Connect with us

Opinion

Maadi under destruction, how to stand up for your heritage?

Published

on

Maadi under destruction

Would you stand for your Identity?

It was a story like no other, Brits and Egyptian Jews came in, bought some land from the Khedive himself along the Royal (now military) train tracks and then Maadi was birthed.

With a vast array of different architectural building styles, interesting people and stories to keep you entertained till the end, Maadi has morphed into a relaxed green compound that is any architecture student’s dream.

Disclaimer: Pictures courtesy of Samir Raafat. www.egy.com

I have lived in Maadi all my life, from schools to friends’ places to clubs, cafes, sidewalks and trees, Maadi was and remains part of the family.

Maadi is beautiful, safe and breathtaking. Maadi is home, Maadi is family, Maadi is the haven.

Maadi was the birthplace of the suburb/compound concept in Egypt and Cairo. Being at the south and by the Nile, Maadi is enclosed within very clear boundaries and is governed by a very strictly urban planning and architectural strategies.

When one, in the early days, went to Delta Land company to purchase a house in Maadi, he/she was obligated to keep safe distances from neighbors, not to exceed a certain height and to, more importantly, dedicate at least a third of the land to gardens/orchards.

All roads are a specific width and all building have a specific height, doesn’t seem very hard, does it?

Maadi managed to keep its traditions of safety, greenery and privacy like any other self-respecting compound until the 90s with occasional tearing down of villas and trees by 2nd and 3rd generation owners who fail to respect the identity of Maadi and want a quick buck. Which is fine, if you live in Maadi, you learn the peace and serenity of letting go and choosing your battles wisely.

Speaking of battles, back in 2003 I believe, the District of Maadi made two large mistakes, one I managed to win and the other I sadly lost.

I managed to preserve the trees of Canal road, the trees are at least 130 years old and were the sight of several iconic films such as Abd El Halim Hafez’s Banat El Youm, that is heritage for you if you can define heritage.

I lost the battle of Egypt’s first and only automatic hydraulic water pumping system based by the Virgin Mary Monastery and Church by the Maadi Nile. This system extended all through Maadi and is responsible for watering all trees and gardens with unprocessed and unfiltered water directly from the Nile, preserving the greenery while being cost efficient and environmental friendly.

The head of the Maadi district back then tore down the main water pump for no reason whatsoever and now the trees are watered with filtered processed damaging water that costs a lot of money.

Maadi is under destruction

Now, in 2017 we are faced with the tearing down with many gems of Villas and Mansions in blatant disregard to Law number 119 for the year 2008 that declares Maadi a district of special architectural and urban heritage thus making the Prime Minister the sole person authorized to issue building and tearing down of any zone in Maadi in accordance with aesthetic guides and historical importance withstanding.

I hear accusations of racism and classism towards residents of Maadi requesting their hometown being kept the way it always was, my question to you is, if I come into your home, tear it down, make it cluttered, noisy and change it completely, can I call you a racist then?

Take Action

If you care for beauty, greenery and Egyptian heritage, support the cause here with your signature and make it clear that we want Egypt to remain the way it is.

If you have buildings, you think are in danger of being torn down and you feel are heritage of our rich country please let tweet me or email me. I will help you preserve your identity.

Creative Work

5 Best Cameras for Filmmakers in 2023

Published

on

By

5 Best Cameras for Filmmakers in 2023

If you’re ready to take your filmmaking to the next level, it’s time to invest in a top-notch camera that will capture your creative vision in stunning detail. Whether you’re a budding director, a passionate documentarian, or a visual storyteller, we’ve scoured the market to bring you the crème de la crème of cameras. Get your director’s chair ready as we unveil the best cameras for digital filmmakers.

1. Sony A7 III

The Sony A7 III is a powerhouse camera that combines exceptional image quality, superb low-light performance, and incredible dynamic range. With its 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor, 4K video capabilities, and impressive autofocus system, this camera is now a favorite amongst vloggers and serious filmmakers.

Price: $1,998.

2. Canon EOS R5

This beast of a camera boasts a 45-megapixel full-frame sensor, 8K video recording, and advanced image stabilization. With its lightning-fast autofocus and superb color reproduction, it’s a dream come true for filmmakers seeking unrivaled quality.

Price: $3,899.

3. Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K

This compact camera punches well above its weight class. With its Super 35mm sensor, 6K resolution, and wide dynamic range, it delivers breathtaking footage that will make your audience sit up and take notice. The camera’s versatility and robust color-grading capabilities make it a top choice for filmmakers on a budget. For the size, it’s superb.

Price: $1,995.

4. Panasonic Lumix GH5

The Panasonic Lumix GH5 is a mirrorless camera that packs a punch. With its 20.3-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, 4K video at 60fps, and impressive image stabilization, it’s a reliable companion for filmmakers on the go. The camera’s rugged build and extensive video features make it a favorite among adventurous filmmakers.

Price: $1,497.95.

5. RED Komodo 6K

Ready to make a blockbuster? The RED Komodo 6K is a professional cinema camera that delivers stunning image quality and flexibility. With its compact form factor, global shutter, and 6K resolution, it’s a favorite among filmmakers aiming for cinematic perfection. While it comes with a higher price tag, its capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for severe digital filmmakers.

Price: $6,000.

With these top cameras in your arsenal, you’ll be ready to bring your cinematic visions to life. From Sony’s excellence to Canon’s innovation and Blackmagic’s affordability to RED’s unmatched quality, there’s a camera for every budget and filmmaking style. So, grab your director’s chair, gather your crew, and let your creative genius shine on the silver screen.

