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Al-Ahram Weekly
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Narratives of downtown Egypt go digital with Howeya platform and book - Heritage special
The man whose face was featured on the Egyptian pound, the first ice cream in Egypt, and the audience's narratives about downtown were all presented at the downtown premises of AUC this July. The Museum of the People of Downtown initiative is one of the projects of the iCulture association, focusing on digital creativity and heritage preservation. 'We started one year ago when we launched The Museum of People of Downtown, where we came across so many who lived there and passed through it. We started to document their narratives and the oral heritage of downtown," explained Professor Riham Arram, founder of iCulture, in her opening speech. According to Arram, this initiative was launched under the umbrella of the iCulture association, which her partner, Professor Heba Saaid, launched. The two-day event unfolded into many intangible cultural elements of Egypt. It began with talented storytellers sharing real, enchanting stories of downtown, followed by the launch of the Howeya (Identity) platform for heritage and tourism studies. The platform provides educational content about the heritage of Egypt and the region. The event featured an interactive intangible heritage map, allowing participants to share their memories of downtown places. These additions will be published in a book on downtown narratives and the Howeya platform. The former dean of The High Institute for Folk Arts held an online seminar on the heritage of local cafes in downtown. Man on the Egyptian pound Talented storyteller Mohamed Kamel, a member of the Museum of the People of Downtown initiative, shared a story about Edris, the man whose face was featured on the Egyptian One Pound note. According to Kamel, Edris was a dedicated gardener at the royal palace, the residence of Prince Fouad, located at the current premises of Al Bustan Garage in downtown. The local story goes that Edris once dreamt that the prince would be Egypt's king, which was impossible at that time because, according to royal protocol, the next in line to be crowned were the successors of Sultan Hussein Kamel. However, when Edris told Prince Fouad about his dream, he laughed in disbelief and promised to print his face on the Egyptian pound if it ever came true. Time flew by, and when Sultan Hussein Kamel passed away, his relatives lost control of Egypt. As a result, Fouad became the king of Egypt, and he printed the face of Edris on the One Pound Egyptian note in a special edition. Egypt's 1st ice cream and iconic chocolaterie Talented storyteller Professor Alaa Khairy, a member of the Museum of the People of Downtown initiative, shared with us the story of Groppi, a renowned patisserie, Chocolaterie, and tea room in downtown Cairo, which was also the first to introduce ice cream to Egypt. According to Khairy, Groppi was the most prestigious café downtown. It was so famous that it appeared in a quote of the German General Rommel during WWII, saying: 'I will have tea in Groppi,' before losing the battle to the British. Groppi was also a cultural hub. Cultural figures and icons were often seen there. A special table was dedicated to the renowned singer Asmahan. It was also the place where famous Egyptian director Youssef Chahine met iconic movie star Omar El-Sharief, making him a star in his movie and soon an international actor. Swiss chocolatier Giacomo Groppi founded Groppi in the late 1800s. King Farouk used to send the chocolate they made as royal gifts representing Egypt abroad. Groppi was also the first to introduce ice cream in Egypt. He was also the first to introduce the concept of ice-cream bicycles that would roam across the streets of Cairo, equipped with a mobile icebox to sell ice-cream in the neighbourhoods of Cairo. At the coffee shop Professor Mostafa Gad, former dean of the High Institute for Folk Arts, took us on an enchanting journey through time, revealing the social role of local coffee shops in downtown. The Um Kalthoum Café downtown showcases her photographs and plays only her songs. The Zahrat Al Bustan street café is known to attract young artists and intellectuals. Al Tigara (Trade) was a local café that served as the hub for musicians and artists, where numerous music rehearsals took place. Many artists, including Tahia Carioka, Naaima Akef, and Karem Mahmoud, were often spotted there. Café Riche was the cultural hub of all intellectuals and artistic figures of Egypt at the beginning of the 20th century. Taha Hussein and Naguib Mahfouz were among its customers. 'This initiative is meant to show the importance of the people of downtown. We always see initiatives that document the architectural heritage; however, the people of downtown and their stories are very important too,' concluded Arram. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Borneo Post
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
China marks 88th anniversary of whole-nation resistance against Japanese aggression
Cai delivers a speech at a ceremony to mark the 88th anniversary of the start of the entire nation's resistance against Japanese aggression in Beijing on July 7, 2025. – Xinhua photo BEIJING (July 10): China on Monday held a ceremony in Beijing to mark the 88th anniversary of the start of the entire nation's resistance against Japanese aggression. An exhibition themed 'For National Liberation and World Peace' was also launched to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Both the ceremony and the exhibition were held at the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, located near the Lugou Bridge – also known as the Marco Polo Bridge – where Japanese troops attacked Chinese forces on July 7, 1937. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, delivered a speech at the event and announced the opening of the exhibition. When Japanese militarists staged the Lugou Bridge Incident and launched their full-scale invasion of China 88 years ago, the Chinese military and people rose up in resistance, initiating a whole-of-nation war effort that opened the main Eastern battlefield in the global war against fascism, said Cai. Cai stressed that the CPC fought bravely on the front lines of the resistance and set the direction of the national effort, serving as the pillar of the entire nation throughout the war. United in purpose, the Chinese people fought with unwavering resolve – for the country's survival, national rejuvenation, and the cause of justice for all humanity, Cai said, adding that they eventually won the war and made a significant contribution to the victory in the global war against fascism. The exhibition presents a panoramic view of the glorious course of the Chinese people's 14-year hard war of resistance, said Cai, who emphasised the need to carry forward the spirit of the resistance war, strengthen confidence and forge ahead to build China into a strong country and rejuvenate the Chinese nation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernisation. He also stressed the significance of making new and greater contributions to the noble cause of peace and development for humanity. Cai visits an exhibition themed 'For National Liberation and World Peace' in Beijing on July 7, 2025. – Xinhua photo Cai and other leaders joined representatives from all walks of life to present flowers to martyrs of the resistance war. They also visited the exhibition. Around 600 people attended the events. The Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was the first war to break out amid the World Anti-Fascist War, and lasted the longest, resulting in over 35 million Chinese military and civilian casualties. On the main Eastern battlefield in this global fight against fascism, China's resistance efforts saw a decisive victory over Japanese fascism, and supported other fronts in Europe and Asia, contributing profoundly to the final global victory and world peace. The exhibition, divided into eight parts with a total area of 12,200 square meters, displays 1,525 photos and 3,237 artifacts. A dedicated section within the exhibition memorialises fallen heroes, prominently featuring the etched names of notable martyrs and heroic units. Reflecting on the profound impact of this legacy, young official Qu Bin said: 'Each martyr stands as an eternal symbol of courage. Their unwavering patriotism and valor remain a wellspring of determination, fueling our resolve to overcome today's challenges.' Middle school student Zhu Jiangyu voiced the conviction of the country's youngest generations: 'The necessity of national rejuvenation is sealed within our hearts. Propelled by the spirit of our forebears, we, the youth, will hold fast to our ideals, nurture profound dedication to our nation, fulfill our mission, and shine brightly in our era.' Wang Taihe, son of a veteran who fought in the resistance war, articulated the necessity of remembrance and vigilance. 'We gather to honor the pioneers who sacrificed all for peace, ensuring their indelible legacy endures,' Wang said at the ceremony. 'Our duty is to expose distortions of history that deny aggression, and to fortify our collective commitment to lasting peace.' Also on Monday, China's Central Archives opened over 57,000 documents to the public. The newly accessible material includes more than 40,000 items specifically chronicling the resistance period from September 1931 to September 1945. Commemorative activities were also held in other parts of China. On Monday morning, the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, held educational events including poetry reading and a bell-striking ceremony attended by young students, teachers, military officers and volunteers. Fu Yucheng, a middle school student from Yixing City in Jiangsu, made a special trip to the memorial during his summer vacation to gain a deeper understanding of that period of history. 'The historical materials in the exhibition hall left me with an especially heavy heart,' Fu said. 'We young people should draw strength from history to move forward, and strive to shoulder our due responsibilities.' Photo taken on July 7, 2025 shows a ceremony to mark the 88th anniversary of the start of the entire nation's resistance against Japanese aggression in Beijing. – Xinhua photo The September 18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, on Monday partnered with several media outlets to disseminate people's memories of the war of resistance on its online virtual exhibition platform, releasing live broadcasts, a series of micro-documentary screenings, and details of interactive online and in-person activities. The museum has also created a dedicated memorial section on its official website and WeChat account, allowing the public to post digital tributes to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the independence and liberation of the Chinese nation. Through diversified commemorative activities, the museum aims to immerse the public in the profound historical culture of the war of resistance while passing down its great spirit, said Fan Lihong, the museum's curator. More than ten political parties and organisations in Taiwan on Monday gathered in central Taipei, braving the rain to commemorate the 88th anniversary of the start of the entire Chinese nation's resistance against Japanese aggression. The rally, held outside the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) headquarters, called for respect for historical facts and opposition to pro-Japanese historical narratives, urging the DPP authorities to acknowledge the shared history of cross-Strait resistance and recognize the contributions of Taiwan people during the war. Chi Chia-lin, honorary chairman of the Reunification Alliance Party in Taiwan, said that the anniversary of the whole Chinese nation's resistance against Japanese aggression served as a reminder for opposing 'Taiwan independence' separatism and promoting national reunification. 'Today, we are here to carry forward the national spirit, oppose 'Taiwan independence' separatism, and work toward the reunification of China,' Chi said. He noted that dozens of anti-Japanese incidents broke out across the island within just a month after July 7, 1937, and many young Taiwan patriots also rushed to the motherland to join the war of resistance. 'We came here today to remind the DPP authorities that Taiwan people have a long tradition of patriotism,' said Chi Hsing, publisher of The Observer magazine, urging the DPP authorities to end all separatist activities and help safeguard peaceful cross-Strait development. – Xinhua 88th anniversary Cai Qi China Japanese aggression Xinhua
Al-Ahram Weekly
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Naguib Mahfouz Museum adds 2 evening shifts starting July - Stage & Street - Arts & Culture
The Museum of Naguib Mahfouz, Egypt's Nobel laureate for literature, has added two evening shifts on Saturdays and Sundays starting this July. The move aims to revitalize cultural activity in Historic Cairo, allowing tourists and local visitors to explore the rare collections, works, and possessions of the famed Egyptian novelist. On Saturdays and Sundays, the museum will be open to visitors in two shifts: from 9am to 2pm and from 6pm to 10pm. Throughout the remaining days, the opening hours remain unchanged, from 9am to 4pm. Naguib Mahfouz Museum The museum, which opened in July 2019 in the Muhammad Bek Abu Al-Dahab Complex, is an edifice built in 1774 under Ottoman rule. It lies beside the main entrance of Al-Azhar Mosque. The museum comprises two floors spanning an area of 1,600 square metres. The first floor hosts several libraries, including a general library with 165 books, a literary library with 119 books, Mahfouz's library with 1,091 books on art and literature, and a collection of approximately 266 books penned by Mahfouz in Arabic, along with their translated copies. The second floor is divided into several halls, including the Nobel Hall, which is dedicated to displaying Mahfouz's Nobel medallion and certificate, along with other certificates, medallions, and awards he received throughout his life. The floor also features the Biography Hall, which showcases his personal belongings, including clothing, glasses, pens, papers, and letters, along with manuscripts written in his handwriting and his desk. The Literature Hall displays the old and new editions of Mahfouz's works along with his translated works. The Alley Hall features an exhibition on Mahfouz's life and a film about the neighbourhood where he lived and its influence on his writings. Additionally, there is a Filmography Hall containing footage from movies made from his books. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Malaysia Sun
03-07-2025
- General
- Malaysia Sun
Update: China to launch exhibition for 80th anniversary of victory against Japanese aggression, fascism
BEIJING, July 3 (Xinhua) -- China will open a themed exhibition on July 7 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Held at the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, the exhibition will feature 1,525 photographs and 3,237 artifacts, said Luo Cunkang, curator of the museum, at a State Council Information Office press conference Thursday. It will become part of the museum's permanent display. Divided into eight sections, the exhibition employs a range of modern display techniques to bring history to life, combining rare artifacts, archival documents, historical footage, artworks, and immersive recreations of key moments. The exhibition traces the 14-year war of resistance against Japanese aggression from 1931 to 1945, highlighting how the Chinese people, under the Communist Party of China (CPC)-led national united front, fought for survival, national revival, and a broader struggle for human justice, Luo said. The display features newly found documents that reveal how the CPC was the first to initiate armed resistance against Japan and emerged as the vanguard of the nation's war effort. The Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was the first to break out and lasted the longest in the World Anti-Fascist War, resulting in over 35 million Chinese military and civilian casualties. In the main Eastern battlefield in the global fight against fascism, China's resistance effort was decisive in defeating Japanese fascism and supporting other fronts in Europe and Asia, profoundly contributing to the final victory and world peace.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Yahoo
National Eucharistic Pilgrimage to visit San Angelo, Abilene
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — As the three-year National Eucharistic Revival in the United States comes to a close this summer, the revival's multi-state pilgrimage is slated to journey through Abilene and San Angelo on June 7 and June 8. According to the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Angelo, the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage set out on the 'St. Katherine Drexel Route' in Indianapolis, the site of 2024's National Eucharistic Congress, with a course charted through ten states as it carves a path to its final destination in Los Angeles. The pilgrimage is being traveled by 'perpetual pilgrims,' individuals who are walking the entire route, and includes opportunities for people to join them at events along the way. The pilgrimage is planned to traverse the Diocese of San Angelo from Saturday, June 7, to Tuesday, June 10. The schedule of local events will begin on June 7 with a Mass for the Pentecost Vigil held in the Abilene Convention Center at 4 p.m. Following the vigil, a Eucharistic procession will travel through downtown Abilene. What to do in San Angelo this weekend: June 6 through June 8 The perpetual pilgrims will make their way to San Angelo by Sunday, June 8, when the public may join in a recitation of the Stations of the Cross at the Christ the King Retreat Center at 11 a.m., followed by a meet and greet luncheon. A Eucharistic procession will travel from the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts to the Cathedral Church of the Sacred Heart beginning at 3:30 p.m. The cathedral will then host a Mass for Pentecost at 6 p.m., which will be followed by a meet-and-greet sandwich dinner. On Tuesday, June 10, the perpetual pilgrims will journey to St. Joseph Church in Fort Stockton for a Votive Mass for the Most Holy Eucharist at 11 a.m. A Holy Hour will be held after the Mass. Registration for all events, including those that will occur in the Diocese of San Angelo, is available at While all events are free to attend, registration is requested for each event to assist with planning. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
