In Old Cairo, I went up one of the minarets that overlooks a narrow traditional commercial street that cuts through the hustle and bustle of the area. It was shortly past noon, and the sun projected the shadows of the minarets onto the rooftops of small informal houses. Upon seeing this, I came to realize the clash of tradition with contemporary methodologies in how our cities are shaped. We, products of contemporary products, do not see or buy or even comprehend genuineness any longer. We follow the national agenda of globalization. On the other hand, local inhabitants are the ones who resist the foreign market. Their resilience defines their identity. They create their own economy and city. Their spirit beautifies their simplicity.  

Winner of the third prize of the A-Place Mapping contest "Share your experience of places" 2021