, and so I had to work as a waiter for months, and as a cashier for several more, just to get enough money to afford them.

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At the beginning, was photography just another hobby you were trying out?

Not exactly. I remember when I was a kid, I had a vivid imagination and I would always picture different image layouts and designs with various backgrounds and sceneries.

As I grew older, I found pleasure in playing around with designs and colors, and so I believe photography was a passion of mine from early on. Nevertheless, I never thought that it would be my career one day, or that I would be recognized as a professional photographer.

Do you remember the first picture you took?

As far as I can remember, it was a picture of my cousin at the Cairo Citadel, and it was absolutely terrible! My first contact with a camera was when my uncle came to visit from abroad and let me try his professional one. I loved how I was able to capture a moment and document it the way I saw it.

Have you received any official training?

I did a lot photography for several journalistic publications as well as briefly training at a small studio near my house. Tagging along with various wedding photographers also helped me learn how a professional photographer should act and talk during such events.

Were you able to identify your favorite type of photography right away?

Back then, I was willing to shoot anything.

I would go to weddings on my own, uninvited, and would shoot the whole thing for free, Later on in my career, however, I developed more of an interest in fine art photography.

I can do fashion and commercial shoots as well, but it has to be very organized with a storyboard ready. What I do not enjoy is covering events and taking group photos.

What were the best and worst experiences that you got out of your training period?

The best was the knowledge I gained. The worst was having all my equipment stolen while I was covering some clashes in Ramses.

Photography helped me notice what I was not paying attention to. I have become very detail-oriented and observant of people and objects around me.

The newspaper I worked for did not believe my story back then, so I found myself back to where I started; searching for jobs to gather enough money for a new camera.

Why the name “Antikka”?

“Antikka” is the name of a clothing store I used to work at, so my friends started calling me by it and it never changed. It has nothing to do with my photography or with antiques in general.

Your work has a unique appeal: it is raw and triggers people’s emotions. Do you do that intentionally or is it just how you portray images?

I do not believe that I do it on purpose, but rather it is just the way I see my surroundings. I try my best to stay up-to-date with the recent photography-related creations around the world and I constantly search for inspirations to develop my work. With time, my mind and eyes got used to a certain standard and style, which is reflected in my photographs.

What inspires you the most?

I do not normally contemplate about photo shoots I want to do, but in general, ‘anime’ movies inspire me the most.

They give me ideas for new projects.

How do you prepare for a photo session?

First, I get to know the model/s that will be featured in the shoot, and then decide on the time and place for it. I always have a meeting prior to the session with the model/s to make sure we are on the same page and to decide on the outfits as well.

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Culture Art Would you say you express yourself through photography?

It is not really about expressing myself, but it is rather about finding myself. I have tried working in many fields, but nothing was satisfactory enough for me, which was getting really frustrating until I got into photography.

It is the only thing in my life that does not bore me as I feel like there is always something to explore.

What did photography teach you so far?

It helped me notice what I was not paying attention to. I have become very detail-oriented and observant of people and objects around me. Generally, I feel that it has made me love and enjoy life more. I would go out at five in the morning just to check the lighting and see reflections on people and on car windows.

Do you see things differently through the lens? Are you able to identify natural beauty, fake emotions, and so on?

Yes, I do! I do not know how, but everything becomes much clearer through the lens, and I can definitely see through the person I am photographing.

There are main indicators like body language and how they smile in front of the camera that allows me to immediately identify whether that person is acting natural or putting on an act.

In case of the latter, I would know during the session that the pictures would not turn out as good as I would have hoped. People relate to the mood and spirit reflected in the photo, and so no matter how innovative the concept is, if the person I am photographing is being fake, it will show.

I believe that every person is beautiful in their own way, however, there are photographers who do not see the beauty in a certain person, and so their photos do not reflect it.

What are you most proud moments from your journey with photography so far?

I am proud of the fact that I just recently became an instructor and concluded my first workshop at “Beit El Sura�, an institution specialized in teaching and supporting young photographers.

The results were displayed in an exhibition and it was great!

Also, at the start of my career, there were several photographers whom I considered as my idols, but now I am very proud to say that I surpassed them with my work and connections. My idols have become my fans! what is your biggest ambition for the future?

I do not have a certain ambition, to be honest. I just hope that I can travel abroad to take courses instead of taking them online. p

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People relate to the mood and the spirit reflected in the photo, and so no matter how innovative the concept is, if the person I am photographing is being fake, it will show

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Culture Books

What to Read This Month

Cold weather sets the perfect atmosphere and is the perfect excuse to curl up in bed or on the sofa with a cup of hot chocolate, a blanket and a book. We have brought you some of the books that we believe will keep you company during the colder winter nights.

4 3 2 1 by Paul Auster In 1947, at the maternity ward of Beth Israel Hospital in New Jersey, Archibald Isaac Ferguson, the only child of Rose and Stanley Ferguson, is born. From that beginning, Ferguson’s life will take four simultaneous and independent fictional paths. Four identical Fergusons made of the same DNA, four boys who are the same boy, go on to lead four parallel and entirely different lives.

Family fortunes diverge. Athletic skills, friendships and intellectual passions contrast. Each Ferguson falls under the spell of the magnificent Amy Schneiderman, yet each Schneiderman and each Ferguson have a relationship like no other. Meanwhile, readers will take in each Ferguson’s pleasures and pains, as the mortal plot of each life rushes on.

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Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan

The Fear Factor by Abigail Marsh

Anna Kerrigan, nearly twelve years old, accompanies her father to visit Dexter Styles, a man who is crucial to the survival of her father and her family.

She is mesmerized by the sea beyond the house and by some charged mystery between the two men.

At fourteen, Amber could boast about killing her guinea pig, threatening to burn down her home and seducing men in exchange for gifts. She used the tools she had available to get what she wanted, like all children. However, unlike other children, she did not care about the damage she inflicted.

‎ ears later, her father disappears and Y the country is at war. Anna works at the Brooklyn Naval Yard, where women are allowed to hold jobs that once belonged to men, who are now soldiers abroad.

She becomes the first female diver; the most dangerous and exclusive of occupations, repairing the ships that will help America win the war.

One evening at a nightclub, she meets Dexter Styles again, and begins to understand the complexity of her father’s life and the reasons behind why he vanished.

A few miles away, Lenny Skutnik cared so much about others that he jumped into an ice-cold river to save a drowning woman. What is responsible for the extremes of generosity and cruelty that humans are capable of?

By putting psychopathic children and extreme altruists in an fMRI, acclaimed psychologist Abigail Marsh found that the answer lies in how our brain responds to others’ fear. While the brain’s amygdala makes most of us hardwired for good, its variations can explain heroic and psychopathic behavior.

The Orphan’s Tale by Pam Jenoff A powerful novel of friendship set in a traveling circus during World War II, “The Orphan’s Tale” introduces two extraordinary women and their harrowing stories of sacrifice and survival.

Sixteen-year-old Noa has been cast out in disgrace after becoming pregnant by a Nazi soldier and being forced to give up her baby. She lives above a small rail station, which she cleans in order to earn her keep. When Noa discovers a boxcar containing dozens of Jewish infants bound for a concentration camp, she is reminded of the child that was taken from her. In a moment that will change the course of her life, she snatches one of the babies and flees into the snowy night.

Noa finds refuge with a German circus, but she must learn the flying trapeze act so she can blend in undetected, spurning the resentment of the lead aerialist, Astrid. At first rivals, Noa and Astrid soon forge a powerful bond. However, as the facade that protects them proves increasingly tenuous, Noa and Astrid must decide whether their friendship is enough to save one another—or if the secrets that burn between them will destroy everything.

Origin by Dan Brown Robert Langdon, Harvard professor of symbology and religious iconology, arrives at the ultramodern Guggenheim Museum Bilbao to attend a major announcement—the unveiling of a discovery that “will change the face of science forever.” The evening’s host is Edmond Kirsch, a forty-year-old billionaire and futurist whose dazzling high-tech inventions and audacious predictions have made him a renowned global figure. Kirsch, who was one of Langdon’s first students at Harvard two decades earlier, is about to reveal an astonishing breakthrough.

