Beyond, PDF, CD

Outside
the Scope of Ordinary
The deeper you look and the more careful you listen,
the more you will get to know, explore and see what is
beyond.
“Beyond” is a monthly promise to the readers. We will take
you in an expedition to some interesting socio-cultural
topics, news, features, interviews, and coverings. We do
not claim to present the unknown, but we aim to show
you a whole new different angle and a unique view.
Throughout our working process “Beyond” was a mirror
for us and now it is for you too. We want to show you what
is inside, because life is the impact it leaves. The outer
shell you see is not what matters, but what is beyond.
From that perspective we picked the name. A sealed deal
we hoped our message would be.
Attempting to create something special, we specified a
whole file where we will present a separate topic each
issue. This file is going to be our main trend and your
gate to several forms of stories all revolving around the
chosen idea.
Deep digging is how we decided we would contact our
audience. We specified people who go beyond standards.
Our faith of a better inside was an enough motive to push
us forward. Let us be your guide to the Beyond.
Beyond Team
03

Table of Content?
People’s
Happy
Bubble
10
Meet the
57 Passionat
with:
Mahmoud Yassin
Reporters:
Amal Mounir
Amgad Hashim
Noha Ghanem
Ahmed Abdel Hamid
Nabila Magdy
A Bright
32 in Sight to
LIFE...
with:
Farouk Goweda
26
A Street
spread smile
Creative & Design
Director:
Amgad Hashim
40 Qurany’s Art
16
Your Smile Is
Their Mission
Speak To People
Amal Mounir
Supervisors:
Dr. Ayman Abd El Hadi
52
Coelho’s
E-Discussion
Miss. Fedaa Mohamed
Layout Expert:
Mr. Mohamed Attia
Prof. Dr.
Address:
CEO:
Laila Abd El Megeid
4th Industrial Zone, Banks
Complex, 6th of October, Giza
06 What is on the Scene?
Graffiti
Legal or illegal?
46
12 Tips to Happiness
13 Be Happy... Be Alive
14 Expectations and Beyond
20 1, 2, 3 Say Cheese
30 The Kingdom of White Wheels
38 A Poetical Night with “Ahmed Taymour”
39 A Visit to the Arabian House of Oud
48 Zahran rebels against Traditional Arts
51 Museum of Fine Arts reopens
54 Jews, Zionist and Egypt
55 An Enchanted Land
62 Online Games Targeting Youth
64 ATTA CAVE: A Day Underground
Why do men
rule?... NOT! 23

What is on the S cene?
N
ews
“A revolution over traditional
educational means”
This previous line is the slogan of Tahrir
Academy, an association that has been
established by Egyptian youngsters
since 2012. This Academy aims to create
a video library that provides different
educational contents and tutorials. It
tends to use creative and easy methods in
order to help the students study. A group
of qualified professors’ work together to
create these videos and Farouk El-Baz,
the Egyptian geologist, has recently
joined them.
Egypt Independent shuts down
One of the country’s leading English
language newspapers and websites
is going to be closed due to financial
and economical reasons. The Egypt
independent’s team is hoping they could
come back one day and the readers are
annoyed about the closure.
This newspaper is owned by El-Masry
Media cooperation, the publisher of Al-
Masry Al-Youm Arabic newspaper.
The Alexandria city
library just got done
with documenting the
history of Al-Azhar
since its very first
beginning up till now.
This process was part
of the documentation
project that the library
adopts in an attempt to
collect historical facts
about different institutions
and places in
Egypt.
Three new books about
Al-Azhar are ready to
hit the markets in the
next few days.
Al-Azhar History
finally on papers
Run for Charity
Cairo Runners, a Facebook initiation,
is presenting Cairo’s first half-marathon
and it invites everybody to participate in
it. This marathon is a charity run for the
sake of the Egypt‘s Liver Institute and
Egypt’s Special Olympics teams.
The race starting point is Heliopolis, to be
held on May 10th.
New Egyptian musical talents
ready to shine
A downtown music studio has launched
a new project called Retune. This project
aims at introducing undiscovered artists and
new beats to the music scene in Egypt. The
studio has issued a call on social networks
in order for the talents to apply to the project
and accordingly ten were chosen.
The first performance will start on May 10th,
so get ready to listen to the new musicians.
A new genre of art is presented
for the first time in Egypt
Scrap Iron Sculptures were helped
to see the light through an exhibition
sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and
hosted by Mahmoud Mokhtar Museum.
This exhibition showed the work of local
artists and was the first of its kind in Cairo.
There are plans of turning the exhibition
international next year.
The symposium started on April 23rd and
will continue
until May 9 th .
V
ision of
Hope
06

H
08
appiness ... What about happiness?? It is not just
about laughing, smiling, and enjoying a good talk.
Happiness is life.
Happiness is how you believe in things, is how you
see things. Happiness is how you act upon your
believes without caring about how people would think
about you.
You do not have to be rich to be
happy; you could be poor but the
happiest. You do not have to be
burnt to see hope. You do not
have to be a prophet to have a
miracle. In fact, be the miracle.
Spread your wings on top of the
world, scream on top of your
voice, run as fast as you can,
dream as Everest’s peak has
been touched, see as a hawk
haunting its pray, breath like it is
the end, spend it like you are a
billionaire, simply ... Just be who
you are.
If loving a heart is your passion, beat it … touch
hearts, listen to beats, glow the joy; just love purely,
from deep down your heart .
If travelling is what you want, fly it ... up high, reach
the seventh sky, no one could ever be there but you,
your smile and skies.
If eating is what pleases you, dig it ... just not full till
high, taste it but do not let it take you to die.
If people is what you want, scream it ... happiness
is all what you’ll have to buy.A tender heart full of
happiness, laughter and joy is a lot richer than that of
a king splash money by.
VISION OF
A smile is contagious.
A laugh is a life saver.
A dance is a rescuer.
A breeze is a sign.
A child is future.
A life is ... BELIEF!
How could you not believe?!
HOPE…
Happiness is how your heart remains young.
Happiness is how eyes never shut. Happiness is a
mouth full of words. Happiness is a dancing mind
after a fight. Happiness is why humans still love life.
Happiness is a cat run by. Happiness is a bird sing,
fly by. Happiness is fish chasing waves. Happiness is
learning how not to worry.
Happiness is a dance under
moon light. Happiness is a kid
play by. Happiness is simple,
yet complicated. It is in the
eyes of the beloved ones, in a
favorite meal or a peaceful night.
Happiness is a song, laughter is
its music and smile is the lyrics.
It is the sense of satisfaction, the
tendency to move on regardless
the surrounding atmosphere.
Happiness is what the hearts
call hope and the minds call
gratification. Happiness is a
dream comes true. Happiness is
us giving life a chance.
Happiness is how you see life, not how it wants you
to see it. Happiness is how you want people not how
people want you. So shake all of your worries away
and be happy.

V
Vision
isionofof
Hope
P B ubble
Farida Ayman, 14
years old:
“Happiness is how to make
other people around you
happy.” Her best happy
moment is when she goes for
a car cruise with her dad.
People’s Bubble
Karim Raafat, an 8 year old boy:
“Happiness means a smile… I’m
happy when I’m in places I love, or
around the people I love”
Mina Nabil, a 19 years old:
Happy
Writes: Amal Mounir and Noha Ghanem
Bubble
Nada Ashraf, a 21 years
old:
“Burger is what makes me
happy” “When I am upset I
love to take long drives on the
highway listening to very loud
music with the person I love”
“Happiness to me is to achieve my
goals in addition to music which is the
main source of happiness in my life”.
Expect a sudden question from a passerby about the meaning of
happiness, what would you say?
People have differently defined happiness, some purely know what it is
and some had to think twice before giving it a meaning.
Maybe you are not aware enough of what makes
you happy, and you might be lost in the piles of
work and stress you have, but when digging
deep inside your soul, you will definitely find
this buried treasure. Different ages, levels
and genders contribute to perceptions of
happiness. Some claimed it is in the companion,
and some believes it is food. They
see happiness in the music they hear and
the places they go. The majority feels it, yet
there are few who denies its existence. But at
the end what they all know is there are reasons
for them to be happy and stay going.
Reem Hossam, 32
years old mother for 2,
and expecting the 3rd:
“Happiness is satisfaction.
To feel satisfied enough
about what is going on
around you.”
Medhat AbdelRahman, 52 years old teacher:
“Happiness resides in good company, a tasty meal and
of course it is found when getting closer to God. It is
the sense of satisfaction you get regardless of any life
problems. But, I believe that happiness differs from one
person to another and it is related to the surroundings.”
10
11

