Hey there,

Ancient societies had a way of turning even the simplest observations into something poetic. In a world that often rushes past the ordinary, perhaps we could learn a thing or two from the way they paused to look more closely.

The ancient Egyptians, for instance, didn't simply glance at the birds soaring overhead before carrying on with their day. They saw something far greater. To them, birds were the living link between heaven and earth, carrying meaning far beyond their wings. It may sound a little strange today to imagine birds as sacred messengers bridging the earthly and the divine. Yet there's something undeniably beautiful about the idea.

Birds were never just birds. Horus, the falcon, embodied kingship and the unity of Egypt, while Thoth, often depicted with the head of an ibis, became the god of wisdom, writing, and knowledge itself. The birds existed somewhere between the wild and the symbolic, between nature and culture, continuing to inspire artists, writers, and curious wanderers alike.

The more you pay attention to them, the more they reveal, not just about the landscapes they inhabit, but about Egypt itself.

Best,
Mirna Abdulaal

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In Aswan, a group of passionate bird enthusiasts came together to protect the region's incredible birdlife while helping more people appreciate the species that call Egypt home or pass through during migration.

Their work goes far beyond spotting birds with binoculars. They monitor bird populations, record migration patterns, and contribute to international conservation efforts that help scientists better understand how climate change and habitat loss are affecting wildlife. They also organise birdwatching trips, educational events, and community activities, making birding more accessible to people of all ages.

Looking ahead, they hope to grow their impact even further by tackling environmental challenges such as plastic pollution, expanding conservation education, and creating more opportunities for people to connect with Egypt's remarkable birdlife.

Read the article here.

Few Egyptian writers capture everyday life quite like Ibrahim Aslan, whose novels are filled with subtle images drawn from the natural world. In Nile Sparrows, sparrows become a symbol of the rural Egyptians who leave their villages in the Nile Delta in search of a new life in Cairo. Small, adaptable, and ever-present, the birds mirror the lives of Aslan's characters as they navigate displacement, belonging, and survival in a rapidly changing city.

Read more here.

Released as part of her 2024 EP Far2 Taw2eet, "Keda" (Arabic for "like this" or "this way") is an intimate, introspective track centered around the theme of acceptance. Bridging modern Egyptian indie-pop with electronic nuances, it lingers in the spaces between thoughts, carrying the kind of honesty that's hard to put into words but easy to feel. Tender, raw, and beautifully understated, it's a song for slow moments, long drives, and everything you can't quite explain.

Listen here.

Summer may mean the end of the school year, but it's also the perfect time to dive into a drama set within the walls of a school. Few settings are as ripe for mystery, tension, and unexpected twists. Underage leans into that with the story of a student who disappears from an all-girls school, sending shockwaves through the campus and bringing long-buried secrets to the surface. As whispers of obsession, jealousy, and betrayal grow louder, one student is forced to piece together a tangled web of lies to uncover the truth behind the disappearance.

Watch it here.

Avocado toast may be a brunch staple, but its popularity is well deserved. Creamy avocado served on perfectly toasted bread with a generous spread of labneh creates a simple yet satisfying combination that's both fresh and comforting. At 30 North, this breakfast favourite is given a delicious Arabic twist, with the tangy labneh adding richness and depth of flavour. It's the perfect choice when you're after a wholesome breakfast that feels both nourishing and indulgent.

Find out more here.

Zamalek Art Gallery's summer exhibition has officially opened. Spanning both Venue I and Venue II, the exhibition brings together paintings and sculptures from more than 25 artists, showcasing a thoughtful mix of modern masters and exciting contemporary talent. Whether you're a seasoned art lover or simply looking for some creative inspiration, it's well worth a visit. Open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM.

Find out more here.

On July 14, three Saudi institutions signed an agreement that will shape how the country’s creative sector engages with artificial intelligence for the next several years. The Ministry of Culture, the Cultural Development Fund, and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority signed a trilateral memorandum of understanding to develop joint AI programmes for the cultural sector, its creators, and its institutions.

Read more here.