GLAM/Newsletter/July 2026/Contents/Egypt report

This Month in GLAM – Volume XVI, Issue VII, July 2026

Egypt report

From Al-Ahram to Zamalek: Exploring Archives and Art Galleries

Digitizing Issues of Al-Ahram Newspaper from 1968

Following our World Archives Day activity in June, during which we documented historic Egyptian Postage Stamps from the royal era, GLAM Team of Wikimedia Egypt launched a new workshop in July to preserve Egypt’s journalistic heritage.

Organized by Sohila Elshaaer and held from July 8 to 20, the team hosted an online workshop to digitize issues of Al-Ahram newspaper from 1968. Participants processed archived materials and uploaded 5 complete daily editions in PDF format to Wikimedia Commons, with each issue ranging from 10 to 13 pages. We also focused on digitizing high-resolution images of the front pages to capture their main headlines.

Moving forward, we are working on building partnerships to help digitize more of Al-Ahram’s extensive historic archive and make more of this material accessible to everyone.

Zamalek Art Galleries 2026

Keeping up with GLAM Activities isn't always easy. We constantly face challenges like tight schedules and burnout, but our philosophy is all about taking small, steady steps. Rather than rushing for volume, we focus on high-quality, impactful documentation that truly adds value to the open knowledge movement.

Zamalek District has always held a special place in our strategy. Floating as an island in the middle of the Nile, it’s a district rich in heritage—home to historic palaces, public libraries, vibrant art galleries, and cultural centers. As part of our long-term plan to document this cultural hub for a global audience on Wikimedia Commons and other Wikimedia projects, the GLAM Team decided to kick off the journey by focusing on two major contemporary art spaces, which are Ubuntu Gallery and Dai Gallery.

So on July 23, 2026, Hassan Wahidy and Sherif Al-Yamany, two active members of Egypt Wikimedia and contributors to our GLAM activities, began the documentation work.

At Ubuntu Art Gallery, they spent time across both floors photographing the current exhibitions, which included a mix of contemporary Egyptian paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media works. The goal was to capture clear, detailed images showcasing the different styles and media on display, enrich Wikimedia Commons, and make these resources available for public use.

At Dai Art Gallery (Arab Atelier for Culture and Arts), the focus was on two specific solo shows: Fatma Adel’s exhibition, What Remains of Yesterday, and Ibrahim El-Attar’s The Meaning of the Word "Painting". The two members photographed both exhibitions, preserving their visual narratives for open research and appreciation.

Outcome

By the end of the day, the team successfully uploaded 255 high-quality, freely licensed images to Wikimedia Commons. It’s a solid start to our broader Zamalek documentation plan, demonstrating that consistent, quality-focused efforts by dedicated community members can lead to meaningful results.

Exhibition hall at Dai Art Gallery in Zamalek, displaying a collection of contemporary paintings
A painting of traditional Nile houseboats by Ibrahim El-Attar, from his exhibition The Meaning of the Word "Painting" at Dai Gallery
A painting by Fatma Adel depicting a bride surrounded by women during traditional wedding preparations, from her exhibition What Remains of Yesterday at Dai Gallery
Exhibition hall at Ubuntu Art Gallery in Zamalek
Bronze sculpture on display at Ubuntu Art Gallery

Gezira Art Centre

As July 23 coincided with an official public holiday, the indoor exhibition halls at Gezira Art Centre were unfortunately closed, limiting our access to the main displays. However, Wahidy and Al-Yamany, made the most of the visit by focusing on the outdoor spaces.

They focused on photographing the unique architecture, surrounding grounds, and sculpture garden, successfully uploading more than 30 images to Wikimedia Commons.