Langdon and several hundred guests find themselves captivated by an utterly original presentation, which Langdon realizes will be far more controversial than he ever imagined. However, the meticulously orchestrated evening suddenly erupts into chaos, and Kirsch’s precious discovery teeters on the brink of being lost forever. Langdon is forced into a desperate bid to escape Bilbao with Ambra Vidal, the elegant museum director who worked with Kirsch to stage the event, to locate a cryptic password that will unlock Kirsch’s secret.

Navigating the dark corridors of hidden history and extreme religion, they must evade a tormented enemy who will stop at nothing to silence Kirsch.

If Not For You by Debbie Macomber If not for her loving but controlling parents, Beth Prudhomme might never have taken charge of her life and moved from Chicago to Oregon, where she has reconnected with her spirited Aunt Sunshine and found a job as a high school music teacher. If not for her friend Nicole, Beth would never have met Sam Carney, who is everything Beth is not—and her parents’ worst nightmare: a tattooed auto mechanic who’s rough around the edges. Reserved and smart as a whip, Beth is not exactly Sam’s usual beer-drinking, pool-playing type of woman, either.

If not for Sam—who witnessed Beth’s terrifying car crash, rushed to her aid and stayed with her until help arrived—Beth might have been all alone, or worse.

Soon, their unlikely friendship evolves into an intense attraction that surprises them both.

Before long, Beth’s strong-willed mother, Ellie, blows into town spouting harsh opinions, especially about Sam, and reopening old wounds with Sunshine.

When shocking secrets from Sam’s past are revealed, Beth struggles to reconcile her feelings. When Beth goes too far, she risks losing the man and the life she’s come to love.

Endurance by Scott Kelly The veteran of four spaceflights and the American record holder for consecutive days spent in space, Scott Kelly has experienced things very few have. Now, he takes us inside a sphere utterly hostile to human life where he describes navigating the extreme challenge of long-term spaceflight, both life-threatening and mundane: the devastating effects on the body; the isolation from everyone he loves and the comforts of Earth; the catastrophic risks of colliding with space junk and the still more haunting threat of being unable to help should tragedy strike at home.

A natural storyteller, Kelly has a message of hope for the future that will inspire future generations. Here we see the triumph of the human imagination, the strength of human will and the infinite wonder of the galaxy. p

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Culture Events

Events not to be Missed this Month

Song Recital By Maria Del Mar Bonet (Spain) Main Hall, Cairo Opera House November 24th Maria is a Balearic singer from the island of Majorca. She arrived in Barcelona in 1967, where she began to sing with the group Els Setze Jutges and has published many rock music albums in Catalan, in spite of the ban on the Catalan language and its music during Francisco Franco’s dictatorship. She has performed throughout China as well as in Japan, the former USSR, Tunisia, Netherlands, Poland, Belgium, France, United Kingdom, Brazil, Sweden, Switzerland, Venezuela, Mexico and the United States.

Live Performance by Angham The Marquee, Cairo Festival City November 17th Angham will be returning for the second time this season to perform her hit songs at Cairo Festival City.

Tickets range from EGP 300 to 750 and are available at Ticketsmarche.

Time: 9 pm

Time: 8 pm

Wael Jassar and Carmen Soliman Concert The Marquee, Cairo Festival City November 24th For the first time, Lebanese singer Wael Jassar will be singing at the Marquee theater to a live audience, later accompanied by the star Carmen Soliman who will perform her newest music releases.

Live From the Metropolitan Opera: The Exterminating Angel Small Hall - Cairo Opera House November 18th The Met presents the premiere of Thomas Adès’ “The Exterminating Angel”, inspired by the classic Luis Buñuel film of the same name.

Tickets range from EGP 500 to 1250 and are available at Ticketsmarche.

“The Exterminating Angel” is a surreal fantasy about a dinner party that can’t be escaped by its guests. Tom Cairns, who wrote the libretto, directs the new production, and Adès conducts his own adventurous new opera.

Time: 8 pm

Time: 8 pm

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Upcoming Exhibitions at Zamalek Art Gallery

Yehia Khalil Concert Small Hall, Cairo Opera House November 30th Veteran Yehia Khalil is one of the most respected and talked about drummers, bandleaders, creative producers and jazz musicians who is a phenomenon in the music scene.

Time: 8 pm

Nathan Doss - Sense and Sensitivity Venue I November 12th – December 4th Since his graduation, Doss participated in many exhibitions, both public and private. On the local scene, he exhibited at the Youth Salon, The Ahmad Shawki Museum and Al Hanager Center. He also took part in several private exhibitions such as the Indian Cultural Center in 2002, the Jesuits’ school in 2006 and at an interesting exhibition entitled “The Memory of the Body” at the House of Zeinab Khatoun for the benefit of the Cancer Patients.

Doss’ work is original, innovative and unique. This fact has earned him national acknowledgment. He is the recipient of several awards: such as the Rateb Seddik Award, the Small pieces Salon Prize, as well as the prize of the Fourteenth Youth Salon.

Yasmine El Hazek – The Ying-Yang Asylum Venue II November 12th – December 4th El Hazek started her artistic career at a young age developing a keen interest in people and devoted the start of her artistic experimentations to portraying them.

Opera Il Trovatore – Performed

by Cairo Opera Company Main Hall, Cairo Opera House November 23rd Il trovatore “The Troubadour” is an opera in four acts by Giuseppe Verdi to an Italian libretto largely written by Salvadore Cammarano, based on the play El trovador (1836) by Antonio García Gutiérrez. A high flown, sprawling melodrama flamboyantly defiant of the Aristotelian unities, the opera is packed with fantastic and bizarre incidents.

Time: 8 pm

Highly influenced by all the different faces, from humans to animals to her fantastical composite creatures of both, she started painting the wide range of expressions and moments that she has witnessed or imagined.

With an astute sense of observation and a healthy mixture of humor, satire and empathy, Yasmine would frequently roam the streets of Cairo and sketch people and their surroundings to capture the beauty that many passers-by could easily overlook. Her paintings channel the energy she feels pulsing in the streets, people, animals and hidden fantasies. p

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Culture Films

November Movie Releases

Thor: Ragnarok

Release Date: 1 November Genre: Fantasy, Sci-Fi Director: Taika Waititi Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba, Anthony Hopkins Synopsis: Imprisoned on the other side of the universe, the mighty Thor finds himself in a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against the Hulk, his former ally and fellow Avenger. Thor’s quest for survival leads him in a race against time to prevent the all-powerful Hela from destroying his home world and the Asgardian civilization.

Murder on the Orient Express

Release Date: 8 November Genre: Drama, Mystery Director: Kenneth Branagh Cast: Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley Synopsis: A lavish trip through Europe quickly unfolds into a race against time to solve a murder aboard a train. Everyone’s a suspect when Detective Hercule Poirot arrives to interrogate all passengers and search for clues before the killer can strike again.

Justice League

Release Date: 15 November Genre: Fantasy, Sci-Fi Director: Zack Snyder Cast: Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Henry Cavill Synopsis: Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists newfound ally Diana Prince to face an even greater threat. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to recruit a team to stand against this newly awakened enemy. Despite the formation of an unprecedented league of heroes - Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and the Flash - it may be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.

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Coco

Release Date: 22 November Genre: Mystery, Fantasy, Animation Director: Lee Unkrich Cast: Gael Garcia Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Renee Victor, Anthony Gonzalez Synopsis: Despite his family’s generationsold ban on music, young Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead.

After meeting a charming trickster named Hector, the two new friends embark on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.

Apricot Groves

Release Date: 22 November Genre: Drama, Romance Director: Pouria Heidary Oureh Cast: Hovhannes Azoyan, Samvel Sarkisyan, Mikayel Mikayelyan Synopsis: Aram, an Iranian-Armenian youth who immigrated to the United States when he was a child, returns to Armenia for the first time to propose to the Armenian woman he met and lived with in the states.

The Mountain Between Us

Release Date: 30 November Genre: Drama, Thriller Director: Hany Abu-Assad Cast: Kate Winslet, Idris Elba, Beau Bridges Synopsis: Stranded on a mountain after a tragic plane crash, two strangers must work together to endure the extreme elements of the remote, snow-covered terrain. Realizing that help is not on the way, they embark on a perilous journey across hundreds of miles of wilderness, pushing each other to survive and discovering their inner strength. p

Culture Stage

Interviewing Three of the World’s Top Illusionists

The ar t of magic and illusions has been around since the 1800s, with legends like David Copperfield and Harry Houdini setting the bar extremely high for the next generations of performers. Creating decades of escape ar tists, manipulators and enter tainers, this field bred many courageous individuals, leaving the audience in shock and with many questions that they know will go unanswered.

