Hey there,

We hope January has left you feeling a little more refreshed, finally! January always seems to stretch endlessly, making us forget that the year is just getting started and there’s still a long road ahead.

In this edition, we dive into the fascinating world of Egyptology, how it has morphed online into a realm of fantasy and imagination, capturing the minds of millions, and even becoming a meme-worthy phenomenon.

With so much curiosity about ancient Egypt out there, the big question remains: how can we bridge the gap between popular imagination and the rigorous, evidence-based study of Egyptology?

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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Rahma Adel has always seen the world through color, ever since she was a little girl dreaming of painting huge walls like her own giant canvas. And that love of art has blossomed into Pour it, her colorful, creative universe. During the 2020 lockdown, Rahma spent two magical months pouring paint and turning them into mesmerizing abstract pieces.

Rahma describes Pour it as her “magic spot,” a place where color, emotion, and personality collide, and where every piece feels like a tiny snowflake: unique, unrepeatable, and full of wonder. Through her bubbly personality and thoughtful creations, she hopes people learn that art isn’t just something you hang on a wall; it’s something you live with and carry with you every day.

Discover her work here.

Early access for Egyptian Streets’ first ever limited edition merch drop is ending soon! The merch was created in collaboration with four independent Egyptian artists whose work brings everyday Egypt to life in original, meaningful ways. You can now secure a tote, tee, art print or sweater featuring designs by Amira Tanany, Toka El Sayed, Nada Abouelmaati and Seham Sultan.

The Early Access window is currently available for global audiences only. A dedicated Egypt-based launch will follow soon, with local pricing and production being finalized to ensure affordability and availability inside Egypt.

Check out the collection and learn more about the artists here.

Many ancient Egyptian enthusiasts prefer easy answers rooted in fantasy, like curse lore or hidden civilizations, over the rigorous methods of scientific research and peer‑reviewed scholarship that characterize real Egyptology. Over the years, this has created a public perception of Egyptology as exotic escapism, rather than a complex science involving decades of study, language mastery, and specialization in subfields like ceramics, zooarchaeology, or philology.

Our very own Egyptologist, Sara Abdelaziz, opens up about what it feels like to be an Egyptologist in a world obsessed with mystery and myth. She recalls watching the public explode with reactions over a long podcast interview between famed Egyptologist Zahi Hawass and Joe Rogan, where fantastical ideas about ancient Egypt were thrown around alongside serious academic discussion. She doesn’t dismiss the public’s fascination; in fact, she finds it essential. But she hopes that alongside our shared wonder, there can be room for depth and understanding of what Egyptology actually is.

Read the article here.

Was Omar Effendi really the hidden key behind Coco Chanel’s success? What could possibly link jasmine fields in Egypt’s Nile Delta to Nazi prisons in Germany? And why would Sigmund Freud board a train from Alexandria to Cairo, bound for Garden City? From Salvador Dalí to Amina, a humble Egyptian farmer, the novel brings together unlikely lives and distant worlds through a series of haunting, interconnected questions.

Mirna El-Helbawy, the acclaimed Egyptian writer known for Kundalini and its tender exploration of long-buried trauma, returns with a story that ventures into less familiar territory. At its heart is Philippe Bach, a man determined to outpace his destiny, only to be pulled into a dangerous journey that upends everything he thought he wanted: peace, love, and happiness.

Read more here.

“Enta Fen” by Yasmine Hamdan feels like a moment of stillness you stumble into without meaning to. The song grows slowly, carried by delicate electronic sounds and her hushed voice. When she asks “enta fen?” meaning “where are you?” It feels reflective, like a thought that has been sitting in the heart for a long time, resurfacing gently rather than painfully.

Read more here.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your mistakes actually matter, this episode with business tycoon Sameh Sawirish is the kind of inspiring reminder you didn’t know you needed. In this episode, he opens up about the time he messed up and how those very missteps ended up shaping the path they’re on today. It’s refreshing to hear stories that don’t sugar-coat failure, because when someone you respect explains how a setback turned into a breakthrough, it makes your mistakes feel less like dead ends and more like valuable detours.

Watch it here.

If you’re ever craving a meal that feels like a mini-escape in the middle of the city, Mazeej Balad Rooftop is exactly that kind of spot. Perched above downtown Cairo, it gives you a lovely panoramic view of the neighbourhood, which means your meal comes with skyline scenery that makes even a casual dinner feel special. Locals and visitors alike love the laid-back but stylish vibe, making it a great place for anything from a relaxed brunch to an evening out with friends.

Find out more here.

Egyptian brand Palma is organizing a slow, rooftop photographic gathering across Cairo; a chance to pause, look, and really be with the city. Cairo’s rooftops are magical in-between spaces: not fully private, not fully public, often overlooked, but full of life. During the gathering, you’ll get the chance to move between three nearby rooftops, spending time on each to sit, observe, listen, and reflect before taking photos. There’ll be moments to write, talk, and share your perspective, making this a collective way to experience Cairo from above, yet still rooted in everyday life.

Find out more here.

If you love iconic riffs, hypnotic rhythms, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you feel every note, this is the place to be. Whether you grew up with Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, or Comfortably Numb, this event brings those timeless classics to life live and loud, with all the mood, mystery, and musical mastery you’d expect from a celebration of one of rock’s greatest bands.

Find out more here.

Across the sweeping landscapes of Saudi Arabia, the souqs aren’t just places to shop — they are living poems of culture, memory, and the everyday pulse of life. Each winding alley and bustling stall feels like a gentle echo from the past, inviting you to wander with all your senses.

Read more here.