V
Ahmed Hesham, a 19 year old
boy:
“I believe that I am always happy. I
keep on laughing all the time. I am
always happy everywhere, even if I
am sad, I am still laughing.”
“I hate to get upset because when I do,
the surrounding people will be infected
so whenever I feel sad, I stay away.”
Saber Hassan, 54 years
old gardener:
“I believe in God, that is why I am
always optimistic and I believe
that God will reward me. The most
important thing for me is mind
peace and not to be in need.”
12
isionof
Hope
Basma Emad, a 21
years old:
“Happiness means my
mother, while dancing is
what cheers me up. I love
to go out, travel around
and be with family”
Nour Ashraf, 15 years old:
“Happiness is when you feel
flying like a bird”. Her best
moment is when she jogs
listening to her high music. It
feels like flying.
Tips to Happiness
B
Writes: Noha Ghanem
* Indoors:
For romantic people, a candle light
dance with your beloved is a chill.
For people with stressful
lives, warm bath tub (candles
would help), then into your dim
lighted room enjoy a tucked in
bed with some soft music.
For family time, a good
comedy movie with some
delicious homemade menu
dinner or dessert.
For Girls, “Pillow fights time”,
for Guys, time for a detective attack.
Food fights.
Girls, Guys... it is time for “A FIGHT”.
* Outdoors:
A morning run with soft cheerful
music, making your day.
Climb a mountain.
Chase sunset.
T alk to the moon.
Chase waves on seashores.
Ride a horse and scream on
top of your voice.
Dance until you drop.
Some far place and go insane,
no one knows you.
Do something new.
Beat your fears; start up with
the easiest and the lightest.
Have a chocolate and mess
around your friends.
Surprise your beloved with a
romantic unknown place.
Flowers are a lady’s smile.
Laughter’s are a guy’s best
friend.
e Happy
B … e Alive
A
re you happy? Have you ever asked yourself what happiness
means to you? Have you ever felt sad and did not know the
reason behind that?
When asking people what happiness means to them, many define it as the
feeling they get when everything is alright and others define it as the feeling
the get when they achieve their planned goals. Mohamed
Farouk, a certified NLP Practitioner and Hypnotherapist
define happiness as satisfying an unsatisfied need, for
example if someone is starving, his/her happiest moment
is after serving him/her a meal. “Doing anything for the first
time makes you happy”, believes Mohamed Shaker lecturer
and administrative Director General of the International
Leadership Academy. It might be as simple as visiting a
new place or trying a new type of chocolate, or listening to
a song for a singer you never knew before or whatever you
think you never did before and can try it. There is a strong
bond that “links happiness to the stemming from our values
too” as by doing the actions, we reach the inner peace that
keeps us going, believes Ahmed El-Aawar a certified Life
Coach and Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. “People’s needs
differ and that is why their reasons behind happiness differ
too” says Farouk. Some people might need money or need
to make a family while others care most about their success
in their jobs and accordingly satisfying those different needs
varies too. Farouk says that the human being cannot feel
two contradicting feelings at the same moment, so when you
are worried for example you can never feel happy, and thus
“I advise people to get rid of their negative emotions in order
to be happy”. El-Aawar believes that the “optimistic people
are the happiest “as they always believe in themselves and
that the coming future will bring them better days, so they try their best to
be happy. In addition, those who want to be happy must avoid pessimistic
people as they always need someone to share their weakness as “Misery
loves company”. Consequently answering the “what makes me happy?”
Ahmed El-Aawar
Mohamed Shaker
Writes: Nabila Magdy
question is one more step towards happiness as when you find the answer,
you will try to do things that make you happy whenever you are not. But
Farouk assured that being happy does not mean having no problems, as
everyone faces struggles and becomes weaker sometimes, but it actually
depends on how they deal with those challenges. Also, knowing that all
problems have solutions will make them stronger and they
will consequently become “positive thinkers”. He adds that
having goals you need to achieve, gives a meaning to your
life and makes every moment count. Sad people must ask
for help from their beloved ones; family members’ friends
and partners, “to provide them positive escape from their
problems” plus praying to ask for God’s support can be the
most helpful step for you, advises Farouk. “Unconditional
Happiness” is El-Aawar’s key word, as putting many rules to
apply on your days to judge if they are happy or not makes
happy moments few. Taking a break is also a good step El-
Aawar recommends to people to take. Like, you can enjoy
a lunch break with a good colleague during a tiring working
day or travelling in your weekend, and that helps in raising
your mood and makes you ready to work better. Watching
news excessively affects audience negatively and referring
to the post revolution time and the quick political and
economic changes Egyptian went through following the
25th of January revolution led to disappointments to those
who expected a quick development in their country. El-
Aawar believes that we as individuals have limited abilities
and cannot change everything declaring that the Egyptian
government has its own agenda that does not match with
what people aim at and being helpless makes it worse so
everyone should begin with him/herself.
Finally, whatever troubles you have and whatever life might bring you ,
there will always be a reason for you to smile and know that you still got
a lot ,and if you think you are not gifted enough or you do not have what
you always dreamed of , just dream more and smile because it is worth it.
13

V
isionof
Hope
14
E
xpectations and Beyond
Rehab calling for healthy smiles
Writes:
Noha Ghanem
H
appiness is about the company not situations, strong will and healthy atmosphere
will contribute too; i.e.: hospitals count …
Hospitals are known for their relaxing atmosphere. It is one that comforts the soul
before the body. The old hospital perspective was all about good medication, qualified
doctor consultant teams and the healthcare staff. It was also known for its physical no
psychological\inner self redemption. However, a new perspective was here to begin...
It is where you detoxicate every harmful and negative energy in your soul... “Rehab”
it is.
“A dream come true”, Professor of psychiatry Dr. Abd el Nasser Omar, CEO of a rehab
resort built on Egyptian lands, stated. Defining psychiatry hospitals as they are supposed
to be; “Not respecting the psychiatric patients was my motive”, he proudly explained
his dream.
It has been eight
years now since
he had first established
such
a progressed
project, five
years of capital
investment
and eventually
two years aged
of hard work.
According to Abd
el Nasser, physical
treatment has
a huge impact on psychiatric treatment; the mental practice too. The rehab community
is a refreshing one, one that put you in a good mood refreshing your life perspective.
The refreshing mood is not just because of the community but the place’s
atmosphere as well.
A resort built on 24,000 square meters with wide gates welcoming whoever needs it.
Going through the reception floor, Mr. Mohamed was a volunteering security member
tour guide; he has been working for the hospital since day one.
An entrance full of green bushes and small built-in floor fountains pulling all your
senses off your body. Before stepping into the reception area, you realize it is not just
a hospital. A hotel compound resort is a more accurate description. In the reception,
such energetic community does not only take care of their inner patients but outdoor
ones too.
The Hospital owns a wide range of not only therapy departments but entertainment
departments too. The Psychiatry department is one of the huge departments. “12
doctors are actively assigned to fit our patient’s needs”, Nasser claimed; a psychology
department of eight doctors as well.
In the rehab hospital, there exists the Cinema room, also used as a conference room
if needed. The therapy department does not only include the medical part but group
therapy classes too. Group therapy associated by music, art, games, religion facility
methods put patients on the right track.
For the physical
part, a gymnasium
with its own
spa exists viewing
the backyard’s
outdoor
garden to enjoy
a relaxing sport.
The Gym and
Spa have to be
used under doctor
supervision. A
classical outdoor
woody furnished
restaurant by the pool view is where you can dine.
Yet, that is not all; children were part of their plan. As much as, the resort holds wide range
of youth\adult medications; they care about children also. The children’s group therapy
room has not only some teddy bears to play with, but also bunch of educating books,
music therapy, art therapy just like the grown-ups too. Moreover, to minimize expenses
the rehab hospital has a private laundry room, a kitchen, pharmacy and a cafeteria.
The Resort’s backyard resembles the Alexandria Greek theater architecture. Down there,
the outdoor pool lies, three different activity shacks and theater.
The hospital is a happy charm to whoever gets there. Patients with different diseases starting
drug addiction to schizophrenia have their own therapy plans; plans that do not only
relate to medication but also respect humanity.
“Patients were nothing but prisoners, that was the trigger”, Mr. CEO claimed.
Dr. Omar had a theory on behalf of the psychiatry patients “they are humans, no hostages”.
The dreamer
believes in life,
living life within a
healthy smile of
people’s faces.
“We offer pure
life detoxification
on dynamic basis
until live smiles
exist”, Mohamed
the guide simply
waving bye ended
his tour.
Egyptian society did not believe in such science, but lately the slope has been inclining, Omar added.
So if you are feeling little stressed you might be interested in stopping by. An enormous
hospitalist resort, with a very organized system is waiting there for you to pick up your
smile. You do not have to be a patient; you could be in need to distress on hotel basis
near to home person.
15

V
isionof
Hope
Your
16
Smile
We are running out of joy, putting loads and loads on
our shoulders, thinking million times about our political
situation and the upcoming future. We are even starting
to lose the hope we once had. For these reasons we
need a smile, we need a tender soft breeze to pass
through our hearts to recall the laughter and ensure
that being optimistic is one big step on the long heavy
road.
So, in an attempt to revive the hope, a fizzy drinks
company held a campaign which focused on showing
and spreading the positive acts and pushing people
forward to start their own good deeds.
In order to make this message alive, the company
started a 5 months journey, searching for stories that
inspire people to do something. The next step was
to let these stories be known everywhere; it was like
giving the audience a starting flame to help them write
their own scenarios.
“The whole thing that makes people most believe in
your ideology, is showing them someone who looks
exactly like them in order to inspire them… and that
is what we did.” said Nasser Mouti, the company’s
assistant brand manager.
The campaign has succeeded in inspiring people who
began to do some great moves. It has also made it
easier for the rest of the Egyptians to notice such
initiatives and to create their own.
The following examples are few out of many, some
of them were inspired by the campaign and some
were already there but got well-recognized after the
campaign.
Reem Khorshid and Fadfada Ala Al-Nasya
“You can talk to me about anything and I will listen to
you, if you do not want to, I hope you are having a
Drawing a smile on someone’s face is
a blessing, it requires no effort but an
inner positivity and willingness.
Writes: Amal Mounir
Is Their Mission
Reem Khorshid
good day.” That sentence is written on Reem Khorshid
big banner, an engineering student, who has held
a mini-project “that does not require money, all you
need is your spare time and your ears to listen” as she
described.
Her project is all about listening to people’s problems,
she did not promise anyone to solve all of them and
I I exist exist
she let them know that it is an opening
up conversation so as soon as she
introduced them to her idea, they felt
comfortable to let some loads out. “I try
as much as I can to give the smallest
piece of advice and if I do not have any,
I do my best to take all the stranger’s
negativity away and make sure they
walk away with a smile on their face.”
Khorshid said.
Khorshid did not think twice about
leaving her house for that idea, she
went out immediately without caring
about any consequences. She was
surprised by the positive reactions she
got; “I did not get bugged or harassed
at all. I have also made friends with
many strangers out there.”
Her experience was a very good one
and it was helping her as much as it
helped others. She said “It was such a
relief to go to bed every week knowing
that you have spent your Thursday
doing something worth it.”
Khorshid has started her project on
February 2013; she chose this kind
of social work based on a personal
experience that made her choose to
help people in that way. So look every
Thursday around Zamalek streets and
you will find an ear that is willing to
listen to you.
A Smile to Go
A group of freshmen and high school
students, who lives in Maadi, have
formed a group called “The renewers/
Al-Mogadedon”. This group aimed to
look at the cup’s full half and attempted
I I exist exist
to show the people this half.
They first started their initiations with
the wining of the President Mohamed
Morsi and tried to publicize his plan
for Egypt but as soon as they figured
out that no steps were taken they did
not give up, instead they insisted on
spreading hope.
They have made a lot of cheerful
actions in their area, and their latest
event was a day they named “Etganen”.
The renewers gathered in one of Al-
Maadi streets with a good deal of
smiley faces, chocolates and balloons,
products that have a joyful soul in
common. They gave every pedestrian
and car drivers one of their products,
wishing them a good day.
The theme of the day was laughter and
they only demanded a smile in return.
I exist
Fadfada Ala
Al-Nasy
Mogadedon
I exist

I exist
S.P.A.R.E
Mogadedon
I exist
The same life routine we follow makes
us forget why we even exist; it turns
us in to walking robots unable to enjoy
life. For that, the young passionate
photographer, Rehab El-Dalil looked for
a way to make people use their energy
in something positive, so in 2012 “I
exist” was launched. This project is
attempting to refresh people’s days and
make them think of a reason to smile, it
highlights different subjects in order to
inspire them.
Within her big
project she
creates different
causes; one of
them was “A
care for a smile”.
In this cause,
Rehab worked
on hunting
people around
the streets of
Cairo, who might
have something
positive to spread
in the universe.
She wants them
to share a quote
or a saying that is
positive, that way
they might feel relived and share some
of their happiness with others.
Many of the people she approached
were happy with the idea, even the
depressed
ones got
I exist
thrilled as soon as she smiled at
them and asked them to participate
in the project. She tried to speak their
language and study their nature before
making any move. She wanted to
successfully deliver her message so,
on top of all that; “I smile and answer
all of their questions”. El-Dalil said.
Her task was not that hard, still El-Dalil
confirmed that she was amazed by
the reactions of the people but luckily
70% of the ones she approached were
helpful and got excited by the idea. “I
was stunned to see people who were
in a lower social class more welcoming
than those of the higher one.” She
added.
Rehab found happiness in
photographing and she wanted to
spread her happiness with a new idea
that could help people. She is working
hard and has several future plans in
order to make her message spread
around.
Shagara
“If a Muslim plants a tree or sows
seeds, and then a bird, or a person or
an animal eats from it, it is regarded
as a charitable gift (Sadaqah) for
him.” Prophet Muhammad (peace and
blessings be upon him) said.
So what if a person plants trees to
beautify, decrease pollution and provide
aid to the economically disadvantaged?
How do you think that person will be
Shagara
awarded? Shagara (Tree) the nongovernmental
organization aims
to do that by planting roofs in the
greater cities and by raising the
environmental awareness.
They think that by planting one’s
roof with fruit yielding trees and
plants, you can help them to eat
the seeds of these planted trees
or to sell them and by that they’re
indirectly offering them a job.
They have started their project right
after the revolution; “we believe that
everyone should have a role to add
positively to our society.” So as they
noticed how people lack knowledge
about the environmental issues
and the importance of tree, they
decided on this kind of positive acts
and started to work. The “Shagara”
team was glad to establish the idea
in many places; they gave advice for
people to start the planting process
themselves. They also believe that
such an idea can raise happiness
among people, physically and
psychologically.
“Psychology researches
proved that spending time in
green areas and in nature has
positive effects on the moods
or mentalities…Physically,
when you are surrounded by
greens you inhale purer and
healthier air which affects
your health positively, you
feel more active and creative.
Also in this particular project
you get to eat healthy food
and you get your own rooftop
garden, so of course you will
be at least happier.” added
one of the “Shagara” team.
“S.P.A.R.E” the animal welfare
Happiness is not restricted on
human beings it is a broader term
that includes all the creatures and
that is what S.P.A.R.E (the Society
for the protection of Animal Rights in
Egypt) tended to do since 2001.
They aimed at saving the poor
helpless animals by speaking “for the
creatures of this world that cannot say
when it hurts, when they are scared.”
Amina Abaza, the founder and
president of S.P.A.R.E, lovingly said
that the most relief they get is when
they find a warm home for one of the
stray abused animals in Egypt, they
feel like they have received the best
reward after saving an animal’s life.
Before them being well-known by
many, people were afraid to support the
project, Egyptians did not want to seem
crazy or abnormal for helping animals.
But they then started to get over their
fears and to offer as much help as
possible. Abaza added that “The most
inspiring situation was finding out that
many Egyptians were animal lovers
but under cover.” and S.P.A.R.E has
helped them to reveal this cover.
S.P.A.R.E has gladly motivated
many animal welfare organizations
to start their own business and it
succeeded in spreading happiness
among the animals they save and
among themselves as well.
“When we are surrounded by these
pure creatures we find ourselves, we
find sincere creatures, who love you
for who you are and as you are, we
find authenticity…we find true love,
we find that we have done the best
thing in our life to work for them and
help them ...we find peace.” said
Abaza with an extreme excitement.
Love, hope, enthusiasm and happiness are
the common traits that feature the previous
initiatives. Those are just samples of what
many good people tend to do in this community.
We should not lose hope; we should not back
down because this smile was here all the time.
It just needed to glow brightly, and luckily, we
are now able to see its shinning sparkle.
19

V
isionof
Hope
V
isionof
Hope
1,2,3.. SAY CHEESE
20
A
mong all these things we have learned through life, smiling is one thing that could never
be taught. It is a blessing that God gave to us. An expression that cannot be explained,
or identified, a purely natural thing that makes life seem easier and brighter. It is a worldwide
known welcoming language, unspoken happiness, and a common feeling with no words to
break its magnificence.
A smile could never harm or hurt; it is an inner power that touches the souls, a fuel for your
heart, a healthy habit that can help you overcome any stress, and a definite way for you to look
prettier and younger.
Actually, smiling can be the best way to change your mood. According to psychologists, forcing
yourself to smile can instantly lift your spirit up and even if you are feeling down, smiling from
the outside will make happiness displace any sorrow inside. It is also weird how smiling can
be contagious; it is like a sweet sneaky virus that you cannot prevent yourself from carrying
and you will never get bored of its side effects. Once you see someone smiling, staring at a
joyful object, or listening to one happy song, you will automatically start flexing the muscles
near both ends of the mouth.
Another good thing about smiling is how it can improve your physical health. So it is not only
a sweet virus, but it also is a lovely medicine, a natural drug. One smile gives your body the
needed relaxation that helps your immune system to function in a better way. It awkwardly, can
prevent the flu and colds, and lower your body pressure as well.
Some studies have shown that, in a state of happiness, the body can release endorphins,
serotonin and natural pain killers, which will make you feel good altogether. And as claimed by
the British Dental Health Foundation, a loving smile is equal to eating 2,000 chocolate bars!
So if you have ever tried to hide your smile, or to escape from laughter, please DO NOT. Smiling
is a virtue and you should be strong enough to realize that... Start
Smiling with a heart full of joy, a soul that is as pure as diamonds,
a wide opened mouth and happy shiny eyes.
Smiling is the unreturned gift, the non-profitable
care, the true success, the magical healer and the
most expressive love.
Writes: Amal Mounir
21

A brief history about man gender & the
species challenge through decades...
W
hy do men rule?
...
N
OT!
Writes: Noha Ghanem
“You will never behave like that again rose, do
you understand?”, Cal.
“I am your fiancé !”, Rose.
“My fiancé … My fiancé, yes you are! in fact
this is not yet by law; so you will honor me the
way a wife is required to honor her husband ! ..
Is this in anyway unclear?!”, Cal.
“NO !”, Rose.
23

S ocial
O
ne of the best old romantic movies you could
ever see or live, is the famous “Titanic” the ship
of dreams. Titanic was the most luxurious ship of
all times back then. A 17 year old aristocrat “Rose
Dewitt Bukater” was expected to be married to a rich
claimant “Caledon Hackley ‘Cal’” according to her
mother “Ruth Dewitt Bukater”. Happenly Rose falls
for a kind but poor artist “Jack Dawson” on board.
Cal’s theory about being a man is defined into money
power, social class and the ego threat of
violent aggression towards disapproved
‘‘
self-tendencies. The reason why Cal
never understood Rose or even treats
her the way she wished he would, was
because he has only believed in money.
Mr. Rich Claimant believed money and
self-ego were his only way to her heart.
Rose’s mother, Ruth, was a huge
influence forcing her to get married
for some reasons. Cal wasn’t just
a husband but a business package
that could pay off her own ego too.
Unfortunately, that masculine figure is
not just an old English figure; also, an
Arabic one too. Apparently, all the love
stories include the violent part of Egoistic
masculinity.
Stereotyping was mostly known for defining different
races, religions... etc.; yet, male and female division
is one too! The male superiority is a one very common
factor among generations, that was never a standstill
to different class categories. No matter what class
you belong to, you could still be bullied.
For generations and generations,
the man gender is a very best
seller due to lots of reasons,
customs and traditions, society
and culture. However, what is
the story behind...?!!
And
24
does
Being a ruler or a
dominant factor
is a choice. The
question now
is: Why the
dominant or the
powerful rules?
Dr. Mohamed
Wadeed, a marriage
counselor, says.
it only relate to men no women??!
Masculinity has been defined and seen differently.
Since long ages man gender has been classified
culturally. The definition of discriminating a man sex
and woman sex was a whole new mental, physical
and psychological start to the fight.
“The Man is always shredded between an
unconscious conflict of loving and hating a woman
“, Dr. Nevine Ziwar, psycho-analysist weirdly stated.
Confidently Ziwar explained that
male complication is related to
their mothers, i.e.: US… WOMEN!
The reason why insecurity appears is
that a mother “female” has not been
doing a great job raising her boy kid.
Ladies should be more tenderly raising
the male children, as they would be the
reason why families survive. Tender is
defined in the basic mother love instinct.
”
Analytically Nevine explained, a
male’s aggressiveness towards a
lady, shows how insecure they are
on the inside. Such insecurity relates
back to their mother-child relationship.
However, Dr. Mohamed Wadeed, a
US Master’s Degree marriage counselor, believes
it’s all about society. It doesn’t have to be a female
or male problem; yet it’s a “person” problem.
Due to the deprived male figure, stress became a
good companion that her instinct resulted in raising a
man whom she wished hers would be, Ziwar spoke.
But still there was that female instinct buried deep
down.
Wadeed assured brightly. To rule somebody, you need
to have two ends (You and I); one segment should
be acceptingly ruled “I rule you”. Despite that, the
moment one segment refuses the other to
rule, ruling does not occur any longer. “I cannot rule
you unless you are willing to be ruled ...”he proved.
History, biology and cultures all
‘‘
across centuries have prioritized the
man role than of the woman’s; some
religions too. They have stated some
man rights that were misunderstood
and misused with no reference
to their mother roles in their lives.
Weirdly, some ladies have created their
own defensive mechanism. Not all men
are Mr. Satan and not all women are states.
Cinderella’s, yet majority speaks out.
A solution must be found! Despite of the
man conflict, keys to women’s hearts are easily found.
To satisfy a woman is easier than a man would think, a
flower would greatly do. On the woman’s behalf, they
should understand how men need to be treated and
what is hidden beneath their skins. Marriage counseling
Understanding is
the best... on top
of everything.
Dr. Nevin Ziwar
perspective’s being practical is how you avoid
situations, also helps setting perfect expectations.
A challenge is always needed to create
enthusiasm. However, how will the
human challenge be or turn to be?!
For years now, the fight has been used
for specific purposes and by specific
ways. Years flew by as breeze passes
by, decades gone with the wind... and
”
still the man gender has the upper hand
to everything. It is a masculine world
after all, but no happy family …Yes.
Dr. Mohamed Wadeed proved “Who’s
strong?? You never know!”
So ladies... let us tame our
babies untying their knots
and avoiding our very high
expectations.
25

Investigation
My Name is
“Fatma”...!
Street children phenomenon is society destroying ... yet,
do we ever think of how they feel towards society?!
An irresistible smile of a little kid was approaching with a bunch
of napkin packs. She offered some for a pound and went away; a
moment as such would remain carved in the heart. Fatma is her
name; a street child is her case. She left, leaving thoughts to wonder
how many female and male Fatmas are out there and when will we
wake up to the fact that they are humans too!
Writes: Noha Ghanem
and Amgad Hashim
earts would beat to that smile of hers,
H
a bright life asking for mercy smile.
Her smile is full of hope for a better
tomorrow and eyes full of joy, laughter
and spirit. Feeling sorry for such children
would make you think, think about your
children, your family, your cousins. This is when tears of
sorrow and sadness would leak through your cheeks.
Children like her have forgotten all about their purity
and childhood in search for survival. Children like
her get abused everyday verbally, physically and
mentally for a penny, a dim or an old piece of bread.
What about child rights?! What about their reasons
ending up in streets?! What about their lives?! What
about society’s actions?? What about HUMANITY??
Every one of us has at least met one homeless adult
or youth in his life; but ... what about children?!! Have
you thought about them? Did you feel pity for them?
Lots of questions wandering in my head and definitely
questions that could strike yours too ...
Pretty little boys and girls, different ages, different smiles,
different hair colors, different origins yet same destiny!
People of different ages were asked about street
children. The majority claimed “organizations should be
established”. However, others had different harsh opinions
and only few actually thought of them as humans.
Most of the ladies who happened to be mothers
shared equivalent pity towards such kids. They fear
the society’s future, how will it survive with kids like
them wandering in the streets. Doaa, a mother of a 12
year old girl, “To fear them approach is the least I could
feel negatively”, she stated aggressively. Dr. Maha
Bazan, a 51 year old mother, mother of 2 adults and a
9 year old kid; agreed with Doaa. She believes street
children are supposed to be executed, vanishing their
phenomena, then renewably establishing the society.
As speaking to Bazan, her husband Mr. Hazem, a
military man made an entrance. He introduced briefly
a solution to the phenomena. As a military man, his
sense and vision to the society differs, suggesting
the old society concepts “organizations”. “I have
introduced a well written report helping the society
26
27

Investigation
in addition to freeing the government of charge.”
Hazem added. He also believed that street children
are a real threat to societies when they grow up.
Children are generations’ most
important future survival. This is why
we should be taking good care of them.
Despite that, People forget about child rights, they
even unconsciously deny their responsibility to
being a street child. “We will not be able to solve
this phenomenon, which increases day after day”,
Mahmoud Hassan, Head of Central Administration
for Projects and Operating said. Children are
supposed to be taken care of, educated, and loved,
enjoying their life not looking forward for a survival.
Kids like Fatma and others have managed their lives
in either a positive attitude like that of her own or a
negative attitude. Revenging their human rights, their
lives and existence. Our dream is a simple one, one
that respects humanity. One that enables children like
her to have a steady life, like millions of other kids.
According to the UNESCO, education is the method
society reintegrates by. Their campaign regards street
children is banning them from ending with staying
on the streets by developing basic education. The
organization uses the two-fold objective. Raising
public awareness for education for all is the first
activity UNESCO holds towards the campaign.
Next, comes the organizational technical support;
by which they try holding the children’s basic needs.
28
Finally, Public and private sectors strengthen their
partnerships at national and international levels.
That was exactly what most women aimed for. Manal,
45 year old mother of 3 and Zahia, 35 year old mother
of 2, had very pure mother instincts, unknowing one
another. “I feel pity for these kids, they deserve a
normal life, I wish we could help them get a life” with
a sad wilted smile Zahia pointed out. Manal as well
was very touched, looking at her 6 year old daughter
with eyes full of tears, “How could a mother let go of
her offspring by any means?” and continued “People
stopped helping one another, why would they believe
such children need help.” Wrapping up, the talk with
Manal, “I hate it when I have to think about what my
daughter has, does and children like her do not.” sadly
wondering she walked away.
As for looking for how children should be treated,
how then UNESCO sees it too. We have proposed
a solution for such phenomena, “The street children
Phenomena”, to the Government. Here is Our Dream ...
Our search for solutions is thinking of the right place,
which is “Are there places to shelter those huge
numbers?; also, having the ability to adopt them make
them useful suitable elements for the community?”
“Centers establishment will need equipped rooms,
building them and that will
cost much”, Head of central
administration claimed. Because
of this, we aimed this proposal.
Here comes the proposal to
establishing youth centers as our
choice for many reasons; Egypt
has more than five thousand
Youth Centers. They mainly
exist in Cairo, the Capital and
Major Cities. Every center would
be assigned to adopt 10 street
children only, as a first stage for
the beginning of the idea. As for
more than fifty thousand street
children will have a shelter by the end of the first stage.
Second stage, Youth centers are in need of
employment of which adds a lot of expenses on
the center. Our plan includes an increase to the
center’s resources with the minimum expenses
and by member contributions either donations or
increasing the membership fees. By then such project
would be a national contribution project, helping our
street children morally with no financial pressures.
Stage Three, Centers will be taking care of their
A Street
spread
smile
education, trainings and reformulation; also, they
will be helping establishing a new game nation.
As for here comes priority, instead of having to
search for new game players, they raise them.
Fourth level, since the state is responsible for taking
care of such children with no financial support, youth
centers are the answer. Youth centers are owned by the
state, as for the only financial contribution would be the
donations businessmen will offer. They will be entitled
to establish a small building inside
the center for the adopted kids.
Last but not least, the state and the
media will be highlighting these
centers, helping them to be under
full eye control and authority;
making them the spotlight itself.
“I see it as a good and effective
solution, but those problems
are currently facing the state”,
Mr. Mahmoud stated after
our proposal. Fighting for
our homeless children, we
were. Suspecting the refusal
was part of our proposal. A
dream we wished to develop. A state of refusal
Mr. Hassan was in, ending with a “we will be
working in, after the state crisis get done” opinion.
Children scattered in streets, walking away apart from
their dreams. Leaving all their purity, all their laughter’s
between dirt, pavements and car tires. A dream of
respect, of childhood, of smiles, of … LIFE; we had.
Not giving up, smiles should be spread, children
should be saved, and a life should be rescued!
29

S ocial
K
The
ingdom of
Writes: Amal Mounir
It is 09:45 am, the weather in the streets of Cairo was not
so cold, the winter is almost over and the tickling winds
of spring are what we wake up to. The Egyptian traffic
is unbearable as usual and the horn is the official way
for drivers to express their anger towards the situation.
In one of the Egyptian cabs, an old man is attempting to
cope with the Egyptian driving style.
A struggling hand with some rebelling veins holding the
wheel, a graybeard, white hair and few black shades
that are trying to survive, an outfit that was meant to
rhyme, and a chair that squeaks every time he changes
the gear. He is barely looking in the rearview mirror, his
voice is still sleepy and his face is uncertain about his
age but years are marked on it. He is one of the Egyptian
taxi drivers who insist on living; for that he painted
his black taxi to a white one in order to grab customers.
30
W
White
heels
Few days in the cab & microbus drivers’ lives.
Since 2009, the theme color of the Egyptian cabs turned
white, by the decision of the Minister of Finance then,
and his initiation in the Vehicle Scrapping and Recycling
program targeting Greater Cairo taxis, the black and
white taxis were replaced gradually and a small number
stayed. But with the advantage of a fixed meter that the
white taxis offer, people became so picky when riding
a taxi and the remaining black cabs became no one’s
choice.
The old man seemed to be peaceful and quite, he was
not planning to get into quarrels about the fees. Unusually
he did not speak much; he was not even curious and
did not seem to care about anything. All he wanted is living
just like many others. Maybe he was not that old but
the burdens I saw on his shoulders made him gain years
over the ones he has.
05:18 pm, a good weather and surprisingly a good traffic.
In a white cab near Ramsis a Mid-forties was having
his lunch. Three homemade sandwiches and a pack of
cigarettes were part of his survival kit, and in order to fill
the silent gap the radio is always on.
Similar to many of his colleagues he is a talkative person,
who has formed many opinions about the country
and about what is going on. His job made him somehow
a careless person but he learned to share his thoughts
with the customers who are willing to chat.
This man works for 10 hours daily, he drives through the
Egyptian busy streets, hoping that any changes hit the
road. He has witnessed the Mubarak era, the revolution
and he is now against Morsi’s strategies. He is afraid
that we are losing our sources specially the manpower;
“Working is how we will be able to develop and build our
country, but people have stopped working a long time
ago.” he said.
09:39 am of the following day, a brand new morning the
traffic is terrible, the cars are jammed, people are standing
everywhere waiting for rides or walking to their stations,
but it’s not everyone’s lucky day.
A live conversation between two taxi drivers, the first
driver is wondering if people are still sleeping and the
2nd one is trying to ease it on him by sweet talks and a
good luck wish. The 2nd driver then moved toward his
destination, honking every few seconds, swinging left
and right between cars. He vanished in the road, leaving
the space for another mean of transportation to appear.
The first days have gone, leaving the way for another
day spent with microbus drivers. At 10:00 am, various
faces are standing, waiting for a passing bus to return
their calls “Dokki ya Usta?” they said. A harsh loud voice
replies with an annoying “yes”, taking customers in with
an unwelcoming spirit. He is an early thirties microbus
driver, who is known by the nickname “Mangesto”. The
moment you get in to his car you will notice his high temper,
scary look and rough features that are surrounded
by permanent bruises. His constant anger is translated
in the way he drives; Drugs is his pre-driving routine and
recklessness is his style.
03:30 pm, the sun is blazing at the top of a grey sky covered
with smokes and cars’ exhausts. A new bunch of people
are looking for another carriage to take them over to
their stops. Moments later, a white rectangular vehicle approached,
where Karim, 24 years old, is taking the wheel.
Karim’s inherited-neat-old car is a reflection of what he
is. He is a hard working person in a land of predators,
who has not chosen to live this way but the car chose
him and offered him a job. Unlike what “Magnesto” represented,
Karim is a good figure. He tries to make every
possible benefit out of his car and his driving is good and
calm. Luckily, the contagious microbus drivers’ attitude
has not infected him.
The white is taking over. The cycle goes on;
the days are repeating themselves, with different
stories and similar faces. They still have
hope, willing to survive and seeking for their
happiness in the roads of life. Their stories
represent a big part of our society, a part that
we cannot ignore.
Each one of us have similar scenarios, we go
through life traffics, and face hopeless situations
but tend to move on and work hard, we
are sometimes careless and sometimes talkative,
some of us are good and some are controlled
by the devil. Every one of us is holding
his own driving wheel, wandering through the
horizon, turning the music on in order to create
an isolate atmosphere. And the rounds go on
and on.
31

Interviews
A BRIGHT
IN SIGHT
TO LIFE...
WITH:
FAROUK GOWEDA
INTERVIEWS: AMAL MOUNIR,
AMGAD HASHIM AND NOHA GHANEM
PHOTOGRAPH BY: AHMED ABDEL HAMID
32
33

Interviews
poetic figure to speak about, a man
A
that Egyptians and Arabs are proud
he is one of them. Farouk Goweda
it is. The poignant Egyptian poet,
who was born in Kafr El-Sheikh
Governorate, and lived in Beheira.
In 1968, he graduated from the Faculty of Arts,
Journalism Department. He climbed the stairs
toward his dream, starting his career as a reporter
in Al-Ahram to end now as the Ahram Head of
Cultural Department.
Goweda the man with a courageous honest heart
has nothing to hide. The Egyptian Poet’s pieces
are a true public
CV to who he
is. A man who is
known for having
a strict opinion. A
man of his own
thoughts, beliefs
and standards.
He always says
that he has
never written a
word that could
embarrass his
daughter. Valuing
his readers, he
believes they are very smart and can read between
the lines. Goweda lets them know all about him
through his writings. He is a courageous writer who
opposed the corrupted regime and is willing to stand
against any wrong flow. Farouk Goweda one of the
Egyptian poets speaks to us.
Your work has showed us how you firmly stood
in front of any wrong situation, so does Farouk
Goweda the great poet, see himself as a political
writer or analyst?
I strongly believe that the kingdom of poetry is
much wider than any other kingdom even from
the authority itself. Still, I just consider myself a
temporary guest in the political writing field. I am not
an opposition politician, I am an opposition writer. I
do not belong to any party and have never followed
a certain political stream. After all, I am a poet, my
poems and plays were enough to show my opinions
and lately I started to write articles for them being
more reachable to the people.
Whatever I write, is for the Egyptian people, I
express them and Egypt. I strongly believe that
this country has a great role in the Arab world; it is
the brain of the nation and the most effective hand.
Those are my beliefs and this is what I choose to
write about; the Egyptian Streets.
I have turned down lots of positions, for me the
pen is more
important than
any title. Nothing
is more powerful
than one’s brain
and nothing is
stronger than his
ideas. Talking on
people’s behalf
and defending
their rights was
what I aimed for.
Sometimes, I even
go against the
people’s flow if I
saw that they are heading into a wrong direction.
What is the difference between the current
regime and the previous one?
They look alike in several ways; their concentration
of power for example and their choices of the
cabinet and the surrounding people. They have
as well succeeded in putting down the Egyptian’s
determination and now the street is absent from the
ruling scene and do not share in decision making. All
these reasons made the new regime similar to the
old one that we worked hard to get rid of.
Have you expected and dreamt of an upcoming
revolution and has this dream come true?
There is no doubt that the revolution dream was
there. It existed until being saturated with disasters
and crisis. Silence got to a dead end and anger
burst. However, we never expected it to be that
tough. The thing is, it could have never happened if
the Egyptian people and the army have not cohered.
In the end, settling the situation would have never
been easy without the army. If it was not for them,
life would have been hardened. The moment the
revolution started was a historical one, one that
has demolished all boundaries. Egyptians would
never forget such
moment, even with
all the negatives
that happened
afterwards. The
revolution did not
end yet. It still did
not accomplish
all its needs. All
its aims will be
accomplished
when the public
drops the societal
divisions which are
taking Egypt down.
Unity, will and future vision are the most important
aspects or else we will end like Syria and Libya. The
streets have been split up and if we remain this way,
disasters could happen.
So, do you think that the revolution has achieved
any of its aims or the percentage is low?
First of all, the previous regime’s ousting is a huge
accomplishment. Today, all Egyptian categories know
politics, talk politics, practice politics. Nobody fears
The Security State and The Central Security Forces
any longer, this is an achievement too. And despite all
of its negatives, I still believe the revolution is such a
modernized action of civilization. The Egyptian people
finally proved their will and got the ousted regime down.
We would like you to tell us more about your
poem “The price of the bullet does not buy bread
for us”.
This poem is one of many that I wrote for the
revolution. A lot of my poems were very effective
through this stage and after it. In addition to that,
all of my pre-revolution poems were all about the
Egyptian state and carried many fears of this next
huge step.
I was against the system before anything and I
showed that in my poetry, I used it to object to what
was happening and my poems were used in many
Arab countries. I as well opposed the corruption in
my articles and my
television program.
My attitude has
not changed now,
I still oppose and I
resigned from many
positions when
I saw that it was
useless and nothing
changed from what
was happening in
the previous prerevolution
years.
How do you describe the current Egyptian state?
The post-revolution Egypt has everything. It is a
mixture of moderate, extreme and integrated acts.
Various parties have appeared and many political
movements and goals exist.
Do you still believe poetry can express this
messed up state?
Yes, it does. Anyone can express by any mean. I
respect every person who tries to speak out and
state his point of view and ideology. How they do it
does not matter, even screaming in the streets could
be a way.
34
35

Interviews
When it comes to Colloquial Arabic Writing and
Classical Arabic Writing, which do you prefer?
I do not write Colloquial Arabic pieces though I
appreciate this art. Once, I was asked by Abd El-
Halim Hafez to write a song in Simple Colloquial
Arabic and sadly I could not. Classical Arabic is
what I love most. It actually added a lot to me and
I believe it is a huge treasure. However, that does
not mean I am not a Colloquial Arabic fan. On the
contrary, I appreciate all of
Beiram, Morsi Gamal Aziz,
Abd El-Wahab Mohammed,
Hussien Al-Said’s writings;
but never wrote one myself.
Not refusing to write
Colloquial Arabic but it is
such courage to admit that I
cannot.
And which do you find
easier to reach people?
You can never specify
whether Classical Arabic
or Colloquial Arabic has a
better influence on people.
Each has its own way, own
style. For instance, Morsi
Gamil Aziz has introduced a
new version of the Egyptian
Colloquial Arabic. Each
has a role. But as for me,
I unfortunately could not
master this kind of Arabic.
Which stage of your life do you prefer the most
or you find the most fruitful?
My life has not changed a lot, I am the same college
student I used to be, and nothing changed. Despite
the grey hair, I have never felt that I grew up, my heart
is still young and the youthful spirit is taking over my
inside. Of course, I have stopped doing some of my
previous activities and I am not able to do as much
poetry evenings as before. Yet, I do not have a specific
“LOVE IS THE
NATURAL
PRIMARY
FEELING YOU
ARE BORN
WITH... FEELING
OF BELONGING
TO LIFE,
FEELING OF
LOVING LIFE.”
stage; I believe each one has its own fruitful soil.
My measuring point is writing and the warmth I feel
with my papers is my age scale.
What would you say to youth?
Each state of life has its own taste, youth is eccentric
and enjoyable and growing up is respectable and
sedate. Most importantly you should live each
properly.
Every human being
should be contented with
himself, love his own,
and be satisfied about
his life. When you love
yourself, you will be keen
on pleasing it, and not to
harm it by any means. One
should avoid situations that
underestimate him. You
have to watch out for how
you act and how you show
respect to yourself, every
word you say or write will
count, so do not put yourself
in a position you will regret
later.
Ending up this generous
interview, we finally would
like you to tell us from
your own dictionary, what
love and hate mean to
you?
Hatred is a detested word. I dislike it by all means. But
love, love is a very natural beautiful emotion. Life would
have been valueless without it. The slight hatred found
on earth has destroyed much. Imagine how it would be
if people had nothing but hate. Hell it would be. I believe
love is not just restricted to a relationship between a
man and woman. Yet, love is how you are devoted to
your neighbors, love is how your place means a lot to
you, love is how I can never let go of my country.
36
37

Coverings
a poetical night with
“ahmed taymour”
a isit to the
Writes: Amgad Hashim and Ahmed Abdel Hamid
Ahmed Taymour’s poetry symposium was one
of the recent cultural and intellectual activities of
the Egyptian Opera house. The symposium was
held in the small hall where many well-known
figures have attended.
The ex-prime minister
Essam Sharaf was one
of the major guests who
were personally invited
by Taymour. A group of
celebrities have attended
as well, Ashraf Abdel
Ghafour, the ex-head of
the actors’ syndicate was
there and many other
names such as Sameh
Al-Seraity, Mahmoud Al-
Hadini, Ahmed Maher,
Khalil Morsy, Wagdy Al-
Araby and Mirna Walid.
The media men, Hamdi Al-Kanasy and Abdel-
Wahab Kataya, have started the evening with a short
opening speech welcoming all the guests. Later on
Taymour thanked everyone for coming, and gave
special thanks for his friend “Essam Sharaf”.
As an introductory poem “Groans of the Sun/Ahat Al-
Shams” was Taymour’s preference, after that came
a 2nd piece named “May” indicating his birthday and
the May month arrival.
This first session was wrapped up by the “Egypt’s
rebirth” piece which was published after the January
38
25th revolution. He said that this poem still has an
ongoing reason despite it is two years old now.
The poem has lamented the current Egyptian
situation; it has touched all the audiences with its
strong words, specially
the final line where
Taymour wondered “If
Egypt has died?”
Taymour’s poems were
read by many of the
guests. The artist, Mirna
Walid, was the first to
read some of his poems,
followed by artist,
Mohamed Riad who has
chosen the “For love and
freedom” poem.
This evening ended by a nice singing session lead
by Shady Abdel-Salam, with “Ya Masrena” song and
solo piano orchestra by Rami Mostafa, Maged Al-
Qasem, Adnan Al-Sasa and Ahmed Ibrahim.
Ahmed Taymour was born in the city of Cairo on May
1st. He) graduated from medical school and went
through many positions and careers in that field.
Still, Taymour has always loved poetry and excelled
at it.
He has written many poems in various fields; politics,
culture, love… etc. He has also participated in
several symposiums. Taymour has well succeeded
in combining between his profession and his hobby.
V A rabian House
O of ud
Writes: Nabila Magdy
Have you ever thought that your house might become a
historical one that people visit daily and take photos of it?
You might be unable to imagine this and so was not
Ahmed Ibn Yousef El-Serafy who built “El-Harawy
House” in the middle of the 18th century at the time of
the Ottoman Empire.
The house that welcomes the Arabian Oud fans was
named after Abdel- Rahman EL Harawy whose house’s
ownership moved to from his ancestors whose eldest
was EL-Serafy.
“The Arabian House of Oud”, is the first specialized
school for studying Oud in the Middle East, under the
supervision of the great Iraqi artist Nosseir Shamma”.
It was founded in 1998 in Cairo Opera house and then
moved to EL Harawy Historical house in El-Hussien
district in December 2002.
And since then the House became the destination of
many of the oriental music fans that go to enjoy their
beloved music in that charming place in the Ghoury area.
Students of “Oud House”
school spend two years of studying Oud and then they
perform in a concert certain music pieces as a graduation
project.
The house offers studying opportunities to everyone from
any county from the age 7 for 250 pounds per month for
Egyptians and 45 dollars for Arab and foreign students.
In addition to Oud Studying, the house also offers lessons
for those interested in Eastern Musical instruments like:
Qanon, Nay and Percussion instruments.
As you enter the House you will be taken by the beauty
of the place, and will find yourself standing in the middle
of a big hall that looks like a school’s playground and
looking around you will see beautifully decorated wooden
Arabesque windows.
And in front of you there will be the stage
getting ready to welcome the guests
of the house by a great Oud concert,
performed by the students of Nossier
Shamma.
All you have to do then, is sit down and
get ready to enjoy one of your best evenings
listening to that great oriental music in that
touristic House “ Beit El-Harawy “
39

