Al-Ahram Institution embarks on its 150th year

Mohamed Fayez Farahat
Monday 6 Jan 2025

On 27 December 2024, the renowned Al-Ahram Institution embarked on its 150th year — a century and a half of journalism, culture, literature, opinion, analysis, and documentation.

 

These are but a few aspects of the illustrious journey of this venerable institution, which stands as an integral part of the history of this great nation.

Even advertising, a cornerstone of its long-standing journey, has served in its own way as a record of familial and societal shifts within the Egyptian nation.  

Documenting the history of an institution as significant as Al-Ahram requires collaborative efforts from specialists across diverse academic fields, including journalism, history, sociology, social history, and political sociology.

Such an undertaking transcends mere documentation, extending to a nuanced understanding of the interplay between these institutions and the cultural elites connected to them, as well as the prevailing cultural, social, economic, and political frameworks through which these institutions have evolved.

No description captures the essence of Al-Ahram better than that of Taha Hussein, who famously stated: "It is a newspaper that carries on its shoulders a political, social, economic, and cultural history — both local and international."

Many distinguished intellectuals, including Taha Hussein, Mansour Fahmy, Lutfi Al-Sayed, Louis Awad, Mohamed Fathi Zaghloul, and Mohamed Hassanein Heikal, have chronicled Al-Ahram's legacy.

However, as the institution enters its 150th year, much more remains to be explored and documented.  

Al-Ahram is inseparable from the history of journalism in Egypt. While the advent of printed press in Egypt dates back to the launch of Al-Waqa’i Al-Masriya in December 1828, nearly 47 years before the establishment of Al-Ahram, the latter’s foundation in 1875 represents the true dawn of modern journalism in Egypt.

Unlike the official nature of Al-Waqa’i Al-Masriya and the decline of journalism under Khedive Said (1854–1863), Khedive Ismail (1863–1879) revived interest in culture and journalism, setting the stage for Al-Ahram’s emergence.

Since then, Egypt has witnessed the rise and fall of countless publications, yet Al-Ahram has remained steadfast, documenting and navigating the nation’s transformations over a century and a half.  

Al-Ahram’s immense cultural and intellectual influence transcends its role as a debate platform.

It has actively shaped Egypt's cultural life, addressing key societal, political, and cultural issues and engaging in major intellectual battles throughout its history.

Moreover, it has consistently championed progressive and enlightening ideas in these battles. Its unique relationship with Egypt’s intellectual elite, who have graced its pages, underscores its historical significance.

This role was further solidified by the literary prominence of some of its editors-in-chief and board chairpersons.  

Al-Ahram has established a rigorous journalistic tradition encompassing all forms of the craft, from headlines and news reporting to investigative journalism, editorials, and analysis.

This tradition has been meticulously passed down through generations, becoming a hallmark of Al-Ahram’s identity and a key driver of its sustainability.  

The question of sustainability — how Al-Ahram has managed to endure — is central to its legacy.

The answer lies in its dynamic operational strategies, deep understanding of interconnected markets (printing, publishing, advertising, etc.), and remarkable adaptability to changing landscapes.

Over 15 decades, Al-Ahram has embraced innovations such as specialized journalism, digital media, diversified funding sources, and advanced advertising platforms.

Additionally, its relationship with national elites has evolved. It serves as a mirror to these elites and as an active participant in shaping Egypt’s cultural discourse.

Notably, Al-Ahram has expanded its intellectual influence through specialized centres, such as the Al-Ahram Centre for Political and Strategic Studies, ranking among the top four think tanks in the region and the world’s top sixty.

These centres, alongside initiatives like its advanced archiving and electronic preservation systems, have solidified Al-Ahram’s position as a vital repository of Egypt’s collective memory.  

As Taha Hussein aptly described it, Al-Ahram is a “record of contemporary life,” chronicling major transformations and ensuring the accessibility of this historical archive for future generations.

Its enduring success would not have been possible without the modern Egyptian state's support and its partners' collaboration across various sectors.

As Al-Ahram embarks on its 150th year, let us pay tribute to the institution’s unwavering commitment to excellence, dedicated colleagues, and loyal readership.

May it thrive as a beacon of culture, intellect, and journalistic integrity.  

*[email protected]*

Short link: