American University in Cairo
Wed 13, 7pm - 8pm (Online Event): An engaging virtual book discussion on Empty Cages by Fatma Qandil, the 2022 winner of the Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature. An urgent and raw confessional of memory and family and all that is lost and won in one woman’s lifetime. The event will feature award-winning translator Adam Talib, who brought the novel into English with nuance and depth, alongside Karam Youssef, publisher of the Arabic edition and founder of Al Kotob Khan publishing house. The discussion will be moderated by literary critic and editor Marcia Lynx Qualey, founder of ArabLit. Recipient of the Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature, this fictional debut marks the arrival of a stunning new voice.
Diwan Bookstore
105, Abu Bakr El-Seddiq St, Heliopolis, Misr Algedida, Tel 02 2690 8184/85/ 0122 6000168
Sat 16, 7pm: Storytelling workshop for children with Manar Hazaa.
El Sawy Culturewheel
End of 26th of July St, underneath the 15th of May Bridge, Zamalek, Tel 2736 8881/6178/2737 4448
Tues 5 to Mon 11 August 2025 (Free entry): El Sawy Culturewheel 15th Book Fair 2025. In an era where technology is accelerating and sources of knowledge are multiplying; books hold a special place in our hearts. At this fair, you will celebrate the word, share knowledge, and exchange visions. Within the exhibition halls, you will find various literary and cultural seminars, meetings with writers, daily creative and cultural competitions. And an open space for dialogue, contemplation, and discovery. Whether you are an avid reader, a writer penning your first words, or just a passerby looking for an idea that will change your day... the fair is your place, and you are a part of its spirit. For inquiries and more information call 01066603939 / 01066603941
River Hall
Sun 10, 9pm: An open discussion with literary critic El-Sayed Abou-Shanab.
Tahrir Cultural Centre (TCC)
AUC’s Tahrir Campus, Al-Sheikh Rihan St, off Tahrir Square, Tel 02 2615 2694/01280009077
Ewart Memorial Hall
Fri 8, 8-10pm (The talk will be delivered in Arabic): The AUC’s celebration of the 90th birthday of the legendary actress, columnist, and former Miss AUC, Lobna Abdel-Aziz ’54, will include a talk organized, in partnership with Arwah Fi El Madina (Souls in the City) series. The talk will feature Mahmoud El-Tamimi, who will speak about the most significant phase of her personal and artistic journey. It is worth noting that the Arwah Fi El Madina series is a project dedicated to preserving Egypt’s national memory. The series was launched over two years ago by El-Tamimi through the cultural initiative “Cairo Is My Address”, in collaboration with several cultural institutions
(The event is free and open to the public).
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Chatby, Alexandria 21526, Tel (03) 4839999
The 22nd International Summer Festival (7-31 August)
Main Entrance, Auditorium Wed 13, 6pm (Free entry): “The Role of the Music Composer” lecture is presented by singer and composer Madien, together with journalist Karim Ahmed.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 7 August, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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