Journey to 1930s Egypt: Boissonnas Legacy Brought Back to Life in Cairo
On Thursday, the anticipated exhibition of Egypt: A Photographic Portrait by Frédéric Boissonnas was opened. This exhibition presents the exceptional works of the late Swiss photographer Frédéric Boissonnas (1858–1946), with a focus on his photographic journey in Egypt.
Boissonnas was invited by the late King Fuad I to tour Egypt, including the magical lands of Sinai, and undertake an extensive photographic mission. The results of the mission were collected in a monumental book called Egypt (L'Égypte) in 1932.
The book was widely celebrated in several ceremonies, and a grand exhibition was hosted at the Royal Geographical Society in Cairo.
However, the legacy of the late Swiss photographer faded. Therefore, the Library of Geneva and various Swiss parties preserved the complete collection of around 4,000 photographs.
Hosted at the Goethe-Institut in Tahrir as part of Cairo Photo Week activities, the opening of the exhibition witnessed the presence of the Embassy of Switzerland's Charg ée d'Affaires a.i Elisabeth Gilgen, Goethe-Institut Cairo Director Lilli Kobler, and the late King Fuad's great-grandson, Prince Mohamed Ali.
During her remarks at the opening, Kobler welcomed the guests to the event, expressing her gratitude for the institute's cooperation with the Swiss Embassy in Cairo and Cairo Photo Week.
On her side, Gilgen thanked the Goethe-Institut and said that the exhibition is a celebration of the 90th anniversary of the mutual relationship between Egypt and Switzerland.
She said, "This celebration allows us to reflect on the nine decades of cooperation, friendship, and mutual respect between the people and the nations of Switzerland and Egypt."
The Swiss official also welcomed Prince Mohamed Ali, the great-grandson of King Fuad I, who called Boissonnas to conduct this photographic mission in Egypt.
Prince Mohamed Ali told SEE News that he is happy to be there, as this exhibition is a connection with the family. He asserted that the goal of King Fuad was to make these photos represent Egypt to the world.
"He wanted the world to know Egypt, not only the Muslim part of Egypt but also the Coptic part."
Among the exhibited photos were rare shots of prayers inside Al Azhar Mosque and worshippers inside the Monastery of Saint Anthony and Saint Catherine's Monastery.
The member of the Egyptian royal family added that this exhibition is a tribute to Egypt, not just for his family.
He also appreciated the efforts of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi as he acknowledged the existence of the family and established peace between modern Egypt and the time of the kingdom.
The exhibition reflects the good ties between the Swiss Embassy in Egypt and other European partners, such as the Goethe-Institut, on the lands of Egypt.
Gilgen praised the cooperation between the Swiss Embassy and the Goethe-Institut, as they were driven by the close relationships between Switzerland and Germany in terms of people, culture, and language.
The Swiss official told SEE News, "The idea of the exhibition was conceived a long time ago. We heard about the work of the photographer, and we were looking for a special occasion."
She highlighted that the occasion is celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Friendship Treaty between Egypt and Switzerland.
"Together with our partners, the Goethe-Institut and the University of Geneva, we have the curator here, and then we collaborated with them."
On the presence of Prince Mohamed Ali, she said, "It's a great honor for us that his great-grandson, Prince Mohamed Ali, is here tonight with us."
Gilgen further described the exhibition as reflecting the essence of Egypt and its people between the past and the present: "There are still many similarities because it captures really the essence of what Egypt was and what Egypt still is."
The Swiss official also praised the close ties between Egypt and Switzerland in all fields.
On her side, Kobler reflected that she is happy that the Goethe-Institut is hosting the exhibition as part of their cooperation with the Swiss Embassy in Cairo and the framework of Cairo Photo Week.
She asserted that the institute is working on creating more spaces for independent and promising Egyptian artists.
As the exhibition continues to draw attention to the rich cultural history of Egypt through the lens of Boissonnas, it serves as a reminder of the enduring ties between Switzerland and Egypt.
