Hey there,

We hope you’ve been finding small pauses to reconnect with the present moment. In the rush of our daily lives, it’s often in that single pause that everything begins to shift the way we see not just ourselves, but even the course of our life.

This is the essence of Sufism: surrendering to the now and recognizing its divine power. For every Sufi whirling dervish, the act of spinning is a sacred dissolution; a melting away of the ego, and a soft surrender of the self in the presence of God.

For the first time in Egypt, Afnan Shaher, founder of the Dory Project, has formed an all-women Sufi whirling collective, which is a movement to reclaim the place of women within Sufism. Through guiding others in the practice and leading workshops, her journey has become both a deepening of her own spiritual connection and an invitation for others to witness Sufism’s universality, and how its truth can unfold for anyone, anywhere, regardless of their origins.

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 Hussein and Laila Azmi}

Architects often think in structures, while artists think through feeling, but what happens when the two worlds merge? This question lies at the heart of the work of Nour Hussein and Laila Azmi, two architects bound by a shared devotion to Egypt’s architectural heritage. Together, they channel this passion through NL Art, their creative startup that bridges art and preservation. Through intricate hand-painted details layered over translucent printed photographs, their pieces are acts of remembrance, celebrating and safeguarding the beauty of Egypt’s enduring heritage. Discover their work here.

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

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

Our art is deeply rooted in the urban stories, landscapes, and architecture that give life to the city. Each piece captures fragments of the city’s soul such as its people, its energy, and its ever-changing layers of history. We always want people to appreciate our country's richness and identity that is fading away with the new modern times.

How do you feel connected to Egypt’s cities and architecture, and what led you to highlight them in your work?

We are two architects who have always been passionate about our city and its heritage, especially Downtown Cairo. Walking through its streets feels like stepping into another era, surrounded by craftsmanship, intricate details, and a deep appreciation for art and engineering. As the urban fabric shifts toward more modern, minimal architecture, we felt compelled to preserve and reimagine the beauty of the past and remind people of what once was, while giving it a contemporary twist and stay relevant to the youth.

Which emotions most often shape and guide your creative process?

Nostalgia, vibrancy, and energy. Our work often stems from a longing for the Cairo we grew up admiring that is full of color, life, and movement.

Can you explain the creative process behind the “Women in Egypt” piece?

Women in Egypt is particularly special to us, as it was the first portrait painting we ever created. We chose a photograph that evoked nostalgia: a glimpse into how women once lived and dressed in old Cairo, celebrating the everyday life in the old neighborhoods and alleyways. Our process began with selecting the right image in black and white, then bringing it to life through expressive, vibrant brushstrokes that revive the monochrome scenery. The color adds a contemporary layer, a bridge between memory and modernity.

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

Cairo in Flames holds a special place for us. It was one of our earliest works where our signature brushstrokes truly came to life. The piece highlights an iconic building in the heart of Downtown Cairo and captures the essence of the city: its chaos, energy, and history all intertwined.

How did you develop your own unique style and color palette?

Our style evolved through constant experimentation. During our architectural studies, we were always exploring materials and unconventional approaches to design and art. This mindset translated into our artistic practice, layering different mediums like printed photographs, translucent materials, and vivid brushstrokes. We also added a new dimension to the artwork which is: a play with light and shadow. The artwork is not static but rather a whole experience, hung away from the wall, it projects shadows and creates a whole new experience to the artwork. We would describe our style as a mix of structure and spontaneity that defines our visual language today.

Feature

^{All-Women Sufi Whirling Dervishes}

Afnan Shaher never set out to become a Sufi whirling dervish, and truly, no woman grows up imagining that path. Yet it was through embodying the role of Desert Rose in a Sufi-themed play, The Forty Rules of Love, that the journey found her. In the story, Desert Rose learns the sacred whirling practice from the disciples of the Sufi mystic Shams al-Tabrizi, and for Afnan, art and spirit merged. “It felt as though whirling was already a part of me,” she recalls. “It was like a fire within, and God simply opened the path before me.”

In the beginning, her choice was met with resistance. People questioned her, telling her, You can’t do this as a woman. Others accused her of exposing herself, of not covering her hair. But Afnan continued to whirl, not in defiance, but in devotion. For her, this was never a performance. It was prayer in motion, a spiritual journey that heals and nourishes the soul.

Founding Egypt’s first all-women Sufi whirling collective became both a personal calling and a collective act, and an exploration of the balance between masculine and feminine energies in spirituality. “Women have been reduced to symbols of desire because that’s how men have chosen to see us,” Shaher reflects. “Masculine energy dominates globally, and that dominance has confined us, keeping women out of political, philosophical, and spiritual spaces.”

Read the article here.

^{Sufi Traditions}

In the heart of Egypt’s Eastern Desert lies Humaithara Valley, a place where time seems to stand still. The short film Humaithara, by filmmaker Seif Abdalla and photojournalist Mohamed Mahdy, captures a community deeply rooted in devotion.

