Latest news with #Pharaonic-inspired
Egypt Independent
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Independent
Egyptologist slams Mohamed Ramadan's Pharaonic outfit as act of ‘disrespect'
Egyptologist Hussein Abdel-Bassir on Tuesday criticized Mohamed Ramadan's 'Pharaonic' outfit at his recent Coachella concert, saying it could only be described as disrespect to ancient Egyptian history. Abdel-Bassir added that 'Ramadan's appearance in what he called a Pharaonic costume bears no relation, near or far, to Pharaonic civilization—not in form, content, or even the simplest design details.' 'It is not a Pharaonic costume, but moreso a poor cosplay from a cheap science fiction movie.' Abdel-Bassir continued that 'Ancient Egyptian civilization is thousands of years old and is full of symbols, majesty and beauty. Pharaonic costumes were not just pieces of cloth wrapped around the body, but rather a complete visual language that reflected belief, power, and class.' He said that what Ramadan appeared in, 'Unfortunately reflects nothing but superficiality, ignorance, and a cheap pursuit of media spectacle.' 'Not everything that's gold and muscular is Pharaonic. Civilization isn't a poster, and 'Pharaonic' isn't a brand we slap on anything just to make a splash.' He concluded that 'Ramadan should have sought the help of an archaeologist or a specialized fashion designer before deciding to steal the civilization's image in this way, or at the very least, consult Google. But it seems what matters to him is trends, not heritage.' Ramadan stirred controversy on social media after appearing in an unconventional look during his participation in the Coachella music festival held in California, US. During the concert, Ramadan appeared in a Pharaonic-inspired outfit, which included a chest covering similar to an oriental dance costume, surprising his followers. Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
Egypt Independent
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Independent
Lawsuit accuses Mohamed Ramadan of insulting the Egyptian state
Egyptian lawyer Samir Sabry filed a lawsuit with the Egyptian Public Prosecutor against singer Mohamed Ramadan, alleging that he violated public morals and insulted the Egyptian state, RT reported on Monday. Ramadan stirred controversy on social media after appearing in an unconventional look during his participation in the Coachella music festival held in California, US. During the concert, Ramadan appeared in a Pharaonic-inspired outfit, which included a chest covering similar to an oriental dance costume, surprising his followers. During the concert, he performed a selection of his most famous songs. According to the complaint, Ramadan's latest stunt, 'Gravely insulted the Egyptian state and the entire Egyptian people, as well as authentic Egyptian civilization and art. He violated the values and customs of Egyptian society and insulted the Egyptian flag.' The complaint noted that Ramadan appeared, 'Wearing a gold bra similar to the dance outfits worn by female dancers, and then raised and waved the Egyptian flag, insulting the Egyptian flag and symbol.' In his complaint, the lawyer argued that the biggest issue, 'Lies in the fact that many young people are imitating the accused (Ramadan) in his clothing and performance, which endangers Egyptian society.' Sabry argued that Ramadan, 'Insulted the Egyptian flag by raising it in this vulgar manner amidst inappropriate dancing. Tying the flag and waving it in this manner is an insult to the Egyptian state.' He demanded an investigation into his complaint and that Ramadan be referred to an urgent criminal trial.
CairoScene
25-02-2025
- CairoScene
Uncover Sohag's Colourful History Through These 7 Stunning Sites
Uncover Sohag's Colourful History Through These 7 Stunning Sites Steeped in Pharaonic traditions and Coptic heritage, Sohag played a pivotal role in the development of Egypt's cultural and religious identity with a handful of historical sites to show for it. The seldom-visited governorate hugs Upper Egypt's stretch of the Nile and is located about 470 kilometres from Cairo. From Pharaonic-inspired monasteries and medieval mosques to ancient necropolises and lavishly decorated temples, Sohag is a unique cultural and spiritual experience that encapsulates the diversity of Egyptian heritage. SOHAG NATIONAL MUSEUM Housing all of Sohag's fragmented bits and pieces of history, from the Middle Kingdom to Greco-Roman times, the Sohag National Museum is a true testament to the governorate's long and checkered history. Almost a thousand relics are scattered among the two-story monument. Flanked by five towering sculptures of the revered goddess Sekhmet, the 8,700 square metre museum is reminiscent of ancient Egyptian temples, blending in seamlessly with its pharaonic surroundings. ANCIENT CITY OF ATHRIBIS This massive treasure trove sits 7 kilometres outside of Sohag. The Athribis archaeological site stretches over more than 30 hectares and has undergone major excavations. It houses an impressive array of Ptolemaic and Roman monuments including a temple dedicated to the ancient lion-goddess Repit, a huge gateway of Ptolemy VIII Euergetes, as well as a larger temple complex and necropolis. AL-HAWAWISH NECROPOLIS One of the most significant archaeological sites in Sohag, this massive necropolis for the ancient city of Akhmim houses more than 900 rock-cut tombs that date back to the Old Kingdom and the First Intermediate Period. 60 of these tombs are relatively well-preserved with numerous inscriptions and funerary scenes giving us a glimpse into the daily lives of ancient Egyptians as they're dancing, hunting and farming - with a few even showing their final days before death. THE RED MONASTERY Tucked away in a remote village, the Red Monastery is one of the most noteworthy Christian monuments in the country. The monastery was dedicated to St. Bishoi in the fifth century. Its bare exterior stands in contrast to its lavishly decorated interior, stupefying in vivid technicolor following a basilica style featuring a fresco-bordered altar and an ornate, hand-carved inner doorway. The monastery houses some of the world's oldest Coptic artwork, and has recently been restored by USAID to its former glory. WHITE MONASTERY Built from white limestone taken from Pharaonic temples around AD 400, some of the White Monastery's walls still bear inscriptions featuring ancient gods and hieroglyphs. Even the design of the exterior walls are reminiscent of ancient temples. Located six kilometres outside of Sohag, this monastery once boasted Egypt's largest libraries and catered to a massive community of monks. Although its interior is mostly ruins, it's easy to make out the basilica plan of the monastery. Its towering fortress walls, however, are still standing after all these centuries. SIDI ARIF MOSQUE In the south of Sohag, you'll find one of Egypt's largest mosques. The Sidi Arif mosque was initially constructed in the 14th century but underwent several reconstructions, once in 1968 and once in 1998. The five-nave mosque flaunts red granite-lined walls, an ornamentally painted ceiling, a dizzying array of chandeliers, an elongated light dome and two slender minarets at either side of the structure. AKHMIM A satellite town along Sohag's east bank, Akhmin spans the ruins of the ancient town of Epu dedicated to the god of fertility Min. In 1982, excavations unveiled an 11 metre tall statue of Meret Amun, the daughter of Ramses II, wife of Amenhotep and priestess of the Temple of Min. This is the tallest statue of an ancient queen to have been unearthed in Egypt. Now standing among the ruins of a Roman settlement, Meret Amun is depicted wearing a ceremonial headdress with flail in hand. Akhmin is known for more than just its archaeological marvels. In ancient times, the town was renowned for its textiles. This tradition still endures until this day. In fact, right across the statue of Meret Amun, there's a small weaving factory still manufacturing hand-spun goods and handmade items.