The legacy of Boissonnas' photographs not only highlights a shared past but also reinforces the importance of cultural exchange in strengthening international relations.
This exhibition is not only a tribute to the past but also a testament to the power of photography in bridging cultures and fostering mutual understanding between nations.
read more
2 Most Inspirational Green Projects in Egypt
AEW Dynamite, WWE NXT to Strive over Viewership Tonight
Egypt Marks 70th Anniv. of 2011 Revolution, National Police Day
In Depth: WWE NXT Halloween Havoc
In Depth: AEW Dynamite, WWE NXT Tuesday Viewership Strive
Videos & Features
WATCH: Egyptians Break Ramadan Fasts in Matariya
Videos & Features
GrEEk Campus Hosts Jobzella Fifth Career Fair
Videos & Features
3 Iconic Ramadan Songs of All Times
Videos & Features
Top 4 Destinations to Visit in Upper Egypt
News
Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers
Lifestyle
Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe
News
Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia
News
Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content
Arts & Culture
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized
Sports
Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer
Videos & Features
Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO)
Sports
Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
News
Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies
Arts & Culture
New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al-Ahram Weekly
28-06-2025
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Stories from the land of Egypt - Features - Al-Ahram Weekly
Dina Ezzat talks to geographer Atef Moatamed about the changes taking place in the human geography of Egypt as a result of modern attitudes and the loss of traditions 'We will only understand our country when we walk its roads and deserts and move around its villages and cities, whether in the Nile Valley or further afield at its borders,' said Atef Moatamed, a geographer and writer, commenting on the many festive occasions that take place across Egypt such as the slaughter of sheep for the Eid Al-Adha or the end of Muslim fasting at the end of Ramadan and the Eid Al-Fitr or the celebration of Christmas or Easter. * A version of this article appears in print in the 26 June, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly 'Religion and religious festivities are always subject to folk influences, and they are inspired by the nature and habits of communities,' Moatamed said. He added that while there are of course common elements that connect the country together, there is no denying the fact that for centuries Egypt was as diverse as it was unified. This diversity, he said, is a fact about the place. A professor of geography at Cairo University, earlier this year Moatamed saw the launch of his book Sawt al-Makan: Sayran ala al-Akdam fi Goghrafia Masr (The Sound of Place: A Walk through the Geography of Egypt), a 270-page volume published by Cairo publisher Al-Shorouk. It is neither an academic text on the geography of Egypt nor a traveller's chronicle, however. Instead, it is a dedicated attempt to explain the impact of the diversity of the country's topography on the cultural makeup of its people, including in the Nile Valley, the coastal cities, and at the borders. The book does not cover the country's entire 1,010,408 square km, of course. But it is representative of what could be called the 'many profiles' of Egypt – profiles and not faces, Moatamed says, because he is convinced that Egypt's diversity does not undermine its core uniformity. He reminds us that similarities are always there to qualify diversity in one way or another. It is hard to overlook the imprint of ancient Egypt 'as a culture and an identity' on the habits and practices of modern Egyptians, for example. Moreover, it would be hard to argue that the three Abrahamic religions are practised in Egypt in the same way they are elsewhere, he said, despite the fact that they vary 'from one part of the country to another.' In his book, he reflects on the way religion changes into cultural practices in different locations in the country. 'Across Egypt, tolerance is hard to miss,' he said, adding 'this is a function of how all Egyptians perceive religion – as a concept and not just as a faith. But it is also a function of the impact of the topography of Egypt, which prompts unity and a sense of togetherness,' he added. But there are differences. One example mentioned in the book is the cemeteries of Al-Shatbi in Alexandria, which Moatamed says are as serene, but less sombre, than those elsewhere. This is the inevitable result of religious diversity and its impact on practices of remembering the dead. In Nubia in the far south of the country, Moatamed sees an openness to colour that is not easily spotted elsewhere. This is the case despite the displacement of the Nubian population in the 1960s as a result of the construction of the Aswan High Dam. But there is still a lot that residents of the Nile Valley share, despite their local differences. 