Q
Art Speak To People
Writes: Amal Mounir and Amgad Hashim
Photograph by: Ahmed Abdel Hamid
40
urany’s
A
n artist who has chosen to be a warrior
for those in need, the one who is always
keen to tell the Egyptian stories through his
weapon, the visual art. He spoke for people
and fought with his painting brush in order to
deliver his message.
He is Taha Al-Qurany, the one who has
decided to create his own way of art by
rediscovering the art of murals. He made it
see the light once again in Egypt and the Arab
world.
Luckily, he has allowed us to dig deeper into
his world of visual art and was glad to share
his long journey with us.
You’re one of the artists who represented the
society, so what made you specifically choose
murals to visualize it?
It all started in 2007, when protests first started
in Al-Mahla Al-Kobra. I, as an artist, was always
concerned with the Egyptian people and their
community. At that time, fine art, in general, was
not directly interested in such topics. The visual
art, in specific, was always known to be as the art
of the elitist, so I wanted to fill this gap between
the visual art and the normal audiences by
Par t of al Mulid’s mural
covering their issues and stories in my work.
In order for me to achieve such thing, I had to fight
for the poor people. That first appeared in 2007
in my Mural “Souq Al-Gomaa”, and I could not
change my direction, because my art was for the
sake of the society.
Why murals?
The art of murals is not an invention, it is an
ancient work that I decided to bring back and
apply on the current era we are living. I tried to do
so by studying the history of the Egyptian society
and presenting it in my work. I was inspired by
Salah Jahin’s saying “If you want to be a good
artist, your work have to be from and to the
society.” That is what I worked on in my murals. It
is similar to poetry and novels yet this is visual art.
Tell us more about “Souq Al-Gomaa” mural
and how has it got its publicity?
In this mural I was keen to show the simple
Egyptian people and I named it “the parallel
Egypt”; the Egypt where no economy, humanity
or even water exist, and that is the truth I focused
on through “Souq Al-Gomaa”. I included details
about 2200 different characters in the mural; each
represented a separate social level.
41

par t of Souq al-Gomaa’s mural
When I finished this artwork, I said that it is
regarded as a memorandum in the face of the
system, for that reason I was caught by state
security for about 3 or 4 times.
What about your second mural “Al-Mulid”?
I have spent 7 years in researching and observing
everything about Mulids. I studied all of its
characters and then began to make the theme
of the mural. Through these years, I knew that
Mulids are not excluded on certain category of
people; however, it almost includes everyone from
different religions, social, cultural and economical
levels. I realized how much of creativity found
in such places and festivals that enthused me
to make my piece. I never wanted to miss such
beauty and I had to represent it through my
paintings.
“The Revolution” was your latest work, what
does this mural mean to you and how do you
see the post-revolution Egypt?
The Revolution was a turning point for the country;
it was the most joyful moment you could ever
witness and experience. I lived it and felt every
change. That made me willing to record this
big event and put it in a 45 meters mural. Even
though I am sad from the fact that the revolution
was taken over by the wrong people, still I have
hope and I believe that one day I will make an
ending for my mural, a happy one.
“People’s artist” is your nickname, what is the
story behind it?
My first mural “Souq Al-Gomaa” was like a stone
dropped into the art’s lake. This piece was felt
and known by the poor people, they saw how an
ordinary person like me can present their lives to
the public through an artwork. They appreciated
what I did and trusted me and my art.
From this point, the Arab critics called me with this
nickname. This was such an honor and it put a big
responsibility on my shoulders towards these poor
people who believed in me.
Do you have a particular goal you want to
obtain through your artworks?
My main idea was to make the simple Egyptians
aware of art. I personally believe that Egypt is a
nation of art, so as an artist, it is my role to serve
my country through my paintings by showing
the different societal shapes in it. This role was
increasingly played after the revolution; you can
see that in the Graffiti for example.
Do you think it is possible to link between
Graffiti and Visual
arts?
Graffiti is a momentary
revolutionary art. Its
main aim is to defend
people or call for a
certain issue. It does
not follow certain
rules and it can be
in a form of a simple
word or a symbol.
While visual art has
several categories and
measurements, it is a
permanent art. So, you
cannot say that Graffiti
is an art with the same
criteria of visual art.
42
43

Interviews
Motivations usually
guide us to make a
successful work, so
what motivates you
to draw a mural?
Being a good reader
and being able to turn
my art into a political
cause and weapon to
support poor people, is
what always motivate
me to start a new
piece. In every painting
I rediscover people’s
suffering and translate
it into what I see today
in my murals.
Your father belonged to Al-Azhar; so did this
in some way influence you?
Of course yes. My father was a man of knowledge
and kindness to all people. A big part of my own
knowledge was touched by him.
In my teenage years, I was lucky enough to meet
a lot of important figures that were his friends,
such as Salah Jahin and Sayed Mekawy and
many others. I believe that had a positive impact,
it affected my perspective and encouraged me to
follow my ambition. All these things are strongly
carved in my visual memory and it appeared in my
art.
when is it in your life do you feel satisfied with
your artistic message?
It is when my art can give the citizens some of
their rights. For instance, when my “Souq Al-
Gomaa” mural was known and got the media
attention, a lot of developments happened in the
place itself and many of the merchants and poor
vendors were helped by the government. This
was my actual triumph.
However, I cannot tell that I am totally convinced
by a specific artwork of mine, because, it is
impossible for any artist to be fully satisfied. We
tend to do more effort and modify the work million
times, so I am still working hard to reach this
satisfaction level.
par t of el-Thawra’s mural

Arts
Writes: Ahmed Abdel Hamid
Lately, Graffiti has turned out to be a debate between cultures. As for,
people wonder if it is legal or not?
The January 25 th Egyptian Revolution, immediately
gave rise to a wave of popular political and social
expression in the form of graffiti and street art, a
phenomena that was almost unknown in the country
under the old regime. Currently they draw, the
government erases but they re-draw and the cycle
does not seem to end soon.
A legal expert confirmed that Graffiti is a method of
freedom of expression of thoughts, opinion and
creativity, that is legalized by the Egyptian constitution
and the constitutions of the developed countries. Still,
such method should follow some rules and criteria.
He added that “the art of Graffiti should not conflict
with the basic state elements or include any act that
is against the law.” For example, it must not use any
words, symbols or pictures that would spread strife,
insult any of the religions, or contain libel and defamation
for anyone. This art should not also be applied to any
public or private property without permission.
So, as long as the graffiti artists could stick to these
rules, they could use their art as much they want in
order to express and spread their message and
46
Legal
or Illegal?
influence the society in a positive way.
From another legal perspective, Emad Ahmed, a lawyer
stated that according to environmental laws graffiti is
illegal and is considered deformation unless there is
permission from environmental affairs. He stated that
for it to be legalized, a new law must be enacted and
enrolled to the state legislature, and then it would be
modified according to legislature modification and
viewed by the parliament.
In agreement with the previous legal expert, Ahmed
said that there should be permanent places where
graffiti artists can paint. “It should be legalized but
according to certain standards” which is if the graffiti
artist has a noticeable talent then he should be allowed
to paint. “The streets could be beautified but under
supervision”, believes Ahmed.
Surprisingly, Graffiti artists themselves say that it is
illegal. Walid Abied a graffiti artist said that “graffiti is
an art of objection”. He said that it is not legal but it is
a way of the weak to object to governments or ones in
power. He described graffiti in 3 words “draw, spray,
run”.
Abied have started drawing graffiti with its revolutionary
concept a month before the first anniversary of
Mohamed Mahmoud. He believes that this art could be
considered as an alternative media, as through it can
convey a true message to the public.
Abied passionately stated “Graffiti is like the revolution;
not legal but with justice. It is one of the kinds of
revolution, is a revolution legal? A revolution is the truth
and from the truth arise the law.”
Graffiti artists all agreed on one thing, graffiti is illegal.
Still, they defended this act and strongly believed that
it is the art of objection, it enables them to properly
speak their minds and demand their rights.
Amr Nazeer, another graffiti artist and the founder of
Coloring thru Corruption movement, has put the legal
side versus the ethical one. He said that although
graffiti is illegal, still it is ethical, and for this belief “I
will do it in a blink of an eye and take my chances.” He
added.
Nazeer has lately started his Coloring thru Corruption
campaign, where he and group of other artists decided
to look for the corrupted places in Egypt and color it with
bright colors. He wanted to make the corruption clear for
the people and to show them that these areas won’t hide
forever; people should see the reality of the situation.
Only few countries have given the art of graffiti a legal
permission, but ironically, it is used more in the countries
where it is illegal. Sherif Abdel Megied, photographer
and author of “Graffiti of the revolution” book, said so,
explaining that “If they paint with an order or under a
legal authorization, it would lose its essence which
is objection. At that time, it would not then be called
graffiti it would be called decorative art.”
Still Abdel-Megied thinks they could make certain
places where painting graffiti is legal. Some countries
already do so; they make certain squares for graffiti
paintings. This happens to have two advantages; the
first one is, it allows the governments to be aware of
what the people object to and what they exactly want,
the second is that they can use these squares as a site
seeing places for tourists.
As a result, the objections will be decreased and when
the governments work on solving all the problems, the
artists would not find anything to object about, but “as
long there is tyranny there will be objection to it.”
Abdel-Megied strongly believes that this art will not be
silenced even if there is a law against it. It played a role
in the revolution and is playing a role now, so trying to
stop it would be considered naïve, because as long as
there are problems there will be objections.
Graffiti will remain to be the art of objection, but how
will anyone be able to solve any problem if they kept
illegally objecting? In Rio de Janeiro it is admired in
festivals and in Venezuela when Chavez was sick the
people used graffiti as a way to express their gratitude
to him. So, when will the time come for graffiti to be
freely used and appreciated in Egypt like in any other
country?
47

Arts
muSeum of
fine artS reopenS
Writes: Amgad Hashim
Saray Al Qubba re-welcomes Effat
Nagy and Saad Al-Khadem museum
which reopens once again after the
renewal.
The museum was closed since the “The
Poppy Flower (Zahret El Khoskash)”
painting was stolen three years ago
from Mahmoud Khalil and his wife’s
museum. Nagy and Khadem’s museum
was in a near place to that museum, so
the ministry of culture decided to close
it when they noticed that it will not be
safe unless it is well-secured. It was
surrounded by glass and the surveillance
cameras were not maintained for a long
time ago.
The liveliness of two of the most
significant artists of the 40s and 50s is still
in every artists mind. No one can deny
that Nagy and her husband enriched the
life of arts in Egypt with their drawings
and paintings.
48
Their paintings were
inspired by Islamic,
Coptic, Pharonic and folk
art. They also worked on
paintings that presented
cultural heritage in a
contemporary artistic
style. From this point, the
museum joined between
the tradition and modern arts.
The museum is three-floors high. The
first floor includes all the artistic work
of Effat Nagy while the second floor
includes all the artistic work of Saad Al-
Khadem. Finally, the third floor includes
their private library which contains 40
master and doctoral theses. In addition,
it includes 1150 books, magazines and
artistic catalogues.
The museum’s director is working
nowadays on enhancing the popularity
of the museum and he is about to launch
a conference about women’s
art as the museum leader is
Effat Nagy.
Zahran rebels against
A
Traditional rts
Writes: Amgad Hashim
In the words of William Faulkner,
“The aim of every artist is to arrest
motion, which is life, by artificial
means and hold it fixed so that
a hundred years later, when a
stranger looks at it, it moves again
since it is life”. Actually the progress
of the artist starts when the nature
ends. Amani Zahran’s paintings are
great examples that represent the
Egyptian reality.
Amani Zahran is one of the fine
artists. She loves the nature and
loves drawing it. Zahran participated
in many group exhibitions, but she
did not ignore working on single
exhibitions. She prefers to choose
a special idea for the exhibition and
she starts drawing from that centre
point.
In one of the interviews, she
mentioned that “almost all my
portrays are real people I met in the
real life”, but that does not mean
she does not add her own touch in
her painting, she adds and removes
according to her views.
People can differentiate her
portrays from the others when they
find the beautiful mixture of colours.
“She is crazy about colours”, wrote
Elham El Jamal, putting her hand
on the basic feature in Zahran’s
portrays. She believed that by using
the colours in a specific way, she is
portraying the lively happy life.
“Alaa El-Din” magazine is one of
the magazines that Artist Zahran
entered a new spirit into, through
her drawings.
Farag Hassan, the well-known
artist, once summarized his
amusement with her paintings by
stating that “Your paintings make
me remember Om Kalthoum’s
voice” as whoever listens to her
voice, cannot easily believe that
she is a lady from its strength. This
is the same case when watching
Zahran’s portrays, you do not
think for once that this painting is
drawn by a woman due to its strong
colours and daring choices.
Amani Zahran’s latest exhibition
was called “Rest in an Oasis” which
started on the 14th of March till 28th
of March. Through this exhibition,
she revealed the life in an oasis,
how the place looks like and how
people live there. In some of her
portrays, she concentrated on the
oasis woman too.
49

Arts
Zahran’s Paintings
50
51

Reviews
“Ask Paulo” was the referee whistle that declared the beginning of that intellectual?
Match between Paulo Coelho and his loyal readers. It was a mini-fiesta for those
who love him, they all gathered according to the set date, they waited, each in a
different spot around the world. Hundreds of fans started filling the blank commentboxes
in Goodreads.com, the largest site for readers and book recommendations.
Many questions were asked, and the enthusiastic atmosphere was obvious.
Coelho’s E-Discussion
Writes: Amal Mounir
P
aulo Coelho, the Brazilian author, is always keen to keep in touch
with his readers through different social networks. This time he
tried to satisfy everyone’s curiosity as much as possible. He was thrilled
about the number of the questions he received, but was only able to
reply to some.
The fans’ comments were between wonderings about Coelho’s books,
support for his good job that they always loved and they even asked him
for advises in their own personal issues. Some wanted to know how he
could be able to touch the souls of all these readers and some wanted
to encourage him to go further. The fans, even the ones who have not
got a reply, were happy to share their thoughts with him.
For him, “It is part of the human condition to share. Everybody shares
something - either love or hatred.” He said that to one of his fans,
remembering that, when he was a teenager he decided to create
his own way of sharing things and that was through writing; “In
every book you find part of my soul.” he confirmed.
Coelho gave several advises to the people he had
the chances to reply to. He encouraged them to
get over their fears and not to be afraid of what
people think or say. He has also motivated
the readers who are beginning writers with his
supportive replies.
Coelho finally stressed that writing was his
personal legend. “I always had a dream of being
a writer. I postponed that for many years, till my
pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Then I decided
to face my destiny and the possible defeats waiting
for me. I wrote “The Pilgrimage” and I did not stop
anymore.”
52
An adventurer
l king for his Treasure
“People are starting to ask: what is the secret behind such a huge success? The
only honest response is: I do not know. All I know is that, like Santiago, the
Shepherd boy, we all need to be aware of our personal calling.”
A 25 years old book that has inspired 20 million readers from 56 different
countries is “The Alchemist”. A story of a young shepherd boy called Santiago,
who has travelled through the deserts, faced many difficulties in order to find his
treasure and to discover his legend.
This shepherd was just as ordinary as any other boy; he thought he was
living his dream and only wanted to roam freely with his sheep, find a
good book to read and a fine place to sleep. His desires were few, but
fate has changed all his plans.
A persistent dream has been chasing him for more than a
week, he started to wake up in anger, frustrated with these
repeated scenes he sees every time he closes his eyes.
Until, one day he told his dream to an old gypsy; “…
and suddenly the child took me by both hands and
transported me to the Egyptian pyramids, he said to
me ‘if you come here you will find a hidden treasure.’
Santiago said.
That was the turning point in his life, he then
went through many adventures on the way to his
treasure, did things he never expected to do and
got to know what the “soul of the world” means.
Santiago experienced his personal legend and faced
the obstacles that could hold anyone back from his
dream but he was lucky enough to keep going.
expectedplace,
and although it was near all the time, he had to fight for it and to go
In the end, He will find his treasure but in the least
through this entire journey to discover his legend.
And in case you wonder where the idea came from; it’s from Paulo Coelho’s
own life experience. “I am the shepherd… I have been to Egypt. And
while walking in the desert, one night, I had a vision that inspired part
of “The Alchemist”. That is why the shepherd boy sees the pyramids at
night.” Coelho said.
53

Reviews
Jews, Zionist andE gypt
Writes: Amgad Hashim
OMovies are
a sweet
easy value
spreading
method. A
person’s love,
belief and will
could change
their lives.
An Enchanted
Land
Z the Great and
Powerful
Writes: Noha Ghanem
J
ews of Egypt” a documentary film w hich started the
debate before it even broadcasted on 27 th of March,
2013. Everyone was keen to know whether it will take
the broadcasting permission or not! However at the end,
after a lot of troubles, it was broadcasted.
The documentary tells the story of the exiled Jews in
Egypt in the first half of the twentieth century until 1956.
Amir Ramses, the film director raised in the film the
dilemma of the transformation that happened in the
Egyptian society and questioned “how did the Jews of
Egypt go from compatriots to enemies?”
The film’s producers stated if were not given the
permission, this would be considered a continuation of
the state repression against freedom of thoughts and
expression therefore, they are very sad for taking the
permission after the troubles that they face.
Ramses said that he noticed that there is a misconception
between the word “Jewish” and the word “Zionist”. That
is why the film’s main target is to correct the image of
Judaism.
However, Abdul Satar Fathi, director in the ministry of
culture stated that “the film’s title would create a lot of
distress especially in the country’s circumstances”.
Referring back to the history, Egyptian – Israeli relations
is a sensitive topic, especially after stepping down of
the ex-president Hosni Mubarak and the rise of the
Islamists to the presidency. Taking into considerations
that president Mohammed Morsi once referred to Jews
as “descendants of apes and pigs”.
The debate will stay on fire till no end as the producer
and director believes.
Love is the only reason you need to live. Belief is
knowing you could. It is believing you own doing
it. Will is how you could keep going on when you
still fail. Without love, belief or will it is hard enough
to achieve anything you want. And that was Oscar
Diggs’s “OZ” case. OZ the Great and Powerful never
knew how to help his own; yet when he believed, he
rescued an entire nation.
OZ the Great and Powerful, starts in Kansas
where Oscar Diggs “James Franco” is a small-time
magician who happens to work for a mobile circus.
Storm approaches, taking Oscar in a hot air balloon
to The Land of OZ “The Enchanted Land”. This is
where he meets Theodora “Mila Kunis” the wicked
witch of the west, who falls in love with Oscar. Time
passes in OZ land, he then meets Theodora’s
wicked witch of the west, Evanora “Rachel Weisz”.
Later he bumps into Glinda “Michelle Williams”, the
good witch of the south. This is when Glinda asks
Oscar to help her and her people prevail against
both wicked witches.
If Oscar refused helping her he would not have
figured out how smart he is, he would not have
figured out a lot ab out his own. And most of all,
he would not have fell for Glinda. Because OZ’s
king “Oscar” loved the good witch of south and her
people, he finally believed in his self having a will to
overcome Theodora and Evanora.
OZ the Great and Powerful is an American fantasy
adventure movie. It was released on Valentine’s
Day, February 14 th 2013. Sam Raimi, Director,
and Mitchell Kapner, Story Writer, based it upon
the OZ series by L. Frank Baum. In April 2013,
the movie was ranked as the highest-grossing
film of this year. OZ budgeted $ 215 million, box
office $ 479,075,891; $149 million were only
the earnings of its worldwide weekend opening.
OZ the Great and Powerful is a Disney production
running in 130 minutes, which was released in
3,912 worldwide theaters. The movie is played in
Digital 3D, RealD 3D and IMAX 3D formats.
54
55

Meet the
Passionate
With:
MAHMOUD
YASSIN
INTERVIEWS: NOHA GHANEM,
AMGAD HASHIM AND AMAL MOUNIR
PHOTOGRAPH BY:
AHMED ABDEL HAMID
57

Interviews
The moment we entered his
office, we noticed the piles of
books, medals and awards he is
surrounded with. We were curious
to ask several questions and his
welcoming spirit and warm smile
encouraged us to go forward.
Mahmoud Yassin, a man of
knowledge, a talented actor, a
voice with impact and a very proud
Egyptian. Beyond’s team decided
to take a journey into Yassin’s life
and he was keen to tell us all the
stories behind his little world.
Almost around three hours
Beyond spoke to Yassin about
various issues. You could keep
on talking for hours and still
feel the urge to know more, ask
more, talk less and listen more.
Mahmoud Yassin, the boy of the
screen, had a lot to share and we
were lucky enough to make this
interesting interview with him.
We would like congratulate
you for the latest honoring
you got from “Tangier Film
festival” in Morocco, and
we want you to tell us
more about your visit.
The most interesting thing about
Morocco for us as media men and
filmmakers is that, this country is
one of the Arab countries which
has always been honoring and
appreciating its own filmmaking
field. So, it was interesting to visit
and explore such place.
What mainly affects the
development of the film
industry?
The economical factor is in charge
of several things. The whole world
is moving forward and in order to
prove ourselves we need to cope
up with them and though this is not
easy, we are trying. But I will keep
reminding you that we have things
that are unique and do not exist
in any other place, and the high
cinema institute is a given proof.
I know we cannot pretend that we
are highly developed in the filmmaking
field and our production
capability is somehow weak
compared to the US for example.
But we work hard through these
situations to produce as much
movies as we can. It is not just a
way for money making, but it is
because Egypt and the Egyptians
adore the cinema and they cannot
survive without it.
Describe your feeling
towards the Egyptian
Cinema.
I am very proud of my country
and since I was a little kid I knew
that Egypt has a large amount of
creativity and talents. This country is
rich with its capabilities, knowledge
and persistence.
The film-making industry has been
found since about120
years, Egypt has a long
history with the cinema
industry; we have amazing
studios and knowledge
about the pillars of this
industry. I know that
America has preceded us,
but for me it does not truly
count, because I strongly
believe that Egypt is one
of the major countries that
served the cinema.
How do you see the
difference between the
cinema now and before?
I agree that the past time had
its own taste. There was a real
admiration to the cinema and the
harsh circumstances made us
more passionate too. Nowadays
we witness a new technological
and cultural development that
created distance between the two
generations, so it would be unfair
not to give this young generation
its right.
What do you think about the
current cinematic state?
This kind of cinema was found from
the very first beginning of the film
industry, not only in Egypt but it
was basically found in the United
States (US). The US has created
these disgusting models that were
then followed by many others. Still,
as much as poor and revolting films
they make, there is a huge number
of good movies in return.
The American cinema is mainly a
commercial cinema and the case
is the same with the Egyptian
one, but the commercial cinema
cannot stand alone, there is a 5%
of creative filmmaking that always
exist. A kind of cinema that does
not care about money and its
aim is not to be popular but to be
worthy. Those two kinds complete
one another, each is needed and
each has its own advantages.
We know that you have
studied in law school, so
what made you switch to
acting?
Honestly, I was not interested in a
specific college. Because when it
was time for college was not able
to tell my dad that I am going to
Cairo to become an actor, he
would never be convinced about
the idea. But I am a constant
reader and that helped me a lot.
Though, that has not stopped me
from following my dream in acting.
So, my first step towards this dream
was through the national theatre, I
have applied for a contest then and
I have passed all the contest’s three
stages and was nominated from
250 persons to take the first place.
It was a gift from God. After then, I
was the only actor of my generation
who had the pleasure of acting over
40 of the most important Egyptian
theater plays in the history of the
Egyptian Theater.
Can you describe your
experiences in each of
the Cinema, Theatre and
Television.
TV is a lively experience but
Cinema is a huge explosion, a hit.
Cinema Movies are totally different
than theaters. The technique is very
important; the camera technique is
very critical and sensitive. Despite
that, both were explored out of
the theater; because without the
theater they would not have existed.
Theater is the God Father of all
Arts. I am proud to be the Theater’s
son and the only actor from my
generation who luckily happened to
be the National Theater’s Manager.
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59

Interviews
Who are the most
important directors whom
you have worked with?
The most important theater
plays I have played were
directed by Sa’ad Ardash,
Karam Metawe’ and Nabil
Al-Alfy. Most important
poetic plays were
directed by Abd Al-
Rahman El-Sharkawy.
What do
you put into
consideration when
choosing a script?
The most important
elements about any
artwork are, first it should
add something new; a
new research which the
writer have thought and
dreamt of. Even if this new
thing is a word, that could
hit the heart, the soul,
and the mind introducing
something useful to the
audience and the writer
himself. Secondly, the
existence of the music spirit
within the words. The purer
the words, the more the
poetic appeal and the sense it
is. Sometimes the poetic soul
is much significant than the
poetry itself.
You have made many
movies recording the
historic events such
as “Al-Rosasa La
Tazal Fe Gayby”,
so do you think you
can make a movie about the
January 25th revolution?
The 25th of January Revolution is
still in labor and in order to make
any film or series about it, lots of
researches and facts is required.
For sure, one day these facts will
60
appear. But now you cannot work
on something you are not sure
about its incidents.
However, “Al-Rosasa La Tazal fe
Gayby” was one of the historic
movies about 6th of
October war. Back
then, it was easy to
shoot the movie, as
the war was just over,
soldiers were excited
about winning and they
helped us with setting the
movie plot and with the
deepest details that we could
have missed.
You are known with
your love to poetry,
so what does poetry
represent for you?
The theater is the poetry’s
language .This you should
know quite well. Even if it
was a comic play, it still
relates to the poetry’s
soul. And by poetry I do
not mean the rhythm it
does. Poetry is the music
within the lines into your
ears not just the rhyme. I
believe that if it was not for
the poetic theater, the “Ministry
of Culture” would have
never existed.
Mahmoud Yassin’s
Voice is very
special. What does
it indicate to you?
GOD has blessed me with
such tool. The voice transmits
the emotions, thoughts and
feelings. I would have suffered a
lot without my voice; but now it’s my
own affecting unique method. This is
the tool that achieves communication
between the heart and mind. So I
thank god for it and I hope it would last
until my very last career word uttered.
Whom of the new generation
could you call an extension
to Mahmoud Yassin?
I do not believe there is anybody
whom I could call Mahmoud
Yassin because each has their own
personality. My generation may
have affected some of the new
seedlings. Yet, each should show
how much talented they are, their
skill, their talent, their magnificence.
None succeeds without all that.
We would like to dig deeper
in Yassin’s dictionary,
and ask you to define the
following words: “Happiness,
Love, Hate, Honesty,
Country and Israel.”
Happiness, could be on personal
basis; feeling secure with your
family and safe in your hometown.
Love, how could we ever imagine
life without such emotion? I believe
“Love is tender”; as Ihsan Abd El-
Kodous wrote in one of his novels.
Hate is an irony; it is selfishness and
emptiness.
Honesty is a rescue; the purest,
easiest, clearer way to anything.
Israel is a catastrophe; a planted
colonialism. They aim to destroy the
Arab’s soul and determination and to
stop our abilities in competing for a
better future.
Are there any plans for new acts?
No, nothing special for now, you have
to know that the tragic situation we are
passing through in Egypt is limiting all
the chances. The country is in the worst
life categories. As for Arts, it has been 5
years now that Egypt was not capable
of producing many movies as before.
Previously, we used to produce a minimum
of 120-130 movies per year. Currently, it is
good enough if we produced a range of
8-15 movie/year. It is really hard.
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Tech
Games
have been
always seen as
source of entertainment,
however today online
games like Jade Dynasty,
Cabal and Perfect World are
used as educational tools
and social sources of
learning.
Online Games targeting
youth
Writes: Ahmed Abdel Hamid
According to past researches
online games are used today to
increase the processing speed of
the brain to develop the ability of
dexterity and coordination among
youth and children to increase their
socialization skills and to increase
their team work spirit.
Nammi shirosuzi, 18 year old
Hungarian online player stated
that online games increased her
social ability and helped her to
have real friends.
“When I was a kid, I have been
widely ignored by the people
around me and bullied by my
colleagues and online games
released my physiological
state”. In addition, Andy Andrew
Romanian gamer said that online
games encouraged him to learn
languages and to explore new
cultures as well as decreased his
stereotypes.
Mr. Ayman Salah, a gamer with
20 years of experience playing
games, said that the main reason
for starting to play games is
because of “feeling bored”. He
added that games make us feel
satisfied as “they are the dreams
that we cannot reach to or apply”.
For example, if you dream about
driving specific cars, such as
Lamborghini, and you cannot fulfil
this dream, you can drive all what
you want in a car game. Games
satisfy your needs and wants, as
sometimes you totally forget that
you are playing a game and you
imagine that this is the real life, as
it makes you interactive and forget
Top ranked games of
2013 / 2014
Top released
1.Crysis 3
2. Tomb Raider
3. Dishonored
4. Dead Space 3
5. Hitman Absolution
Upcoming
1. Watch Dogs
2. Grand Theft Auto V
the reality. Not only this, but also
games like ‘angry birds space’
“started to be a way for educating
young children in schools in USA”.
He mentioned that he did not
get addicted or isolated from
the social world. He stated that
the idea is that he takes it as
a personal challenge from the
artificial intelligence of the game
believing that “you will not give
up and you are always trying to
find a way”. Sometimes when he
plays some games, he socializes
with other players and they tend to
help each other to pass a certain
level. This is considered a type of
socialization, but in a certain way
as you socialize; you socialize with
a specific category that has the
same interests as you. “If someone
wants to get isolated he does not
need a game to get isolated, he
could get isolated when he is in a
group of people by not talking or
he would read something basically
it is not related to games” believes
Salah.
On the other had some online
players think that online games
have a negative impact. Amr Eissa,
Egyptian online player assumed
that online gaming wasted his time
and made him “addicted and fat”
due to spending a lot of time on
online games.
The positive effects of online
games overleaped its negatives,
players distressed and refreshed
as their positive emotions and
their positive energy flows.
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3. Gears of War: Judgment
4. Elder Scrolls Online
63

Postcard
A
Writes: Nabila Magdy
TTA CAVE:
a Day
U
Put on your jacket, take a deep breath, and get ready for
one of the most relaxing tours ever with a temperature of
9°C cave in Germany.
nderground
Once you enter Atta cave
you find yourself in a different
world, wonderfully created
of dripstone formations that
each of us sees differently:
castles, human faces, birds
and even statues of Santa
Claus.
While walking and looking
around, you find artfully grown
stalagmites and stalactites
that are surrounded by rock
curtains draped from the
ceiling. And then it’s time
to relax and recover in
the health grotto, 50 meters
below the surface of the earth,
enjoying the ozone-free air,
the 95 percent humidity and a
constant temperature.
The atmosphere of the grotto
deepens the breath and has an invigorating effect that
relieves the whole body of stress and is said to help
heal sleep disorders, hay fever, bronchial asthma, oversensitivity
to dust, chronic bronchitis and neurodermatitis.
The creation of the 6,000-meter cave began about 400
million years ago. Its water-soluble rocks were attacked by
impure rain water that contained carbon dioxide, which acts
on the limestone rock like an acid and wears it away.
Then a network of water channels was created, which
washed out larger and larger cavities. As a result of
gravity, the water shifted its path deeper and deeper into
the ground, and then the upper parts of the system were
left empty to create the cave.
But Atta was only discovered 105 years ago, on 19 July
1907, during the quarrying of limestone at the Bigge
Valley Limestone Works. It opened its doors to tourists
and now receives 350,000 tourists per year.
When your cave tour ends, you will still have some
time to enjoy a cup of coffee or a delicious lunch
meal in the Himmelreich restaurant-café on the
large terrace in front of the cave’s entrance.
Finally, you may visit the shop beside the cave’s
entrance to choose a gift of the most varied
minerals and crystals for your family or friends.
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65

Letter
ON
‘‘ This is where souls,
hearts and lives meet
A tip to pass by:
Love life hoping for a better
tomorrow with wide open faith
”
D
ha Ghanem
Love, Hope and Faith…
(A Letter from the heart)
igging deep inside the soul, wondering “How does life ever go on?” People get
broken kneeling down to the wind of life and still go on ... How is that?!
I believe Love is a must, Hope is a reason and Faith is the strength.
For decades now, the human evolution has suffered a lot. Rolling on from war to
broken hearts, earthquakes and tornadoes, life and its contradictions. We have
mastered a lot of aches but one. A heart beat!
Your heart beat does not have to be related to human love; of which I love the most.
But, loving your own self is a figure; another is people around. A third option is
dedicated to your special something. And definitely ... trying to love LIFE.
A reason why hope is a reason is that you can never go on without it.
A dead body is not one with any soul or oxygen. But one that has no
hope or reason for a better tomorrow, maybe after tomorrow, after a
year, after life ... this I call hope.
Strength is when you believe. You just believe it is there to catch you
slip. Faith is religious. Faith is belief. Faith is looking up to the sky
knowing you own super powers.
So ... why go to the hospital when your cure is right there into your
caged heart. Open up to life. Love an insane guy who would never judge your crazy
laughter, your fizzy curly hair or your aching skinny bones. Go crazy around a man
who yells at you cause he is on un-bloody-hinged jealousy. A pet would change your
love life upside down. A cat will do too. New hobbies as well.
Because of love, hearts open up hoping for a better life. Igniting the pure faith of how
super human you are. This is how hope never fades and love forever fired up.
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Yours,
Love, Hope and Faith.