By Rawan Abdel Latif

F

or the first time in Egypt, the “World’s Greatest Illusions (Live)” organized by Event House took place on the weekend before Halloween at The Marquee, and featured some of the biggest names in the industry today: the charismatic Jay Mattioli, the daring stunt performer Jonathan Goodwin, the inventor of the “Operation” illusion Kevin James and the manipulator Yu Ho Jin. Before the show, we had the opportunity to talk to Mattioli, Goodwin and James to get a glimpse of what happens behind the scenes.

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What motivated you all to become illusionists?

For some of you, it was at a very young age, and so when did it turn from a hobby to a career?

James: I think it is the same story for most of us. I saw a magician when I was very young and fell in love immediately with the art. The popular Doug Henning then came along and he sealed the deal, as at that moment, I knew there was nothing else for me.

However, it takes a long time at the beginning to get to where you are good enough to earn a living out of it.

Mattioli: For me it was when David Copperfield came along in the eighties. He had me interested in magic as we got to see on national television this “cool guy” perform in front of thousands of people who until this day is known as one of the best magicians in the world.

I also had a gravitation to many things in the entertainment industry at a young age. I used to study Michael Jackson, dancing and music, and I was a big fan of comic books, and it is all somehow related. Even in comic books, those individuals were entertainers. It is this vision of people who look ordinary doing unordinary things and making people happy, and for whatever reason as a little kid I gravitated towards that. As I got to my teenage years I realized that I needed a job, so the idea at that time was how to make this my career.

Goodwin: My story may differ as I am not a magician, but rather a stunt performer, and so when I was growing up in south Wales, I spent my childhood climbing the roof of my parents’ house and doing terribly dangerous things. I was then lucky enough to fashion that and learn skills and put them on the stage.

There was a period of time when I wanted to become an actor, and then I decided this was far more fun.

Jay Mattioli

How would you describe your experiences on America’s Got Talent and how did it affect your exposure?

James: Of course it was a lot of exposure. I had one particular segment that went viral and I still get work from that and that was eight to nine years ago, so it was really good for me.

However, it was pretty stressful.

Mattioli: Same exact thing.

If you have ninety seconds that goes really well and all of a sudden it is viral and on the cover of Google, then it is definitely beneficial. The world of live television however is very stressful, as plans can change at any point.

Kevin James

We all do wear it as a badge of honor because it means that we can get through any curveball that comes during the show, as it is usually not as stressful as other situations we have been through.

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Culture Danger is certainly a universal language.

Houdini said, “people will come to see you die”, and I don’t think people have changed very much in the hundred years since he said that. Magic is very visual, comedy is very universal and danger is the third part of that, as it is something people can relate to no matter what

How do you deal with unexpected situations, whether on stage or right before your performance?

Goodwin: This is sort of what I do – I deal with stressful situations on stage. I have been hanged, buried alive and locked in a box surrounded by 200,000 bees. I do an escape act from a jacket where I am completely on fire, and that is specifically why I do not get stage fright because concentrating on my act is far more intense than worrying about the thousands of people that are there to watch.

When I did the guest spot on America’s Got Talent, I did that gag in Radio City Music Hall in front of six thousand people live, and all of the New York City fire department came down to watch me do it. In the rehearsal, I had to perform it to get a permit to do it, and so they were all watching me, and that was the one time I did not get out and I had to get rescued, which was a little embarrassing.

Thankfully, I knew the producer of the show who believed we should not go through with it, but I told her it would be fine and it indeed was a great segment. You just have to rise above it and concentrate on what you are actually doing.

I am not a fan of heights, but I get past it. One of my acts is to be hanged from my teeth five meters high, which is not what I love to do but the audience loves it.

Mr. James, how did you come up with your “Operation” illusion and how long did it take to master it?

James: It is still work in progress. I am still changing things all the time, but I was inspired by the classic cutting a lady in half, which was invented in 1921, and it has had so many different incarnations. A friend of mine, who is a historian, showed me this really interesting technique that was done in the 1930s but was not used, and that is when I tried to modernize it and it became what it did.

What you will see in this event was the result of a lot of work and trials to find the cleanest and most shocking way to do it.

Mr. Mattioli, you are known for your big personality on stage. How important would you say incorporating likeability into your performance is?

Jonathan Goodwin

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Mattioli: I believe it is just as important.

When you come to a live event like this, it is really essential because sometimes when you are watching something on the Internet, you are only watching parts of it. However, when people buy the ticket and come in they are

Yu Ho Jin

looking for the full experience, so I think all the little bits of likeability is what is going to make the audience in the end feel like it was enjoyable and worth it.

Of course we need to have magic, danger and excitement but it is also important for the audience, no matter what the culture is, to feel some kind of connection with you and your personality.

Mr. Goodwin, many people refer to you as the “Modern Day Superhero”.

How did you react to receiving such a title?

Goodwin: I honestly laughed at it as I do not consider myself that at all. I just enjoy learning new skills and practicing different things.

I guess it was because a lot of the things I do are not really magic tricks, but rather I am really shooting a crossbow and hanging from my teeth. Because I do lots of these diverse acts, people try and put you into a box and say this is what you are.

Mr. Goodwin, because you do so many daring acts, what would you say was your most memorable moment on stage?

Goodwin: I do a stunt where I put a live scorpion in my mouth and a lady comes up from the audience who does not know it is there, and her job is to slap me in the face while I am escaping from a pair of handcuffs. The moment when I escape and spit the scorpion out onto a tray she is holding, and she freaks out - that is my favorite thing.

For all of you, how is it performing on an international stage of a country that perhaps does not speak the same language compared to yours in your home country?

James: I have been to so many until now, and so it is a lot of fun seeing how the different audiences around the world react, but people are people and what we do is a universal language and they appreciate it no matter what country they are from.

in my performance where I speak a lot, and I realize that sometimes you have to slow down and that some cultural references don’t make sense in different places.

A lot of my magic is choreographed to music that might not be popular in certain places, and so I refer to that as “losing some of the jelly” sometimes, and so I have to modify my acts. Every time though, there is an experience that makes me a stronger performer and it is another little challenge to figure out how to still make it work and to keep it entertaining. That is something that always stresses me a little beforehand, and then once we get through it, I see that people still enjoy it and it is one of those badges of honor that I can wear.

Goodwin: Danger is certainly a universal language. Houdini said, “people will come to see you die”, and I don’t think people have changed very much in the hundred years since he said that. Magic is very visual, comedy is very universal and danger is the third part of that, as it is something people can relate to no matter what. p

Mattioli: I make it more of a challenge in my head because typically I have segments

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FEATURE

Al Dahaba:

The Artisanal Miners

I

n the Eastern Desert of Egypt, along the Red Sea and up until the border of Sudan, is where you can spot Al Dahaba, a group of Bedouins usually from Al Ababda and Bashaira tribes who travel from the Red Sea and Aswan governorates to track down and extract gold that is driven by the water in the mountains and valleys.

These Bedouins are called gold nomads because they move from one area to another irrespective of political boundaries. At times, they are joined by tribes close to the Egyptian-Sudanese border with the common goal of finding gold.

Dr. Mohamed Al Sharkawi, a geology professor at Cairo University and consultant for gold companies in the Eastern Desert, says that this group was initiated in Sudan about 40 years ago and were active in the Kormok area where gold is extracted. Starting as a group made up of a few hundred, now the Dahaba have reached tens of thousands from Al Ababda and others, aided by the Sudanese.

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By Zeinab Abul Gheit

Methods of Extraction

At first, the Dahaba depended on a few simple tools, later learning how to use mechanisms similar to those used in mines. Now, they use electronic detectors that can narrow down the regions where the resource is concentrated and accurately define the depth as well as the available quantity.

To get gold through dried water channels, they sieve and separate the heavy fractions.

Another method, according to Dr. Sharkawi, is by picking the fine gold particles using a Mercury alloy, known as amalgam. However, this system is seen as harmful because when heating the amalgam to release the gold particles, the liquid mercury is evaporated. These vapors are poisonous especially when no specific precautions are applied during this process.

In the center of Al Arish Market, the quartz stone, where the gold is embedded, is sent to the crusher where a worker places the stone in the machine’s slot to extract the gold from the stone.

“People wrongly believe that we collect a huge fortune from the extraction of gold,” a Dahaba from Al Bashaira tribe says. “The reality is that we rarely cover the price of fuel for the car that transports us to the mountains. Even, if we are lucky enough to extract a fair amount, the outcome is distributed equally between the Dahaba, the truck owner and the owner of the machines,” he continues.

carrying weapons and gold. “We are obliged to do this because of lack of other work opportunities,” mentions a gold digger from Shalatin.

Members of the tribe also voiced their concern about wanting to go about their job legally, mentioning that they had asked to be provided with the necessary licenses to establish a company for extracting gold and to employ the Ababda and Bashaira tribes.

Responding to their call, President Al Sisi asked the Shalatin Mining Company to legalise their situation.

After being granted the license, they regretfully discovered that the company aims to purchase the gold at lower prices than the market. For these reasons, the Dahaba left the company and went back to their illegal ways in the regions of Marsa Alam and Fawakhir.

Later, the government proposed giving licenses to specialized companies for extracting gold from the Eastern Desert. “We rejected this offer because we can’t compete with these big companies,” claims a Dahaba from Shalatin. “In addition to the fact that the companies have advanced machines that will destroy the trees and the desert as well,” he added. Dr. Sharkawi attacks the illegal ways that are used by the Dahaba, ”The illegal activities could possibly affect the topography of many valleys in the Eastern Desert and put the legal mining operations at a high risk.”

Now, they use electronic detectors that can narrow down the regions where the resource is concentrated and accurately define the depth as well as the available quantity

Legal Issues

The Dahaba were raided by the army since they operated without a license. Recently, over 60 of them were arrested in the Red Sea mountains, confiscating 37 trucks,

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FEATURE

Availability of Gold in Egypt and its Benefits

Unlike the views of the Dahaba on the participation of the international companies in looking for gold, geologist Atef Omar, Deputy President of Shalatin Mining Company, declared that the international companies are of great benefit to Egypt as they have the experience to train Egyptians in this field.

Another known Egyptian geologist said that besides the existing gold mines in the Eastern Desert, there are also 120 other sites that contain rocks embedded with gold.

The future is promising because for the first time bars of gold are being produced by local companies. In addition, 16 new mines will start production in 2017. Some national organizations affiliated with the Shalatin Company had already extracted gold and the rest are in the preparation stage and will start production in 2018.

Al Sukari Mine, located in the Nubian Desert/Eastern Desert, is a major source for the extraction of gold. It is a combination of an open-pit mine and an underground mine, with estimated reserves of 15.4 million oz of gold (Wikipedia).

The oldest mine in Egypt and Africa is Al Fawakhir Mine that was founded by the British Count John Di Li Vision in 1955.

Before being nationalized then closed down, the Fawakhir Mine was producing nearly half of the amount of gold in Egypt. Regretfully, the factory was robbed allegedly by the Egyptian and African Dahaba.

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Some people criticize mining companies for not exerting enough effort in extracting gold. “In order to be able to impose domination in all of the regions containing gold, the Shalatin Mining Company should be provided with material and administrative aid,” says a member of the Halayeb and Shalatin Council. The company’s capital was only LE 10 million, whereas investments in this field need much larger funds.

“The participation of specialized companies in gold extraction is a necessity because the 120 mines which are still waiting to extract gold will provide the country with millions of dollars,” claims Dr. Sharkawi, who regrets that the most recent bids presented to the investors were not approved by them.

Dr. Sharkawi believes that specialized companies can follow in the footsteps of the successful Australian Company that was given a license to excavate in Gabal Al Sukari. The company’s work was perfected by drilling deep wells, analyzing core samples and establishing gold percentage maps. Their efforts were the most successful ever in gold mining in Egypt.

The expenditures were also tremendous and are being refunded to the company to start splitting the revenue with the Egyptian government on a 50:50 basis.

Future of Al Dahaba

The technology to extract gold is now directed towards the invisible and nano gold. Few areas are under exploration even in the known main locations like Gabal Al Sukari, South East of Marsa Alam.

On the future of the Dahaba, Ahmed Abdullah, the Red Sea Governor, says that a mutual agreement was made in order to work under legal conditions and to sell the gold to the government. To avoid the use of detectors that may harm other minerals, they were provided with advanced machinery.

A promising step is taken by the government through a project that looks to establish a gold city to include a workshop for the industrialization of the resource besides a stock exchange for dealing in gold.

The international companies are of great benefit to Egypt as they have the experience to train Egyptians in this field

Information About Gold in Egypt

Egypt is known as the land of gold in the ancient world where the Pharaohs of the Middle Kingdom were keen explorers of the resource. In Egypt, gold is found in quartz stones’ veins.

Gold is known to be found in the central and southern parts of the Eastern Desert in igneous rocks, which are formed from a molten silicate at high temperatures in deeper parts of the earth’s crust. It can also sometimes be evident in metamorphic rocks, which were subjected to high temperature and pressure. Dark colored rocks, especially green, are favored to host gold, sometimes known as greenstone belts, however, not all quartz veins are gold bearing. The change in the color of quartz from white to grey and black is a possible sign of presence of gold. The alteration of the green rocks to secondary minerals and the change of color to red, yellow and white is also a positive sign for the availability of nano gold.

It is noteworthy to say that The Golden Triangle between Qift, Quseir and Safaga, is seen as a promising area for future mining operations. p

The future is promising because for the first time bars of gold are being produced by local companies NOV 2017 | Ct

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COMMUNITY Real People

Rising Travel Blogger

Myriam Trannet

Choosing to leave behind a desk job to travel the world is a dream for many. Especially with the rise of social media, travel blogging has become a popular occupation, leaving adventuredriven individuals with the chance and platform to live this life with an opportunity to receive sponsors who support their journeys.

M

yriam Trannet, half Egyptian half French, has put aside being a lawyer to fulfill her lifelong dream to travel around the world. We sat with Trannet to tell us more about how this passion began, which places she has visited and what her future plans are.

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Tell us a little more about yourself.

I am originally a member of the Paris bar and worked for a while as a lawyer, but I did not want to commute in the Egyptian traffic, so I started looking for work around my house, but was not successful, as good law firms in my area are not really available. Last April, I made the decision to become a travel blogger.

What inspired you to start?

I follow a lot of travel bloggers on Instagram and was always interested in what they do. When I was coming back from the Philippines from a vacation with my husband and my friends, they encouraged me to just start documenting and they kept emphasizing that I would not need a fancy name or anything, I would just need to start, and so I did.

I also have a love for travel, to experience new places and meet new people. My mom lives in Paris, and I used to live there, but I wanted to expand my destinations beyond vacationing in France. I want to experience cities away from Europe; far away places that I will not be able to visit when I am older.

How do you plan for your trips? Or are they spontaneous?

We honestly never plan months in advance, but rather maybe three weeks before the date. Of course before we go anywhere, we do a lot of research on the place we are going to, where to stay, what to see, and if there are any general tips from people. Before I travel or at least as soon as I land, I try to make sure that I am aware of the basics of what to do, and then add on as we go.

Our trips are usually between 8-10 days, but it also depends on several factors, like if a place is closer, then we can stay for a shorter period of time. For example, I plan to stay in Zanzibar for around six nights.

What are some of your top destinations that stood out to you?

Bali and the Philippines were incredible.

There were also breathtaking views in Saint Thomas, the Caribbean islands, Saint Lucia and Puerto Rico. It is safe to say that I love any island and I am more drawn to scenic views and cultural aspects than historical monuments and architecture.

However, I do occasionally enjoy focusing on history. For example, I love walking around Berlin because there are historical places everywhere, but if I had to choose, I would probably choose a beach destination.

Which cities have you visited in Egypt and which do you plan on traveling to?

I have been all around Egypt, but mostly when I was young, so there are many places I would like to revisit. Siwa is one of those places that I would love to re-explore, as I used to go a lot when I was young with my mother. Fayoum is also another.

I have been to many places in Sinai, as well as to Marsa Allam, Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, Luxor and Aswan.