'Today, there are many references to the word Kemet, which means the 'Black Land' or the fertile land where the ancient Egyptians lived in the Nile Valley,' Moatamed said. The name is not designed to reflect a sense of ethnic superiority as some might think today. 'It is a sense of identity that comes from the geographical core of the country,' he stated. Over the centuries, the geographical scope of the country has changed, mostly by expansion, allowing the introduction of neighbouring cultures 'including the Nubians, the Amazigh, the Arab tribes, the African tribes, and others.' This expansion and the closer association between the Black Land of the Nile Valley and the Red Land of the Desert to the east and west created new cultural rhythms, according to Moatamed. He argued that it is hard to underestimate the impact of incoming influences, especially that of the Arab Conquest, which introducing a new language – Arabic. ARRIVALS: Egypt has worshipped countless deities over its millennia-long history, Moatamed said, and religions in general have had a wide impact. 'It might not be something that many people know, but the Nubians embraced Christianity first and then Islam,' he said. He noted that geography was not neutral in the way that different religions gained ground in Egypt. The spread of each new religion avoided parts of the country that were surrounded by mountains. Moreover, the way religion ended up being perceived and practised in different parts of the country was influenced by local cultures. The impact of geography was also important in the choices made by invaders who have conquered Egypt over the centuries. 'Both the Arabs and the Europeans, whether the Greeks in 300 BCE or the French and the British in the 18th century CE, came to Egypt via the north coast, where the city of Alexandria came to be founded,' he said. But in the case of Arabs, who came in the seventh century, it was impossible for them to settle in Alexandria or to take it as their capital 'because Alexandria is about the sea, and the Arabs who came from the heart of the Arabian Peninsula in the seventh century had no association with the sea. They knew the desert better and preferred it.' Diversity continued to influence space in Egypt over the centuries, especially with the improvements in connectivity that allowed people from the north to get a taste of the life of people of the south and vice versa. 'Today, we see that the ethnic roots of clothes and jewellery are being celebrated – from Nubia, Siwa, and Sinai – but they are all celebrated as authentic Egyptian arts,' he said. 'Egypt is one land, but it is not one thing; this is something we should be happy about because it is ultimately a source of richness,' Moatamed added. In ancient Egypt, all Egyptians worshipped one God, but each of its over 40 provinces had its own deity. Today, each province exhibits a cultural duality – one side owing to its association to the whole of Egypt and the other owing to its particular geographical and topographical identity, with adjacent provinces sharing much of this. However, modernity has been affecting this ancient pattern. 'Weddings across Egypt are becoming less unique and more standardised and more in line with norms generated from the centre, for example,' he said. There is less space for local songs than there used to be, for example in the Oases of the Western Desert, and all brides now go to beauty salons to have their hair and makeup done before the wedding, even waiting at the salon for the groom to pick them up from the doorstep. 'This would not have been the case in the past,' Moatamed stated. What goes for social occasions also goes for religious ones, he argued. More and more of the specific practices associated with the holy Muslim month of Ramadan or the Eid Al-Adha are disappearing in favour of more standardised behaviour. This is a function of modernity whose advances are curtailing the uniqueness of different places and bringing more connectivity. 'When I think of peasants in the villages of Sohag [in Upper Egypt], for example, I can see the change,' Moatamed said. 'In the past, their lives were all about farming. They were attached to the land, and they would not want to leave. This is no longer the case.' 'With the increasing demand for workers for the mines across the Red Sea desert, these farmers are leaving their land,' Moatamed said. This, he explained, is a function of the changing nature of the local geography due to the greater connectivity between Sohag and the Red Sea. It also leads to another change, namely the decline in the use of agricultural land. CHANGE: Modernity is not the only bringer of change to Egypt, Moatamed said, since there is also climate change. He referred to the erosion of the North Coast in and around Alexandria, something reported on in his book in detail. Speaking to Al-Ahram Weekly before the storm that hit the city in late May, Moatamed said that he was as worried for Alexandria as he is for Port Said and the entire north of the Delta. 