[Note: Prices mentioned here are approximate and subject to change. Please refer to the manufacturer’s websites for the most up-to-date pricing information.]

Continue Reading

News

Threads: Unravelling the Spectacular Launch of the Hottest Social Media Platform

Published

on

By

Threads: Unravelling the Spectacular Launch of the Hottest Social Media Platform

There’s been a disturbance in the force. In a world of constantly evolving social media platforms, a new contender has burst onto the scene, capturing the attention of millions and leaving a trail of excitement in its wake.

Threads, Meta’s Twitter rival, has taken the digital realm by storm, offering a refreshing and dynamic experience for users growing weary of Muskian meddling and looking for a unique social media adventure.

Let’s delve into the exhilarating launch of Threads, explore the number of users who have flocked to the platform, and discover the types of individuals we think it might attract.

A Diverse User Base Flocks to Threads

Threads has become the talk of the town. Since its much-anticipated launch, the platform has amassed 30+ million registered users worldwide, 5m reportedly arriving in the first 4 hours of operation. Industry experts predict his rapid growth will position Threads as a significant player in the digital realm, rivaling established giants such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Threads: A Haven for Digital Mavericks and Creatives

One of the most intriguing aspects of Threads is its potential to attract a diverse range of users. The platform’s unique features and captivating interface appeal to people of all ages, interests, and backgrounds. From Gen Z trendsetters to seasoned professionals seeking a fresh networking platform, Threads offers something for everyone.

Threads will quickly become a haven for digital mavericks who yearn for a distinct online experience. These early adopters thrive on innovation, eagerly embracing new technologies and platforms. Their active presence on Threads will result in a vibrant and cutting-edge community that in turn will attract more thrill seekers.

The platform will also be a magnet for creatives, drawing in artists, designers, photographers, and writers. The platform’s visually immersive nature allows users to showcase their talents and connect with like-minded individuals. We guess. Threads will become a hub of inspiration and collaboration for global artists.

Threads: The Go-To Platform for Networking Professionals

For professionals searching for fresh networking and career growth avenues, Threads will emerge as the go-to platform. Its interactive and intuitive interface enables users to build meaningful connections, exchange ideas, and explore job opportunities. The platform’s focus on fostering professional relationships differentiates it from traditional social media networks.

Amplifying Voices and Effecting Positive Change on Threads

Threads is not just about self-expression; it will also attract passionate individuals who want to make a difference. Users dedicated to social causes and activism can find a home on the platform, utilizing its extensive reach to raise awareness and mobilize communities. Threads will prove a powerful platform for amplifying voices and effecting positive change.

Setting Threads Apart: Seamlessness, User Experience, and Privacy Measures

What sets Threads apart from its competitors? Its appeal lies in combining seamless functionality with a seductive user experience. The platform’s innovative features, including dynamic threads, immersive multimedia integration, and intelligent algorithms that tailor content to individual interests, have proved a real draw. Moreover, Threads’ commitment to user privacy and data security has provided a real draw. Threads app offers fresh air in an era of data breaches and privacy concerns by prioritizing transparency and implementing robust privacy measures.

The Impact of Threads: A Force to be Reckoned With

Threads has unquestionably ignited the social media landscape. With its explosive launch, staggering user numbers, and diverse user base, the platform has proven it will be a force to be reckoned with. Whether you’re a digital maverick, creative connoisseur, networking ninja, or cause champion, Threads promises to be the reactive social media platform of choice, and its impact on the digital landscape is only set to grow. Stand by for a new world order, one connected by threads.

Continue Reading

Opinion

What’s happening with Swvl?

Published

on

By

What's happening with Swvl?

Swvl, an Egyptian ridesharing company, has seen a significant decline in value due to financial struggles, resulting in a 99% drop in stock price year-to-date (YTD), hovering around $0.10 and a market capitalization of less than $15 million. Reported Bloomberg.

Swvl was founded in Egypt in April 2017, by Mostafa Kandil and two of his school friends, Ahmed Sabbah and Mahmoud Nouh.

The company was initially funded with $30,000 from the founders. Four months later, Swvl received an additional $500,000 in funding from the ridesharing company Careem. Originally, the company developed an app to address traffic congestion in Cairo but later shifted its focus to creating a platform for booking affordable bus trips in the city.

In 2018, Swvl completed two rounds of funding: a Series A game that raised $8 million and a Series B round between $25-35 million.

The company was valued at around $100 million during these funding rounds, which were co-led by BECO Capital, DiGAME, and Silicon Badia.

Why is Swvl falling?

Since its inception, Swvl has operated by renting buses with drivers for a monthly fee and then using them to run on fixed routes. Unlike the Uber model, which relies on marketing as it offers a marketplace to match drivers who own the cars to users who use the mobile app – they make a profit by getting a cut from the ride.

On the contrary, Swvl’s model owns the entire operation (renting the bus in advance, drivers’ salaries, and marketing for the app). This puts more cost on the company while its revenues are fixed or, most of the time, less because no bus will go complete all day, all routes.

Without going through the exact numbers, it’s evident that Swvl cannot profit with the current business model, and it’s a matter of time before the company’s cash dries out.

How can Swvl recover? Tell us in the comments below.

Inspired by: a Linkedin post by Zubair Naem.

Continue Reading

Trending