My mom used to be a tour guide, and so she would always take me places,

especially Luxor and Aswan, where I plan to revisit soon as I have not experienced it as an adult and got to really understand the history and beauty behind it. Luxor is usually planned as a two-day trip, whereas Aswan you can stay a lot longer as the hotels there are incredible.

Which country would you say had the most hospitable, fun-loving locals?

Any island, especially in the Caribbean, as the people there are very relaxed and welcoming.

Are there any places that you have visited that did not meet your expectations?

I would not say that they did not meet my expectations, but for example, I do not think that I would go back to the Philippines because I believe that I have seen all there is to see. Of course, there are other islands that I have not explored, but I would rather visit someplace new and experience something different.

What is your next destination and when?

I really want to go to Cuba, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Zanzibar.

These are my top choices for when I am planning my next trip, but I still have not decided on when exactly. p

To follow her travels, you can find her on Facebook and Instagram: trannetastravels or visit her website: trannetastravels.com.

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Education

Takatof Infuses New Life into Hoda El Shaarawy School in Matareya

T

akatof Association for Development is breathing new life into an old dilapidated school building in Matareya by updating the school’s facilities to meet 21st Century educational standards.

Takatof is a non-profit organization that works on urban and community projects to enhance the lives of people at the bottom of the economic pyramid by renovating public schools and enhancing the learning experience for students with a focus on teachers and students. It also provides medical care for those in need.

In an event that took place on October 9 at Hilton Ramses, Takatof presented its newest project: to renovate and enhance the Hoda El Shaarawy school in Matareya.

The graceful but decaying building that was established in 1955, only underwent renovations once, ten years ago.

Why this School?

“We did not randomly choose any school in Matareya, rather we selected Hoda El Sharaawy because of the philosophy that it represents. El Sharaawy is a true symbol to the liberation of women in Egypt,” explains Hossam Badrawy, Chairman of Takatof.

The Project’s aim

Funded by the European Union (EU) and the German government, the total expected duration of this project is 14 months, from August 2017 to September 2018. Students have been relocated to a different campus until the structural repairs are complete, which are expected to take five months, according to Mireille Nessim, CEO of Takatof.

the renovations, a higher number than expected enrolled. The school was able to accommodate that number because of the way physical space is being created through larger classrooms.

exercises and extensive instructions. It was clear that teachers were not being trained to teach particular facts, but instead to keep students motivated and focused using different educational strategies.

Renovations

“Due to the training program, we were able to improve our teaching methods. I used to use dated methods, but I am now able to develop and modernize them to benefit the students,” mentions one teacher in the video.

The school is redesigned to be more spacious with the establishment of new classrooms and activity rooms as well as a lengthened playground. Also, the details will be taken care of – windows are being enlarged to create more light and aeration in classrooms, lockers are being installed for teachers’ privacy, kindergarten is being separated from the rest of the school and separate rooms are being created for administration staff and social workers.

The project will also establish a food service facility, ensuring its own financial sustainability as the organization plans to only provide it with money once. The renovations of the new campus also feature new bathrooms, a different color scheme based on color psychology and the introduction of solar energy to generate electricity for the school.

The organization was waiting for the approval of the Minister of Education to create more flexible space by changing the arrangement of desks in the classroom that are currently lined up in rows for exams.

Since new separate examination rooms are being built, the classroom can now lend itself to more active, cooperative learning.

Towards the end of the event, Reda Hegazy, head of the public education sector, and present in the panel on behalf of the minister of education, strongly welcomed the idea of altering the classroom layout.

Training

“The physical environment of a school is important, but we are not here to provide cement and steel rods. We are here to equip students with tools to be better human beings and to stimulate minds and shape personalities,” says Badrawy.

Teachers went through a comprehensive training program during the summer holidays. Ahmed Shawky, Treasurer of Takatof, explained that a key indicator of the project’s success is the teacher’s feedback on the level of improvement. The goal is to have at least 70% of the teachers confirm that the students are receiving better education.

The project is currently benefiting a total of 1986 Matareya residents, including 1332 students, 56 teachers, 300 parents and 200 community residents. Originally, the target was to enroll 1000 students, but as more people in Matareya heard about

A video was presented during the event showing how the organization was running these training programs. Teachers were taught how to embark on collaborative practices and engage with students through role-play practices, stretching

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By Zaina Hassan Salama

The video also showed how teachers were taught to handle students with learning difficulties. In the future, old teachers will train newcomers, hence ensuring the technical sustainability of the project.

Special Needs and Healthcare

Steering the path of development, there is also an effort to establish an inclusive school that integrates special needs students into the mainstream classroom.

A resource room will also be added to provide extra help to students with learning difficulties. This project encompasses development through its inter-relatedness with the rights of persons with disabilities.

The idea is that education should be based on individual differences – the range of intellectual ability and capacity to absorb information at different rates.

Takatof will also provide access to eye health care where 70% of students will receive ophthalmological services.

Most students learn through the visual system, hence good eyes is critical to the child’s ability to benefit from educational experiences.

The Project’s Concept

The project is devoted to a mission of providing access to education to unlock the vast potential of all students. We often forget that if everyone can get their foot on the opportunity ladder then this leads to a maximization of benefits to society as a whole.

“Education is the backbone of a successful society. This development project provides the people of Matareya with the choice to improve their overall living standards to open the gates to a better future,” says Abeer Saheb, head of the GIZ fund. The project will inspire students to enhance

their thinking by providing a more pleasurable learning experience. For example, it offers “fun days” and summer and mid-year camps.

“We are promoting a concept of growth and development. For example, this project serves as a model against terrorism. When freedom is threatened, civil society must stand together and this is how real change takes place and this is what Takatof tries to do,” explains Maged Osman, Vice Chairman of Takatof.

Teachings

In many Egyptian schools, art is sometimes seen as less important than the more “strategic” subjects. Takatof tries to remedy this neglect in Hoda El Sharaawy by offering facilities to cater for art. Art and music classrooms, a theater and an art open studio are under construction.

Other impressive developments are the science labs for practical experiments that will help students

effectively learn theoretical concepts of science, promoting their interest and engagement.

One key goal of the project is to raise awareness of both students and parents on violence, sexual harassment and the environment. The school will also start an environmental initiative under the slogan “My school is my home”.

“If the new generation is loyal and proud of their school, they will be loyal and proud of their country and this is what we need. We are supporting this project to help develop our country and find solutions for our problems,” emphasizes Khaled Mohamady, head of the Matareya district.

“Education is not just about grades.

The school’s philosophy is what is important and we need to differentiate between education and skills. Active learning is a strategy that is employed in the classroom and applied in real life situations. This is what builds character,” concludes Hegazy. p NOV 2017 | Ct

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DESTINATIONS Scenes

The Art-Inspired

Manyal Palace Written and Photographed by Ahmed Kafafi

B

y mid-19th Century, baroque architecture and other Western designs greatly influenced the Middle East and ushered in the recession of traditional Islamic architecture that had flourished for centuries. The outcome of this Westernisation movement was a bevy of constructions as well as palaces such as Al Montaza, Ras Al Teen and Abdin that continue to feature as part of the architectural heritage in both Cairo and Alexandria, all of which were styled after historical buildings in Western capitals.

In Manyal, a Cairo suburb located near the downtown centre, you can spot medievalstyled walls with conspicuous Arabic-Islamic character that are reminiscent of Islamic fortress walls, which protected castles and ancient towns, in the midst of modern constructions and high-rise buildings. The identity of the place remains concealed behind these bulwarks, which are dwarfed by ramifications of mammoth tree branches.

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History

Inside these walls is the Manyal Palace, which is considered one of the most important historical museums in Egypt, where some of the rarest art pieces in the world are housed.

The palace, completed in 1930, came to stand for a kind of nostalgia for Islamic Medieval architecture and a return to a long-forgotten tradition and a reflection of the character and culture of its owner, Prince Tawfik, the late king Farouk’s cousin. Besides his established reputation as an art lover, Tawfik was the oldest member of the Egyptian royal family.

This was why he was recognized as a crown prince when King Farouk was still under age, and he continued to act as such until Farouk took power in 1936 following his father late King Fouad I’s demise.

Prince Tawfik immersed in Arab as well as foreign cultures, and his religiosity sparked in him a special fondness for Islamic arts.

With a devotion to collecting artefacts, the prince sent members of his retinue in search of valuables and rarities. From the ruins of collapsing houses in old Cairo, he would pick all that was of any real artistic or historical value. In addition to what he received as gifts from royals and princes, the globe-trotting royal purchased precious pieces during his long journeys to various parts of the world.

By the time he began construction of the building, he had already accumulated a fortune of treasures, portraits and documents, where the palace, meant to be a museum long before the prince’s death, came as the ideal place to shelter his priceless findings.

Scenes

Location

The palace is located on a beautiful spot overlooking one of the Nile branches surrounding Manyal Al Roda, a river island that has now been bridged to the rest of the city.

The palace’s spacious garden is home to lively trees that were brought from equatorial as well as desert and cold surroundings to endow it with a beautiful landscape. For twenty years, the forest-like garden had been leased to the French hotel chain the “Club Méditerranée”, which set up bungalows amidst the palace’s green locales. After the hotel’s contract with the government came to end, the bungalows were removed in order to turn the garden into a public park.

Architecture and Design

The Manyal Palace combines several Islamic styles that range from Iranian, Fatimid and Egyptian to Moroccan and Syrian.

The interior consists of around ten sections, some of which were part of the prince’s own living quarters, like The Reception Hall and the Residence Palace, while others were built to be museums like the Hunting Museum, Al Sabeel, The Golden Hall, The Private Museum and The Throne Hall.

The palace’s mosque is located near the entrance. Though small, it is a real architectural and decorative masterpiece that reflects the expertise of all the Islamic schools in building and decorating mosques.

The Hunting Museum is one of the palace’s main attractions that was originally a long passage overlooking the garden. Years after the prince’s death, it turned into a hunting exhibition, which displayed what former King Farouk and Prince Yousif Kamal had caught during their hunting trips in Egypt.

A walk around the museum could take hours among embalmed birds, reptiles, gazelle heads and butterflies, among others.

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Another interesting area is the Throne Hall, which includes large portraits of the prince’s ancestors, rulers of Egypt and descendants of Mohammed Ali the Great, founder of modern Egypt. The artwork is spread out in the vertical hall that is furnished with red carpets, curtains and chairs. Dwarfing the other chairs, the throne, flanked by two huge crystal chandeliers, is placed next to the founder’s portrait in the hall’s centre. The room’s ceiling is covered with golden decorative items that represent the sun, which stands for aristocracy and the enlightenment brought to the country by the royal family.

The Mother Hall was the private residence of the prince’s mother, where she stayed whenever she visited. It is complete with a bedroom, a large reception decorated with turquoise tiles and bibelots in addition to a magnificent parlour.

The Private Museum consists of 15 halls exhibiting items that vary from manuscripts, writing tools, clothes and handicrafts to weapons, china, vases and carpets, all of which the prince collected in his lifetime. If that museum reveals the prince as an avid collector, the Reception and Residence Halls give evidence of his taste and artistic approach.

Since the museum was inaugurated in the 1960s, it has been attracting scores of art students and researchers of all kinds.

The palace is among the rare areas that could not be estimated in monetary terms.

The prince willed upon his death that the palace would be dedicated to the posterity to study and appreciate Islamic art, but ironically in 1952, two years before his death, the Egyptian revolution broke out and the palace became a state property, so his wish was fulfilled during his lifetime. p

Nov 2017 | Ct

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Scenes

Bawabat

Bawabat is a newly-opened serene venue that entails a lot of spiritual activities - a retreat for those in need of one peaceful day in their lives surrounded by nature to feed their souls, free their minds and be connected with their bodies and hearts.

T

he name Bawabat or “Gateways� was chosen because of the belief that there are many passageways to reach other levels of creativity and freedom. The founders are Madiha Mansour and Seif Allah Fahmy.

The 17-feddan venue is surrounded by olive fields with workshops for meditation, yoga, music, dancing, team building, over and above agriculture teaching where visitors will

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experience wellness and health education.

The 7th Soul venue is a large dome room for sessions like dance, meditation and arts education. The Salarium Salt Room is a space inspired by Dr. Munir Nematalla where guests will enhance their health simply by being surrounded by the healing properties of salt. It includes a cozy fireplace where guests can get a massage upon request.

At Bawabat, there is also an outdoor kitchen, three outdoor ovens, and guests can either enjoy a meal prepared underground with slow cooking or home cooked healthy organic food prepared by a Sufi chef. Meals include pomegranate quinoa salad or rucola goat cheese salad, zucchini pasta with parsley and lemon, and best of all, freshly baked baladi bread.

At Bawabat, guests will sit back and enjoy, not only feeding their souls with stillness, music and spiritual activities, but also feeding their body with exquisite clean, organic food.

The founders are also planning to construct an energy-conservation home for guests accommodating up to 21 visitors that will include a lodge for reading, arts and crafts and extra wellness services. p Bawabat is located just 20 minutes from the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road gates.

Tel: +20100 2138668

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Editorial

NEW EXECUTIVE LOUNGE AT JW MARRIOTT CAIRO! JW Marriott Hotel has unveiled its newly renovated, expansive Executive Lounge creating brilliant experiences and pampering discerning travelers with the highest levels of comfort, luxury and exclusivity.

Daily perks include complimentary breakfast, happy hour, light dinner, indoor and outdoor seating, family area, private meeting room in addition to express check-in and check-out services open during the day and evening.

The refurbished Executive Lounge located on the seventh floor exudes contemporary opulence, understated elegance with the appeal of modern day luxury as well as the very best in contemporary comforts.

Make use of the office and library facilities, or catch up with colleagues and friends over a light meal or drinks and snacks or to use the indoor and outdoor spaces. p

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Editorial

THE NILE RITZ-CARLTON, CAIRO CELEBRATES TWO YEARS OF SUCCESS AS A TRUE ICON OF LUXURY

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he Nile Ritz-Carlton is celebrating its second year of opening – having first opened its doors on October 12th, 2015.

During this short period, the luxury property has achieved a number of reputable accomplishments that add to its roster of unparalleled experiences for guests, embodying the true essence of the Egyptian culture and hospitality.

Commemorating this milestone, here are the top five key achievements of the property: Bespoke Weddings and Key Conferences The hotel has been well-known for its bespoke wedding experiences and exceptional conferences and events.

Wedding specialists and experts will ensure that every aspect of the special day is well-taken care of; from the ballroom decorations down to menu choices. The premier wedding venue hosts parties for up to 1,500 guests.

The Iconic Location for Royalties, Celebrities and Presidents Since its opening in the late fifties, the historical hotel has been known for

hosting royals, celebrities and presidents from all over the world such as Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra.

The hotel’s history has proven to be its greatest strength in continuing the legacy of creating unforgettable memories for its guests. Preserving their privacy and anticipating their needs are the key pillars of remarkable guest experiences at The Nile Ritz-Carlton.

Italy’s Finest Cuisine Vivo brings a part of the lush Italian countryside to the elegant setting of the iconic hotel. The culinary team infuses gastronomic culture and passion into fresh creations featuring locally sourced produce, served in classic Ritz-Carlton style.

Vivo has recently announced its launch of the one-hour express business lunch.

Fresh preparations from the kitchen also include lighter alternatives for professionals looking for a healthy lunch to energize and awaken their long business day.

The Caterer of Choice During the visit of Pope Francis to Egypt, Chef Carmine – the Italian Chef De Cuisine of Vivo restaurant – was

personally chosen by the Vatican Embassy to prepare the sumptuous lunch of the Pope. The lunch was served by the sisters who are fully trained by The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo team to ensure the highest quality of service to the Pope.

Nox, The Goddess of The Nile The capital’s cosmopolitan destination opened its doors at The Nile Ritz-Carlton to welcome Egypt’s top movers and shakers. Located on top of the historical hotel, Nox offers the ultimate nightlife rooftop experience for those who seek good music, food and company.

The one-of-a-kind restaurant, lounge and bar offers a cosmopolitan dining experience that is tailored to satisfy all party-goers.

Ancient Wellness The Nile Ritz-Carlton Spa welcomes guests to embark on a unique journey through Egyptian wellness rituals of the past, complemented by the modern comforts of luxury. Inspired by Cleopatra’s legendary milk baths and her feted silky skin, the relaxing rituals set the tone for treatments favored by the Pharaohs and complete the journey of the senses with a fragrant cup of jasmine tea. p

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Editorial

Paradise Setting for a Sensational Wedding at Kempinski Soma Bay 52

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etting married with your feet in the sand or the wind in your hair in one of the world’s most stunning locations makes the ceremony even more magical. There is no denying that the beauty of the beach or outdoor wedding venues with magnificent backdrops go far beyond the classic settings! So get ready for your magical wedding at the most spectacular location in Soma Bay.

Located on the sparkling shores and surrounded by the picturesque landscape of pools, lazy rivers, waterfalls and lagoons flowing down to an immaculate golden sandy beach, your dream wedding can become a living reality and all you need is to say “I do”.

Our skilled team will turn your vision into a reality one detail at a time, leaving you free to enjoy every moment. Where space is not an issue, couples can build their invitation list to include up to 500 guests.

Create a magical space under the stars at Al Mar by pool, on the beach with the breathtaking backdrop of the Red Sea or in the glamour of the spacious ballroom. With a selection of indoor and outdoor venues, there is nothing like a Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay wedding. p

Editorial

RENAISSANCE MIRAGE CITY HOTEL CAIRO WEDDING AND ENGAGEMENT PACKAGES

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elebrate your “happily ever after” in spectacular style by booking a bespoke wedding experience at Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel this season.

Renaissance Mirage City Hotel is skilled at creating warm, intimate weddings and beautiful engagement parties that will exceed your expectations in every possible way. Heighten the exquisiteness of your special event with customizable venue spaces, professional wedding planning services, impeccable catering options and stylish accommodations.

If you require an intimate event space for a daytime wedding or engagement party, then the luxurious Baron Ballroom is sure to satisfy. We offer a number of exceptional wedding and engagement packages – encompassing superior food and beverage options, decorations, lighting and comfortable accommodation for the bridal party – to help you achieve the wedding or engagement party of your dreams. Contact our professional wedding planning team for further information and advice. p

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Travel

Visiting Controversial

Amsterdam

Written by Rana Kamaly Photographs by Ahmed Bakr and Rana Kamaly

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hen I first found out that we were visiting Amsterdam during our mini Euro-trip, I was not too excited, as I believed that there were only a limited number of sites that were worth visiting there. As this was one of my husband’s dream destinations, we decided to go for a five-day stay.

Amsterdam had us amazed from the moment we left the train, as the station is by the water and the way the city shimmers at night is just spectacular. The city is also futuristic and modern where everything appears new or renovated while still maintaining its authenticity.

We took the fast train from Paris to Amsterdam for three and a half hours, which proved to be the perfect choice.

Even though it is the same price as a budget flight, you can save time and costs

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to and from city airports, as the train leaves from one city center to arrive at the other. If you have a lot of luggage, you do not have to pay for any extra weight as you would for the plane.

Amsterdam proved to be as picturesque as it is in pictures, with beautiful flowers, trees and bikes everywhere and each part of the city overlooks a canal and bridge.

Benches are placed at every corner so you can sit and enjoy the view.

The city’s architecture is very unique as they have a special design for the buildings especially those around the city center, which are short, with a medieval but authentic style.

Accommodation We stayed at the Citiez Hotel, which was around 10 to 15 minutes away by tram from the city center. Even though we were near the outskirts of the city, we still had beautiful views of canals,

architecturally detailed bridges and gorgeous flowers.

The hotel was very modern and one of the cheapest we found. Each room is decorated to resemble a certain city, however, the rooms are small, but I believe it is all you need for a short stay.

Please keep in mind that accommodation in Amsterdam is generally quite expensive, even if you consider Airbnb.

Right across the street was a huge lake and a park, which was perfect for a picnic during the day, a common activity done by locals.

Activities and Places to Visit Shopping in Europe is quite expensive, especially after the inflation, but during the sale season, items are affordable and even cheaper than buying in Egypt. They also have a wide selection of brands. All the shops you need are at Dame Square in the city center.

Amsterdam proved to be as picturesque as it is in pictures, with beautiful flowers, trees and bikes everywhere and each part of the city overlooks a canal and bridge

To get the best out of this city, take a walking tour, which many companies offer for free, during your first morning there just to understand which areas are worth visiting NOV 2017 | Ct

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Travel Around the area is the Red Light District that many people are interested in checking out, as it is a unique experience that is outside most people’s comfort zone. This area’s lights and themes are red, and the buildings’ windows are at eye level where “ladies of the night” present themselves to passers.

A known fact about the city, certain types of drugs are legal, but despite all the legalities and drinking, it still remains a safe city with very little or even no harassment. Just make sure, especially when you are at a “coffee shop”, that you do not order something with hash in it as it is normal there, especially in baked goods.

The Parks are numerous. One park I would recommend is Vondel, which is home to fountains, lakes and beautiful mini canals. Residents go there to picnic, usually on Sundays. It also includes a running track.

Residential areas are also magical, with beautifully designed architecture and colors, where it is also common for every house to have a little garden near a park.

Even though Amsterdam is not really classified as a city famous for its museums, they have a few that are must-sees. The Van Gogh museum is incredible and has a small souvenir shop.

Right outside the museum, there is the big “I (heart) Amsterdam” sign that every tourist takes a picture with. You can also visit a museum that displays all the types of tulips in the city center.

You might want to visit Anne Frank’s house, the famous young Jewish girl who was one of the holocaust victims, and who had books and plays written about her and the fact that she hid in that house for years. However, be prepared to wait in a long line.

Also, Rijksmuseum, the Dutch national museum dedicated to arts and history, is worth a visit. The building’s exterior alone is a large enough statement that reflects the city’s incredible architecture.

Cuisine Even though the food is not cheap, there is without a doubt an endless variety. I would not suggest a specific restaurant, but I would recommend just walking around the city center and choosing whatever you are in the mood for, trying something new everyday.

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If there are budget concerns, cut out on drinks during meals and buy them from any local supermarket. You can also find ready-made waffles at fair prices that come in all shapes and forms and are only for a couple of Euros, great for a quick breakfast or dinner.

Cheese is everywhere! You can find cheese shops, cheese samples and cheese museums at every corner, where hundreds of shops are solely dedicated to selling all types. Prices are the same as in Egypt for imported cheese, but with a wider variety and fresher options. All shops offer free samples and the store owners can get offended if you refuse to taste. The cheese sauces are to die for, as well as the honey mustard, cranberry sauce, sweet chili and many more that are available to taste with your favorite type of cheese.

Transportation Transportation in Amsterdam is very flexible. Of course, you can use a bike to get around and enjoy the hidden parts, or you can get a city pass for the number of days you are staying. Trams are a great option to help you get anywhere within the city as there is a station every five minutes if you are walking on foot. You can also go to the airport with the city bus that runs every 20 or 30 minutes from specific stops.

To get the best out of this city, take a walking tour, which many companies offer for free, during your first morning there just to understand which areas are worth visiting as the tour guides are pretty informative and would provide you with useful local tips.

Amsterdam should be on your list of European cities to visit as it is an experience on its own. p

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Cuisine

Different Ways to Make Turkey for Thanksgiving Caprese Quinoa Turkey Casserole Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

2 teaspoons olive oil 500 grams ground turkey ½ onion, diced ½ teaspoon salt Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional) 2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed 250 grams frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry ¼ cup chicken broth ¾ cup quinoa ½ cup grated parmesan, divided 250 grams fresh mozzarella, sliced or cubed 4 tomatoes, sliced A handful of basil leaves, sliced thin or minced

Directions: • Cook quinoa according to package directions.

• Preheat oven to 200C. • Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Add turkey, onion, salt and red pepper flakes. Sauté and crumble meat until turkey is cooked through.

• Add garlic, spinach and broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently.

• Stir in cooked quinoa and ¼ cup parmesan.

• Reduce heat to medium and cook until heated through.

• Transfer quinoa mixture to the prepared baking dish.

• Arrange slices or cubes of mozzarella over the top, and place tomato slices in an even layer over the cheese. Sprinkle basil over the tomatoes.

• Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the tomatoes, and sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of parmesan over the top.

• Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese melts and the tomatoes are thoroughly cooked.

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Turkey Burgers Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • •

1 large Portobello mushroom 1 tablespoon chopped onions 3 tablespoons fresh parsley 750 grams ground turkey 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Salt and pepper 8 thin slices of cheddar cheese 4 burger buns, split Dijon mustard, mayonnaise and sliced avocado, for topping (optional)

Directions:

Turkey Chili Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons chili powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 green bell pepper, roughly chopped 5 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated) Salt 500 grams ground turkey 600 grams diced tomatoes 2 cups chicken broth 1 cup crushed tortilla chips, plus more for topping Sour cream and cheddar cheese, for topping (optional)

Directions: • Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

• Add the tomato paste, chili powder and cumin and cook, stirring, until the mixture darkens, about 1 minute.

• Add ½ cup water, the bell pepper, onion whites and 1 teaspoon salt.

• Cook, stirring, until the bell pepper is crisp-tender, about 4 minutes.

• Add the turkey and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until cooked through, about 4 minutes.

• Stir the tomatoes, chicken broth and crushed tortilla chips into the pot; bring to a simmer.

• Partially cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 10 to 12 minutes.

• Stir in all but a few tablespoons of the onion greens and season with salt.

• Top with more crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, cheddar and the remaining onion greens.

• Scrape out the gills from the underside of the mushroom cap.

• Cut the cap into 1-inch pieces and transfer to a food processor.

• Add the shallot and parsley and pulse until chopped.

• Transfer the mushroom mixture to a large bowl and then add the turkey, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper; gently mix with your hands until just combined.

• Divide into 4 balls, then lightly press into 4-inchwide, 1-inch-thick patties.

• Put on a large plate, cover and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.

• Preheat a grill to medium.

• Brush the grates with olive oil. Grill the patties, undisturbed, until marked on the bottom, 4 to 5 minutes.

• Give the patties a quarter turn and cook until marked again, 4 to 5 more minutes.

• Flip the patties and grill until cooked through, 6 to 7 more minutes; top each with 2 slices cheese during the last 3 minutes of cooking and cover with a disposable aluminum pan to melt.

• Toast the English muffins on the grill, then spread with mustard and mayonnaise.

• Serve the patties on the English muffins; top with avocado.

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Cuisine

Herb Roasted Turkey Breast Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • •

3 kilograms turkey breast 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 cup chicken or turkey stock

Directions: • Preheat the oven to 160C. • Place the turkey breast, skin side up, on a rack in a roasting pan.

• In a small bowl, combine the garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, olive oil and lemon juice to make a paste.

• Loosen the skin from the meat gently with your fingers and smear half of the paste directly on the meat. Spread the remaining paste evenly on the skin.

• Pour the stock into the bottom of the roasting pan.

• Roast the turkey for 1¾ to 2 hours, until the skin is golden brown. If the skin is overbrowning, cover the breast loosely with aluminum foil.

• When the turkey is done, cover with foil and allow it to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.

• Slice and serve with the pan juices spooned over the turkey.

Turkey Kofta Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • •

500 grams ground turkey 1 small onion, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 large egg white ¼ cup parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons plain bread crumbs 1 lemon, zested 1 teaspoon chili powder ½ teaspoon ground coriander or cumin ½ teaspoon paprika Salt and pepper, to taste 8 skewers

Yogurt Tahini Dipping Sauce • 170 grams plain yogurt • 1 tablespoon tahini paste • 1 lemon, juiced

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Directions: • Preheat your grill or oven on medium-high.

• Mix together the dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside in the fridge until ready to use.

• Combine the ingredients for the kofta together in a large bowl and mix together until well blended.

• Divide the meat mixture evenly into 8 sections of meat.

• Use your hands to form the meat around the skewers.

• Grill the kofta accordingly for 6-7 minutes, flipping them over about halfway through the cooking time. These can also be cooked on an outdoor grill or even baked.

• When the kofta is cooked through, remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.

• Serve with dipping sauce.

Turkey Meatballs with Tomato Sauce Ingredients: • • • • • • • •

1 tablespoon melted coconut oil 800 grams ground turkey breast 1 small onion, finely diced 1 small red pepper, finely diced 1 clove garlic, minced 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped A pinch of salt and pepper 2 eggs

Sauce • 1 onion, chopped finely • 2 tablespoons coconut oil • 1 garlic clove, crushed • 1 teaspoon dried thyme • 1 teaspoon of oregano • 1 kilogram tomatoes, chopped • 1 teaspoon salt

Directions: • Preheat oven to 180C. • Place all the meatball ingredients in a medium bowl and mix everything together.

• Roll into 1½-inch size balls.

• For the sauce, fry the onion in a little coconut oil and salt. After five minutes, add the rest of the ingredients. Cook for 10 minutes.

• Place the meatballs on a roasting tray, evenly spaced and pour over the freshly made sauce.

• Place in your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.

• Serve over pasta, rice or vegetables.

Turkey Meatloaf Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • •

3 cups chopped onions 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (½ teaspoon dried) ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce ¾ cup chicken stock 1½ teaspoons tomato paste 2¼ kilograms turkey breast 1½ cups plain bread crumbs 3 eggs, beaten ¾ cup ketchup

Directions: • Preheat oven to 160C. • In a medium sauté pan, over medium-low heat, cook the onions, olive oil,

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• • • •

salt, pepper and thyme until translucent, but not browned, approximately 15 minutes.

Add the Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock and tomato paste and mix well. Allow to cool to room temperature.

Combine the ground turkey, bread crumbs, eggs and onion mixture in a large bowl.

Mix well and shape into a rectangular loaf on an ungreased sheet pan.

Spread the ketchup evenly on top.

Bake for 1½ hours until the meatloaf is cooked through.

Serve hot, at room temperature, or cold in a sandwich. p

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Society Glam and Glory at the JW Marriott Cairo Hotel JW Marriott Cairo Mirage City Hotel hosted a unique “Glam and Glory” event for members of Charms JW Ladies Society. At the Cheops ballroom, Cairo’s guests gathered to enjoy a fascinating presentation by Mr. Ashraf Sobhy; an expert in the world of diamonds featuring a live demonstration of his artistic work.

The evening kicked off with elegant presentations of diamonds displayed at the entrance of the ballroom, followed by a cocktail gathering and a presentation on diamonds, precious stones, gems, and all that revolves around a girl’s best friend. The evening was complimented by a beautiful show featuring models showcasing the artistic pieces created by Ashraf Sobhy.

Charms JW Ladies Society is an exclusive ladies club dedicated to enriching the lives of its members through a topical and exciting program of events, seminars and social gatherings. p

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Test Driving the Luxurious New E-Class Exclusive Mercedes-Benz Egypt provided me with the all-new E-180 Exclusive for a test drive around the city. Having kids ride with me was always considered a burden, as I have to pay attention to the road and avoid all possible distractions.

I don’t know where artificial intelligence will take us, but I can assure you it is well reflected in this model’s Intelligent Drive Systems. This new safety system offered comfort on a whole other level through the “crash prevention option”, thus avoiding accidents in the most sudden situations. The E-Class takes preventive measures through its PRE-SAFE system, which reduces the stress of driving in Egypt.

Having mentioned stress, I have to admit I overused the Energizing Comfort features including the massage function in the driver’s seat that helped me enjoy traffic during rush hour. Since I started with the interior, I have to introduce you to the steering wheel with touch controls similar to any smart phone interface that allows the driver to control the infotainment system without leaving the wheel.

I was impressed with the Intelligent Drive Systems and features while my kids remained entertained by changing the interior ambient lights that offers 64 different variations and colors.

Moving onto the 1.6 L engine supported by a 9G-tronic automatic transmission, the car’s performance was evident in its ability to reach the maximum allowed speed within a few seconds, with an acceleration of 0-100 km in 8.8 seconds.

The all-new E-180 Exclusive provides you with the utmost elegance accompanied by driving pleasures, practicality and comfort. The high-resolution MULTIBEAMLED headlamps automatically illuminate the road without affecting other drivers.

The exterior design of the E-Class Exclusive offers more than just a stylish look, but its increased leg room for passengers further adds onto the comfort aspect. From afar, you can distinguish the new rear design that gives it a distinctive character.

Diversity is what makes each Mercedes-Benz model stand alone. Although there was a change in the overall exterior design, the classic feature of the radiator grille will always stay true to its Mercedes star as a centerpiece.

For as long as Mercedes-Benz has existed, they have never compromised safety for beauty. p

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