Author: Bab Masr

A rhythmic journey through the narrow arteries of Fuwa, where the scent of the Nile meets the ancient clatter of the loom, this article chronicles the struggle to sustain Egypt’s hallowed tapestry traditions. As master artisans translate global masterpieces into wool, they face a silent crisis of economic stagnation and the looming threat of cultural extinction. By Mahmoud Dueir

Unearth the haunting legacy of Umm al-Faqir, the brass-wielding folk hero of Port Said. From the napalm-scorched alleys of the 1956 resistance to the fire-breathing rituals of Lake Manzala, explore how a marginalized woman transcended history to become an immortal symbol of Egyptian defiance. By Osama Kamal

Journey through the storied history of Cairo’s Azbakia district, from its origins as Mamluk orchards to its zenith as the “Frankish” heart of Khedivial Egypt. This feature explores the legendary nightlife of Safiya Helmy’s Casino, the artistic reign of Badia Masabni, and the evocative memories of a lost era where the melodies of Umm Kulthum and the hustle of the city’s historic squares defined the Egyptian cultural landscape. By: Hussam Gad

From the ritual “crushing of the onion” to the sun-drenched alchemy of Kishk, explore how the villages of Upper Egypt preserve the visceral, 4,000-year-old heartbeat of Sham Ennessim. A deep dive into the sacred culinary traditions and Pharaonic echoes that define the Egyptian spring. By: Asmaa Montaser, Jasmine Mohany, and Amany Khairy

Explore the storied history of Aswan’s Church of the Virgin Mary and St. Daniel Comboni. From its 19th-century foundations to its vital role in education and healthcare during the construction of the High Dam, discover how this architectural marvel remains a hallowed sanctuary of faith and a cornerstone of communal service in southern Egypt. By Wafaa Amin

Explore the unique culinary traditions of Aswan’s Coptic heritage during Passion Week, from the ancient ritual of eggs buried in aged cheese to the symbolic flavors of the Resurrection feast. By Wafaa Amien

Built in 1890, the Church of Saint Eugenie in Port Said stands as a monument to the city’s multicultural past. A recent student visit uncovered its history, its architecture, and its surprising connection to the secondhand clothing trade. By Osama Kamal

Step inside the Gothic soul of Damanhour, where the Church of the Annunciation has stood as a sanctuary of grace since 1875. From its rhythmic Italian roots and rare architectural splendor to the hallowed halls of its legendary “Seven Sisters” clinic, explore how this ancient hymn of a building remains a vital, beating heart for a diverse community. By Mahmoud Dueir

Exploring the deep-seated traditions of the Coptic Holy Week, this feature story traces the history of Dukkah and Aish Nashif from the monastic rituals of Upper Egypt to their Pharaonic roots. Discover how a simple meal of toasted sesame and sun-dried bread serves as a powerful symbol of asceticism, endurance, and the “cultural transmutation” of Egyptian culinary heritage. By Amany Khairy

For two weeks after each Eid, every workshop in Damietta closes. No saws, no hammers, no production. The tradition, known as “Mobarka,” or blessing, began when master craftsmen left for pilgrimage. Decades later, it still sets the rhythm of work in Egypt’s furniture capital. By Helmy Yassin