Hey there,

We just came back from such a deeply emotional and beautiful evening at our award ceremony for the winners of the Timeless Tales Cultural Heritage Writing Competition, hosted at Bibliothek Egypt in collaboration with Fair Trade Egypt.

What made the event so touching and unforgettable was meeting so many incredible and aspiring writers, who, despite everything, continue to write from a place of truth, using their voices and their hearts to tell stories that they feel deeply connected to, stories that have always lived within them but were just waiting for the right moment to come out.

Each story was a heartfelt tribute to our homeland, Egypt, with all its contradictions, complexities, and emotions. We often talk to friends and family about what Egypt means to us, but we sometimes forget that our relationship to our homeland also forms through the random, unexpected conversations we have with strangers. A single conversation, a fleeting moment of connection, can make you feel more rooted in Egypt than any long visit to a museum. And while museums are extraordinary, nothing compares to the beauty of a human story that feels real.

This edition is dedicated to the poets and writers who write to their homeland, those who pause to reflect on what home truly means. Is it something that lives within us, carried wherever we go? Or is it something we build and nurture around us? Perhaps it’s both. In the end, home is safety, home is love, and above all, home is that feeling of warmth and familiarity that makes everything feel right.

We hope you enjoy reading!

Warm regards,

Mirna Abdulaal

The time and effort behind this newsletter come from the Egyptian Streets team of independent, grassroots journalists. By subscribing for just USD 1.66 per month (EGP 80), or as little as USD 0.84 per month (EGP 40) for students (paid annually), you’re directly supporting the creation of content like this and helping sustain independent media in Egypt.

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Spotlight

^{Meet Nour Alzaben}

From the textures and colors of the embroidery on their scarves to the delicate chime of the jewelry, Bedouin women embody a beauty that is both enigmatic and expressive. Their adornments are extensions of nature itself, reflecting a life lived in harmony with the earth. In the way they wear their jewelry and reveal only their eyes to the world, heritage speaks gently but powerfully. Through those eyes, one glimpses generations of wisdom, of devotion to family, community, and land. Jordanian artist Nour Alzaben breathes new life into this spirit of the Bedouin, reimagining it not only for the women of Jordan but for Bedouin women across the Arab world, each carrying her own traditions, yet all bound by a shared reverence for belonging, beauty, and the land that sustains them. Discover her work here.

Speaking to Egyptian Streets, Nour shared more about her cultural picks and work below:

What is one thing you wish people understood more deeply about your art?

I think it is not about wishing people would understand more, it is more about ensuring that my artwork reflect the beauty and richness of our Bedouin heritage which interlinks to language and poetry.

How do you feel connected to Bedouin culture, and what led you to highlight it in your work?

I am a Bedouin myself, and what I represent is a creative process behind producing a piece of art that showcase years of memories embedded in my subconsciousness as I grew up; the colors, the patterns, the shades and even the smells.

Which emotions most often shape and guide your creative process?

Luckily my creativity is not driven by an emotion (as far as I know). But what I undergo whilst I am creating is an unrealistic rollercoaster of emotions. It is just you, the paint, the patterns, the canvas, the music and an ocean of thoughts.

Looking back, which of your artworks feels most meaningful to you, and why?

My first artwork ريم المِكاحيل. I am a self-taught artist, who discovered I had a talent just recently. This one was my “try-out” artwork and my first ever painting that is done on canvas. It represents the beauty and pride of Bedouin women. 

What symbols or visual elements do you use to represent Bedouin women in your art?

I love embedding vintage coins that are inherited from the woman of my family. I also use embroidery and pieces of fabric that are meaningful to me. Facial tattoos are also a symbol that is always used in my work.

From your perspective, what makes the Bedouin woman unique and distinct?

The position of Bedouin women in their tribe is so powerful, as they are equal participants and played a significant role in daily life. In my perspective Bedouin woman represent pride, wisdom, beauty and motherhood.

Merch Drop

Feature

^{For the Homeland}

Writing can be a draining act of devotion, but the willingness to revisit forgotten parts of yourself and to feel the world around you with unbearable intensity is as emotional as it is intellectual, as exhausting as it is redemptive.

Sudanese-Libyan poet Mohammed el-Fayturi was one of those rare souls who felt everything, and who refused to turn away from pain, memory, or injustice. His words became vessels for what the world tries to forget, and through them, he kept those truths alive. In his poem Dig No Grave for Me, he envisions Sudan as a living, breathing being sustained by its rivers and nourished by its soil. For el-Fayturi, those who resist oppression and colonialism are extensions of this natural force, as they give life, they protect, they create, but they never steal or betray.

