Hello,

We hope you've been feeling a sense of calm and are looking forward to Eid Al Adha, a much-needed moment of rest and relief, especially after a demanding exam season for those still in school.

While it might feel like everything there is to say about Naguib Mahfouz has already been said, his novels and short stories continue to invite reflection, much like how Egyptologists are still uncovering the secrets of ancient Egypt.

To truly understand this country, it’s not enough to study its temples and pharaohs; one must also turn to its literature. Writers like Mahfouz build monuments of their own, ones that capture the rhythms of everyday Egyptian life and the emotions that often go unnoticed in the shadows of grand pyramids and towering statues.

Warm regards,

Egyptian Streets team

Meet Abeer Anabtawi, Graphic Designer and Illustrator

Some artworks have a way of feeling like home the moment you see them, like stepping into your grandmother’s cozy living room, where tea is always brewing and the radio hums with Friday prayers or timeless classics. Abeer Anabtawi’s illustrations capture that exact feeling. With her playful use of vibrant colors and whimsical designs woven with traditional motifs, her work evokes a deep sense of belonging, rooted in heritage, yet full of joyful familiarity. Discover her work here.

Speaking to Egyptian Streets, Abeer Anabtawi shared more about her work below:

What habits help you find inspiration?

Observing – I love starting my day with an early coffee, just taking in my surroundings, feeling, and thinking.

How did you find your own personal style?

Experimenting, for sure! Also, letting go and just allowing myself to be free when I create. I grew up in Jeddah, and I currently live in Amman; so I think both cities really influence me and my work. My style really is just a reflection of who I am.

What are some of the top communities/platforms to meet and collaborate with other artists and creative?

Honestly, for me, it's Instagram.

What project are you most proud of?

Right now, I'm really proud of my posters for this year's Islamic Biennale design store in Jeddah. They draw inspiration from artworks commonly found in Arab homes, especially in our grandparents' spaces. More personally, the idea was inspired by a sequin-embroidered piece my mom hand-stitched in her 20s, which makes them even more special. I feel like they truly reflect me and my work, and I absolutely love them.

Naguib Mahfouz: Egypt’s Polarizing Legacy

Naguib Mahfouz has long been seen as a portal into the soul of Egypt. But his strength lies not in offering a singular perspective, but in channeling the voices of many. Through his characters, spanning classes, ideologies, and generations, Mahfouz doesn’t present one definitive truth about Egypt, but rather many truths that, together, reflect its complex and layered reality.

Read the article here.

Si El-Sayed: Mahfouz’s Take on Egyptian Masculinity

At his core, Mahfouz’s Si El-Sayed was the ultimate patriarch, commanding respect and authority simply by virtue of being the man of the house. He personified the contradictions of Egypt’s patriarchy, distilling its injustices into the everyday rhythms of family life.

Read the article here.

Midaq Alley: Is Mahfouz’s Take on Identity Still Relevant?

At a time when questions of colonialism and Western imperialism continue to shape how we understand our identities, Mahfouz’s Midaq Alley (1947) remains relevant. Its portrayal of cultural dislocation isn’t confined to the backdrop of World War II, it echoes into the present, where the lingering effects of imperialism still create friction between generations in Egypt. The novel captures the tension between inherited traditions and the pull of Western influence, a dynamic that continues to define modern Egyptian society.

Read more here.

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Shababeek by Mohamed Mounir

Mohamed Mounir's 1981 album Shababeek marked a turning point in Egyptian music, blending Nubian heritage with jazz, reggae, pop, and folk to create a sound that was both revolutionary and deeply rooted in tradition. Produced during a time of significant political and cultural shifts in Egypt, the album resonated with a generation experiencing rapid change. Collaborating with renowned poets and musicians, Mounir infused his music with social and political commentary, addressing themes from urban life to national identity.

Read more here.

Mahakem Al Tafkeer - Courts of Thought

If you're interested in knowing more about the legacy of Mahfouz, Mahakem Al Tafkeer is a documentary that sheds light on the backlash faced by Nobel laureate Mahfouz at the hands of religious extremists, culminating in the assassination attempt that nearly took his life in the late 1990s. The film not only recounts the attack itself but also explores the cultural and political tensions that made Mahfouz, a literary giant and advocate for free thought, a target in his own country.

Watch it in Egypt here and in the US here. 

Hara Hachi Bu

Hara Hachi Bu, a new Japanese eatery in Cairo's District 5, embraces the Okinawan philosophy of eating until 80% full, focusing on quality over quantity. The restaurant offers a refined dining experience with chilled, never frozen, seafood flown in twice a week. The menu emphasizes premium sushi and carefully crafted ramen, providing a slower, more intentional dining experience.

Read more here.

Disco Misr Festival - Album Launch

The Disco Misr Festival – Album Launch is set for Friday, May 30, 2025, at Zed Park, Elsheikh Zayed, Cairo. This event marks the release of their ninth remix album, تسعة تلاقي ("Nine Talaqi"), promising a full day of celebration with live music, surprise collaborations, stand-up comedy, DJs, food, and vibrant energy.

Read more here.