Russian children making Ramadan lanterns (photo credit of the Russian Cultural Centre)
The workshop included a group of Russian and Egyptian children, allowing them to create their own Ramadan “fanous” or lantern. The children also listened to the story of the lantern, learning how it originated and evolved through different eras.
Ibrahim Kamel, president of the Egyptian-Russian Friendship Association, reiterated the importance of supporting such activities out of the association’s commitment to fostering ties between Egyptian and Russian children, considering them the “friends of tomorrow.”
Kamel also highlighted that the association is keen on diversifying its cultural activities with the Russian community in Egypt.
Sherif Gad, secretary-general of the Egyptian-Russian Friendship Association, added that Russian children learned about Egypt’s popular cultural heritage, including the story of the lantern and how it has developed through history.
Gad and Ghoeiba with Egyptian and Russian children who participated in the workshop
"Russian children showed great interest in the lantern’s story and enjoyed making it. They eagerly await this workshop every year, as it has become quite popular among the Russian community in Egypt," noted Gad.
Artist Ahmed Ghoeiba, who supervised the workshop, explained that he has been organizing this event for Russian children annually. He mentioned that the workshop aims to introduce Russian children to Egyptian folk traditions and invites them to interact with this heritage. "Making a lantern with their own hands gives the children a sense of pride and joy, as they create their toy," Ghoeiba said.
Artist Ahmed Ghoeiba supervised the workshop of making Ramadan lanterns
Ghoeiba also stressed the importance of Russian children engaging with the unique customs of Ramadan — a month celebrated beautifully in Egypt with its unique atmosphere and traditions.
Arsenii Matiushchenko, the acting director of the Russian Cultural Centre in Egypt, welcomed the idea of organizing the workshop in collaboration with the Egyptian-Russian Friendship Association.
He described the initiative as outstanding for bringing Egyptian and Russian children together to work on a shared project. Matiushchenko reaffirmed that the Russian cultural centre is dedicated to offering diverse cultural activities between the two nations.
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