In our world today, where the oppressed are slaughtered in staggering numbers and where triumph is too often measured by violence and war, el-Fayturi’s words echo across time, showing us that true victory belongs not to conquerors but to those who carry a cause that outlives them.

Read the article here.

What to Read

^{The Eyes of Gaza}

We’ve all been following the news closely, and we’ve all heard about the first phase of the ceasefire that has finally been agreed upon by all sides. But before we allow ourselves to celebrate the idea of peace, we must look deeper at what has really happened, and at how it has shaped not only the Palestinian cause, but more importantly, the Palestinian people. Because the generations growing up today, those who have lived and witnessed the war, will carry its memories with them for the rest of their lives.

Read more here.

What to Listen to

^{Awkat Ashouf Malamhak}

If you’ve been feeling a little low lately, or maybe just extra emotional, and perhaps it’s the change in weather, then your ears might be in need of a little El Masryeen today. And if you’ve never heard of them, well, you’re missing out on a lot. Formed in 1977 by composer Hany Shenouda, El Masryeen was an Egyptian band that redefined Arabic music, blending it with fresh harmonies and instruments like the guitar, drums, and bass. Their songs carried a mix of sincerity and playfulness we don’t often hear anymore, such as corny lyrics, tender melodies, and words that make you smile for no reason. And maybe, in a world overflowing with AI-generated everything, what we need most is exactly that, just something a little more human and poetic, and unapologetically corny.

Listen here.

What to Watch

^{Cleopatra’s Final Secret}

Yes, we know what you’re thinking, here we go again, another Cleopatra documentary. It feels like not a single year passes without her name resurfacing somewhere. But with the Grand Egyptian Museum finally set to open its doors on November 1, maybe this is the perfect moment to give this one a chance and to immerse ourselves in that ancient energy and let the anticipation build. After two decades of searching for Cleopatra’s tomb, archaeologist K. Martinez now turns her focus to an underwater site in the Mediterranean. Joined by Titanic discoverer Bob Ballard, along with the Egyptian Navy and dive teams, the search continues, but this time, beneath the waves. If you’re subscribed to Disney+ or Hulu, you can stream it there, and if not, there are a few clips floating around on YouTube too.

Find out more.

^{Nokta Men Awel Satr}

We know it’s mid-October, which probably means you’re in full panic mode, with deadlines piling up, surprise projects appearing out of nowhere, and everyone suddenly seems to be in a mood. So maybe this series can help you find your footing again. It’s packed with mentorship, real talk, and gentle guidance on navigating challenges and building resilience. And yes, we know, you’re probably over self-help podcasts by now. But sometimes, even the most exhausted mind just needs a small nudge in the right direction.

Watch it in Egypt here and in the US here. 

What to Eat

^{Bibliothek Cafe}

When work spills beyond the usual hours and it feels a little too overwhelming to tackle everything from home, Bibliothek Café has officially become our new favorite cozy hideout to stay focused and locked in. The space is calm and inviting, with a bookstore just a few steps away and the comforting hum of quiet conversation in the background. Plus, the menu is full of good things, from rich coffees to light breakfast dishes worth lingering over. So whether you’re a student looking for a peaceful nook or a professional in need of a serene workspace, you’ll find your little haven right here.

Find out more here.

What to Visit

^{Cairo International Art District}

This October 12, Downtown Cairo comes alive and is transformed into an open-air gallery bursting with art, culture, and connection. Across 5 vibrant venues, 160 Egyptian artists will showcase their work over 35 days of creativity that reimagines the heart of the city. The Cairo International Art District (CIAD) officially opens its doors on October 12 and runs until November 16. Entry is through the Shorbagy Building, and the best part is that it’s completely free. Explore from 12–4 PM and 5–9 PM daily (closed on Mondays).

Find out more here.

Saudi Spotlight

^{Abayas for SAR 30}

If you’re after a shopping experience in Riyadh that’s bursting with energy, culture, and unbeatable deals, Dirah Abaya Market is the spot you don’t want to miss. Nestled right next to the historic Souk Al Zal, this market is a feast of color, craftsmanship, and discovery, where every corner hides a new find. And the prices is where Dirah really steals the show. You can snag abayas starting from just SAR 30 (around USD 8), with most ranging between SAR 50–100. Whether you’re hunting for everyday staples or a beautiful cultural keepsake, this is the perfect place to shop, explore, and soak up the spirit of Riyadh, all without breaking the bank.

Read more here.