Humaithara holds special spiritual significance as it includes the burial site of the 13th-century Sufi saint Abul Hassan al-Shadhili, founder of the Shadhili order, one of the most influential Sufi paths in North Africa. Each year, nearly half a million pilgrims journey to this remote valley to celebrate the saint’s Mawlid, his birth anniversary. For many, it is a journey of surrender and renewal, mirroring the pilgrimage to Mount Arafat during the Hajj, as worshippers gather on Humaithara Mountain in synchrony with those in Mecca.

Read the article here.

What to Read

^{The Flame of Love}

When we read poetry, we often get lost in our own emotions, forgetting to pause and listen for what the poet was truly feeling. But with Rumi, that distance disappears. His words dissolve the boundary between poet and reader, touching the most universal parts of the human heart, such as love, longing, devotion, and loss.

The Flame of Love is a luminous collection of one hundred love poems by the master poet Rumi, each one a spark capable of igniting even the coldest of hearts. Accompanied by thoughtful commentary, the collection guides readers through the many shades of love, from desire and separation to surrender and divine union.

Read more here.

What to Listen to

^Daye

Inside every person burns a quiet fire; a talent, a force that drives them to rise above the noise of the world. It gives them courage in the face of doubt, strength against judgment, and the will to keep going when others try to hold them back. This is the spirit at the heart of Mohamed Mounir’s recent song for the film Daye (The Tale of Daye’s Family), an Egyptian story that follows a 14-year-old Nubian albino boy who endures bullying and abandonment yet refuses to let go of his dream to sing, just like his idol, Mohamed Mounir.

Listen here.

What to Watch

^{Day 13}

Did you know that horror is one of the rarest genres in Arab cinema? It’s so uncommon that it’s often hard to count more than a handful on one hand. But with Halloween just around the corner, we’re hoping to add a few more to that list before the month ends. This week’s feature is Day 13, and the title alone feels fitting, with the number 13 long associated with mystery and the devil himself.

The film follows Ezzeldine, who returns to Egypt in search of his parents and decides to stay in his family’s old mansion, a place shrouded in eerie rumors of being haunted. As the story unfolds, suspense, fear, and curiosity intertwine in true horror fashion. We’re ready to dim the lights, grab some popcorn, and see what awaits behind the mansion’s doors, maybe we’ll even share our thoughts after. So, let’s watch it together.

Watch it in Egypt here and in the US here

^{The Substance}

Speaking of horror, few films have shaken audiences quite like the 2024 release The Substance, the very film that earned Demi Moore her first major acting award at the 2025 Golden Globes. It’s not just frightening; it’s deeply unsettling, the kind of horror that makes you look away, yet you can’t stop thinking about it afterward. Many viewers couldn’t even make it to the end, not because it wasn’t good, but because it was that disturbingly good.

The story follows Elisabeth Sparkle, a once-celebrated actress whose career unravels when her chauvinistic boss fires her from her beloved aerobics show. In desperation, she turns to a mysterious serum that promises to create a younger, better version of herself, but what begins as a dream of renewal quickly descends into a nightmare. The Substance is a grotesque, gripping reflection on beauty, fame, and the horrifying cost of self-perfection.

Find out more here.

What to Eat

^{Want to Eat Out in Egypt?}

We know this space is usually for celebrating new spots, but let’s be honest, living in Egypt isn’t all positive vibes, especially when something as simple as eating out turns into a full-blown test of patience. Few things feel as stressful in Cairo as trying to book a dinner reservation. Somehow, the very first step of what’s supposed to be a relaxing night out, such as reserving a table, comes with enough drama to make you question whether dining out is even worth the effort.

Find out more here.

What to Visit

^{Amr Selim}

Despite losing his sight at a young age, Amr Selim never let it dim his love for music. He went on to compose soundtracks for some of Egypt’s most iconic films and TV shows, including collaborations with the legendary Abdel Halim Hafez, and even made appearances in Egyptian cinema himself. Born into a family steeped in art, Selim carved out his own legacy through his soulful performances and quiet resilience. From stages across Egypt to audiences abroad, he continues to move people, not just with his music, but with the story of unwavering passion behind it. Catch him live on November 15th at Theatro Arkan, where he’ll take the stage with a soulful set of his most beautiful compositions and timeless classics.

Find out more here.

Saudi Spotlight

^{Running Through Riyadh}

You know when you see those people running early in the morning and instantly feel like they’ve got their life perfectly figured out while you’re still trying to make sense of yours? That’s exactly how we felt reading this article. Within just five seconds, we were already questioning all our life choices. Written by architect Tommy Pniewski, the article takes something as simple as running and turns it into a reflection on change, both personal and urban. As he runs 100 kilometers across Riyadh, he finds lessons about patience, consistency, and growth, discovering that transformation isn’t about speed or perfection, but about showing up, again and again, even when it’s 42 degrees outside and you’re not sure where the road is taking you.

Read more here.