'I am not sure we are ready to deal with the consequences of climate change on the North Coast, and my fear is that we could lose some of these cities or at least face a dramatic change in their nature and consequently in the story they have contributed to the overall story of Egypt,' he stated. There are other factors whose impacts are coming, among them economic. Moatamed said that economic pressures are prompting more and more people to abandon their land in favour of more profitable jobs in the country's cities. The construction and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) that is feared will influence the flow of Nile water into Sudan and Egypt is another factor to take into account with regard to the possible impact on agricultural land, he said. 'It is painful to see the decline in agricultural land, whatever the reason,' he said, adding that this will impact the villages of the Delta and Upper Egypt and consequently also their cultural practices. In his book, Moatamed pays tribute to the commitment that the people of Nubia have shown to their traditions even after their displacement from their traditional land with the building of the High Dam. He writes at length about the 'right to place,' the title of the second chapter of the book, where he laments the inegalitarian access to Mediterranean beaches that have become closely associated with the financial ease. He also laments the lack of access to Red Sea beaches, which 'again is about economic limitations,' he says. In the latter area, the issue is not just socio-economic inegalitarianism but also industrialisation and a development plan that gives hardly any consideration to the 'right to place, including the right to access the beaches that people are supposed to be entitled to,' he said. 'We have forgotten that the banks of the River Nile in Cairo are often no longer accessible for strolls for those without financial means, unless they work in the restaurants and cafes that are dedicated to those who can afford them,' he added. In the central chapter of the book, Moatamed reminds readers that the 'relationship between people and nature – be it the river, the sea, or the land – is not about leisure and pleasure,' but instead is 'the main motive for creativity and productivity.' 'Zoning off the river and the sea with gates that only the rich, and never the poor, can get through does not just lead to short-term socio-economic grievances but also actually undermines the [inspiring] concept of endlessness... in favour of the [constraining] concept of limitation,' he said. He said that his book is a testimony about things that are endangered. 'I am not sure that we can be accurate when we talk about endangered things, because at the moment it seems that so many things, or almost everything, is somehow at risk,' he added. Worrying about the loss of connections between places and people in Egypt is not an idealistic thought, he argued. It comes from an understanding that the more these connections decline, the less association people will have with places and for that matter with the culture that they have given rise to, he said. Such changes also affect the relationship between the tribes of the Eastern and Western deserts and the land, which has now become more about making money through tourism or other activities than about traditional affinity. 'Some 20 years from now, those who are currently in their 30s will not be the 'elders' of their local communities. Unlike [those who are in their 50s today], they will not have sufficient knowledge to share the incremental story of Egypt,' he stated. In the introduction to his book, Moatamed writes that his decision to share his trips across Egypt and the research associated with the impressions he has gathered is about sharing testimony but also about calling attention to the need to think carefully about what must be done to keep the Egypt story intact. It is time for other people to set out on tours of Egypt, even in the simplest and most basic ways, in order to get a close and first-hand look at a story that might impact them in different ways and to take ownership of it. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
CairoScene
23-06-2025
- CairoScene
Arabic Lessons to Be Mandatory for All Private Kindergartens
From 2025-26, private kindergartens in the UAE must deliver 200 minutes of Arabic weekly, rising to 300 by 2027-28, to reinforce early language and national values Jun 23, 2025 The Ministry of Education has issued mandatory curriculum guidelines for all private kindergartens across the UAE, effective from the 2025–2026 academic year. Under the new rules, Arabic language lessons must total 200 minutes per week, equivalent to 40 minutes daily. That requirement will rise to 300 minutes per week (60 minutes per day) by the 2027–28 school year. Qualified early childhood teachers will deliver Arabic to both native and non-native speakers using approved materials and age-appropriate methods. Meanwhile, Islamic Studies will be compulsory for Muslim students, with 90 minutes of weekly instruction structured as either three 30-minute sessions or two 45-minute classes. Social Studies will also be integrated into daily learning for all kindergarteners, teaching concepts such as family life, UAE geography, social values, and environmental awareness through play-based activities. To support schools, the Ministry will provide frameworks and learning outcomes ahead of the new school term, offer advisory visits, and begin regular inspections in 2026–27 to ensure compliance.
