Society

Winemaking in the Middle East: Lebanon

20 Sep 2010
In an region where Islam prevails, winemaking can be a failing trade. It's well-known that Muslims are prohibited from drinking, serving, selling and buying alcohol. Some Arab societies frown upon alcohol consumption and look down on...
Yes

London cabs in Cairo

Television presenter Kristiane Becker poses for photographers in a London taxi bearing a message aimed at raising the public understanding of the Islam faith, during a photocall in London on June 7, 2010. An advertising campaign aimed at countering negative views of Muslims was launched in Britain on Monday as a survey showed that a majority linked Islam with terrorism. The Inspired by Muhammad campaign is organised by the Exploring Islam Foundation, a group run by British Muslim professionals which aims to challenge
15 Sep 2010
The landscape of Cairo transportation services has widened in the past couple of years, with yellow cabs and white taxis eclipsing the infamous black-and-white taxis, and each option appeals for different reasons. Now London Cab adds to...
Yes

The five signs of Eid

Indonesian female Muslims disperse after performing Eid al-Fitr prayers at Bali's Bajra Sandhi monument and park in Denpasar on September 10, 2010 marking the end of holy month of Ramadan.
10 Sep 2010
Eid marks not only the end of the holy month of Ramadan, but also the occasion for a number of festive traditions. Families gather during Eid, eat kahk (insert hyperlink for recipe once up) and buy new clothes. Since the weather is good,...
Yes

Eid hotspots: Where to enjoy while stuck in Cairo

Families play soccer during eid at the zoo
07 Sep 2010
While some are lucky enough to travel to the Red Sea bungalows or sandy beaches of the North Coast during the Eid (end of Ramadan festival) holidays, many Egyptians, and some foreigners, are obliged to stay in Cairo while their friends...
Yes

Ramadan mercy tables: A disappearing tradition?

Mawa'ed Rahman (Merciful Tables) set up in Maadi
01 Sep 2010
Egypt's rahman , or 'mercy,' tables are more of a cultural phenomenon than a religious one. The tables, seen all around Cairo during the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, provide the city's poor with an open invitation to...
Yes

Government restrictions hail a dark Ramadan

Lights like these are usually all over Cairo during Ramadan
24 Aug 2010
Several recent government initiatives to address the growing electricity crisis involve bans on decorative lights on buildings, in streets, and in stores. In passing the legislation, the government aims to combat what it terms as...
Yes

Card games: A favorite Ramadan pastime

19 Aug 2010
They come out of their boxes around this time of the year. Dusty, old, and cranky, like bears waking up from their hibernation, they are quickly willing to have fun with you. Make sure the King, Queen, and Knight are present and your...
Yes

Right to Climb: Special-needs charity aims for the summit

The Right to Climb logo
16 Aug 2010
Out of breath, out of reach, and out of their minds, a group of daredevil climbers will journey up Mount Kilimanjaro this September, transcending their physical and mental limits so that a community of special-needs individuals can enjoy...
Yes

Ramadan: When weight and prices soar

Congestion in front of a consumer association in Cairo on 2004, these associations are characterized by low prices
05 Aug 2010
Long queues in front of the cashiers at major supermarkets are a sure indication that Ramadan is on its way as consumption rates soar. As Ramadan approaches the demand for essential foodstuffs such as rice, sugar, cooking oil, flour,...
Yes

The best of this year's batch of Ramadan tents

Sequoia's kheima is on the banks of the Nile
04 Aug 2010
Ramadan is the month during which one's taste buds experience the epitome of extremes. From utter desperation for a sip of water throughout the day, to experiencing nothing short of a feast at night, it’s the time of year when...
Yes

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