Egypt, you've been "Tahrired"

We've been gripped with news from Cairo's Tahrir (Liberation) Square and all across Egypt for the last 18 days and felt happy that finally, the peaceful protests led to Mubarak's resignation as President a few hours ago. (If you missed out on the news the past couple of weeks, watch this report that summarises the past 18 days.)

I was in line waiting to get tickets for A Single Flower when I heard the news and saw the joy on people's faces when they were sharing the news around me and I was trying to imagine what the scenes in Egypt must have been like. After the show (which was great by the way) I rushed home to catch up on the news. I then received this video from Karim Shaaban which I'd like to share with you (I've featured his work on this blog last August/September, the Ramadan video series).

It's a small glimpse of joy the Egyptians are feeling tonight. This is my favourite quote from the video, it really sums up why the people have had enough,

"I dream of liberty, of development in our country. I don't want the FA (Football Association) to have a big budget while scientific research does not. We're 30 years behind, the country is full of trash."

All I can say is Egypt, you've been 'tahrired' and high five to all the brave protesters across the country. Now's your chance to prove you can really be Om El Donia and hope the blood that was shed won't be in vain. After the celebrations are done, let the real work begin. We all hope good things come out of this and no hidden agendas start creeping in.

This is the last entry I read on the BBC page covering the Egypt protest, it was posted at 1757 GMT:

The last word for Saturday in the BBC's live coverage of Egypt should go to the veteran of another liberation struggle: Nobel Peace Prize laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He's now a member of the Elders, a group of global leaders who offer their advice on the challenges of our time. The Elders tweet:
"'Brothers and sisters of #Egypt, you have given the world the most precious gift: the belief that ultimately right will prevail.' Desmond Tutu"

www.karimshaaban.com

Ramadan Morning in Cairo by Karim Shaaban

This episode of Ramadan 29 shows us a quiet and empty Cairo, shot after the Fajr prayers between 6am and 9am. Cairo is such a congested city, so it's nice to see it first thing in the morning before the daily rush sets in.

www.vimeo.com/channels/ramadan29

Nass Makan by Karim Shaaban

Nass Makan (People of Makan) is a project by the Egyptian Centre for Culture and Arts that brings together musicians of Egypt and Sudan to keep alive the rich history of folkloric music and also exploring new directions with their music. Gypsy Music from the Delta joins hands with Zar songs and Sudanese music styles, traditional instruments join contemporary ones.

For this episode of Ramadan 29, Karim Shaaban recorded this song when he attended a concert at Makan. I really like the music, it does have a mellow start, but the tempo changes gradually.

I really want to learn more about the Nass Makan project, so expect more posts and videos in the near future.

www.vimeo.com/channels/ramadan29
www.egyptmusic.org/nassmakan

Sheikh Ahmed Al Tuni by Karim Shaaban

 

Sheikh Ahmed Al Tuni is known as one of Egypt's great Sufi singers, but I must confess I didn't know about him till I saw this video by Karim Shaaban filmed in Alexandria, Egypt for the Ramadan 29 series.

Al Tuni has quite a following and has performed across Europe and even appeared in and contributed to the soundtrack of Vengo. I've always been very intrigued by Sufism and the relationship between music and spirituality.

Enjoy!

www.vimeo.com/ramadan29

Ramadan in Alexandria by Karim Shaaban

 

I like this episode of Ramadan 29 shot in Alexandria. I've never been to Alexandria, but I suspect it's more relaxed than Cairo.

Set to a jazzy version of Fayrouz's Habaytak Bil Sayf, enjoy the colourful sights of the this city. 

www.vimeo.com/channels/ramadan29

Ramadan Lights by Karim Shaaban

Today's episode from the Ramadan 29 series is dedicated to the Ramadan decorations that can be seen on the streets, shops, restaurants, outside homes and mosques.

But it looks like this year, there's a Chinese influence on the streets of Cairo. It is bizarre to see Chinese lamp shades in the midst of the traditional looking Ramadan lights. Could this be the quirky side effects of globalisation?

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El Laila El Kibeera (The Grand Night) by Karim Shaaban

This is a very special episode of the Ramadan 29 series. El Leila El Kebira is one of Egypt's classic and most popular award-winning puppet show. Enjoy watching scenes from it and listening to why people love it so much. It looks like good old fashioned family entertainment, hope I get to see this show live someday.

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Kiosk in Ramadan by Karim Shaaban

One of the things I miss seeing on the streets of Dubai are kiosks and newstands. They always add some colour to a street and I'm glad Karim Shaaban's Ramadan 29 series dedicated this episode to kiosk vendors in Cairo. 

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Ramadan in Al Hussein by Karim Shaaban

This episode of the Ramadan 29 series is set around Al Hussein in Cairo. It's a bustling area and even busier during Ramadan. Shaaban speaks to some of the people that work in this area, who share why they find this place to special.

The video doesn't include any subtitles, but I but together a translation below the clip (to the best of my abilities) so that non-Arabic speakers can enjoy it as well.

Click to read more ...