See - Sada Elbalad
05-06-2025
- See - Sada Elbalad
Muslims Across Europe Celebrate with Tradition, Reflection, Resilience
Ahmed Emam As Muslims across Europe prepare to mark Eid al-Adha this week, the mood is a blend of joy, deep-rooted tradition, and quiet reflection on the suffering of communities around the world. From the festive gatherings in the UK's West Midlands to the warm familial customs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Eid remains a deeply meaningful time — a spiritual milestone that both uplifts and unites. >>Eid in the Park: A Communal Celebration in the UK In Birmingham's Small Heath Park and Wolverhampton's West Park, tens of thousands are expected to gather this Friday for Eid in the Park, a celebration that has become a cornerstone of Muslim life in the West Midlands. Organized by community groups such as the Green Lane Mosque and Community Centre (GLMCC), the event is not only a prayer gathering but also a cultural festival — bringing together families, friends, and neighbors in the open air. Yet amid the festive spirit, there is a shared sense of global awareness. 'I think it would be an understatement to say that our hearts are with people who are suffering right now,' said Haniya Aadam of GLMCC, acknowledging the weight of ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises across the Muslim world. This year's Eid, she says, carries 'a collective grief and hope.' For many in the UK's diverse Muslim population, Eid al-Adha is both a spiritual duty and a day of public expression — of identity, solidarity, and faith in action. >>Bosnia's Bajram: A Tapestry of Tradition and Family In Bosnia and Herzegovina, where Eid is known as Bajram, the festival is steeped in intimate family rituals and rich culinary traditions. Eid morning begins early, with the men of the family attending the Fajr (dawn) prayer followed by the Eid prayer, after which the family reconvenes at home for warm greetings, hand-kissing, and blessings. A centuries-old tradition continues as families serve lavish meals that include beloved dishes like sarma (cabbage rolls), Bosanski lonac (Bosnian pot), dolma, and Bey's soup. Desserts such as baqlava, ruzica, and tufahije are lovingly prepared — some passed down through generations. Children play a central role in the Bosnian Eid, receiving "bajramluk" — gifts of money or sweets — after visiting their elders. The joy of children is mirrored by nostalgic practices: sewing new clothes, reciting "tekbirs" in mosques, and gathering at the home of the oldest family member on the first day. The second day is more solemn — known as the Day of the Martyrs, many families visit cemeteries to honor the deceased. In some regions, a unique tradition called the 'Female Eid' once marked a fourth day, when women who had hosted guests for days would finally gather to celebrate amongst themselves. >>A Festival of Faith, Reflection, and Forgiveness Across Europe, Eid is more than a religious holiday — it is a cultural anchor. It serves as a moment of renewal, reconciliation, and forgiveness. Disputes are set aside, families reconnect, and communities come together — not only to share meals and exchange gifts but also to remember those in need. Whether under grey skies in the UK or under Balkan summer sun, the essence of Eid remains the same: a sacred celebration of sacrifice, charity, and unity. As families pray, feast, and reflect, this year's Eid is marked by both resilience and remembrance — a festival for the present, rooted in the past, and mindful of a hopeful future. read more 2 Most Inspirational Green Projects in Egypt AEW Dynamite, WWE NXT to Strive over Viewership Tonight Egypt Marks 70th Anniv. of 2011 Revolution, National Police Day In Depth: WWE NXT Halloween Havoc In Depth: AEW Dynamite, WWE NXT Tuesday Viewership Strive Videos & Features WATCH: Egyptians Break Ramadan Fasts in Matariya Videos & Features GrEEk Campus Hosts Jobzella Fifth Career Fair Videos & Features 3 Iconic Ramadan Songs of All Times Videos & Features Top 4 Destinations to Visit in Upper Egypt News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream
