Stories about Culture
Libya, Another Look
Before the revolution the common definition of Libya consisted of one word — “Gaddafi.” Now it consists of “Gaddafi & rebellion.” Since I rushed in with other journalists in February, the images have only reinforced this simple definition, but of course, Libya’s history and psyche is much more complex than the glorified war images we [...]
Heliopolis Egypt
Heliopolis is an anomaly, a dream that has been engulfed by modern Cairo. On arrival most people will notice the Cambodian architecture of Baron’s Palace on the road from the airport. But Heliopolis’ century of history runs deeper. It was the brainchild of Edouard Louis Joseph, also known as Baron Empain was a wealthy Belgian [...]
Cairo’s Satellite Cities
Cairo’s Satellite Cities are an experiment in population redistribution and Cairene’s move out to the new suburbs. Sara Topol is writing the story of how as Egypt’s population burgeons and Cairo declines, wealthy Egyptians have taken to the suburbs, where American-esque comforts abound. The new satellite cities offer their own complete inclusive worlds– housing developments [...]
Mohamad Musa’s Camel School – Mt. Sinai
Inside and outside of Egypt the common misconception is that it is a land of pyramids and camels. There is so much more in Egypt that I am reticent to do a story about camels because it will undoubtedly reinforce the incorrect steryotype. But, I feel like I have done enough other stories about the [...]
Tourism on Mt. Sinai
Adventure, spirituality, and economic incentives funnel thousands of tourists to the interior of the Sinai Peninsula where they often make a pre-morning treck up the side of Mt. Sinai, or Jebal Mosa as it’s called locally. I’m still not satisfied with this set of photos, consider them place holders until someone sends me up the [...]
Mascara, an original Egyptian hardcore band
Sherine Amr, and Nancy Mounir, are the two current members of Mascara, a hard core yet melodic band with roots in Alexandria, Egypt. They have both moved to Cairo and are reforming their band, starting with session members to help in studio recordings and eventually returning to the international stage. The all girls band name Mascara, [...]
Eid Al-Adha, prayer and sacrifice
I didn’t sleep last night, partially because of backlog of work, and partially because I could hear people in the streets in the wee hours. When I left my downtown apartment at 4:30AM groups of young men were roaming the streets, horsing around and breaking out in cheers and songs. At 6AM I hopped on [...]
Pigeon Wars of Egypt
I’ve just started photographing this story, but it’s universal subject matter is the perfect excuse to explore back alleys and knock on random doors. I gave credence to the axiom that “pigeons are no more than rats with wings” until I researched the rooftop pigeon fanciers of Cairo. I talked my way up to one [...]
Microphone, the film – Hip Hop in Egypt
On my latest assignment I followed a few of the main characters in the recently released Microphone film. Mirophone (Arabic: ميكروفون) is a 2010 Egyptian independent film by Ahmad Abdalla about the underground art scene of the city of Alexandria, Egypt. Microphone is Ahmad Abdalla’s second feature film, following Heliopolis. It is one of those [...]