36 Days Of Products is an attempt to raise above the mundane metrics we constantly analyze in digital products. In the last several years, I've encountered many designers who overuse derogatory phrases like "user-friendliness," which I believe prevents us from grasping the bigger picture. Theoretically, humanity has been utilizing tools and products for thousands of years, but it wasn't until recent decades that the digital product boom happened. The project also offers a chance for me to hone on new skills like 3d and copywriting, Since it can be intimidating for designers to constantly polish their work before posting, I'm taking the initiative and will be posting with less concern for aesthetics and consistency and more focus on intent. I'll also share a little about what I have learned and discovered so far. Buckle up and enjoy!
In 36 Days Of Products, We get the opportunity to pick one product every day for the next 36 days and open a discussion about why people use it, the feelings it evokes and the different qualities, traits, applications, and functions it possesses to survive!
I woke up ready to look for my Day 1 product as I began my 36-day challenge, poured myself a cup of coffee, oh wait! My coffee mug!
Most coffee addicts, including myself, have developed their own morning routine. Whether you enjoy dosing the maximum amount of caffeine possible or making a lavish espresso with fine grinds, The right coffee mug is essential to achieving the goal.
This particular white porcelain mug has been my cup of choice for over a year. From a distance, it appears to be just a plain white, clear mug that would make a good fit for Apple's minimalist product line. However, subtle details like the clay strips and dots around the mouth not only provide additional grip but also adds a slight irregularity that makes it feel more organic than minimalistic. Additionally, the wide mouth allows for the release of extra aromatics.
The large capacity and superb insulation created by the porcelain material are both complemented by the well-balanced mug handle. It's also easy to clean, because, as the saying goes, "Ain't nobody got time for that!"
As my friends and I were leaving the eyewear store, we passed by the senior's section, which is where I first saw the glasses. Everyone doubted it, but we decided to give it a go anyhow, and the rest is history. I have been wearing this pair of glasses for almost 8 years now!
The aviator frame's success story began in the 1930s. The first prototypes commissioned by the US Army were made by the American company Bausch & Lomb. At the time, The Army’s jet pilots needed eyewear with better optical protection. In terms of functionality, pilots requested protection from harsh sunlight and the intense blue sky. This was due to the fact that they were creating symptoms such as nausea and headaches. Aviator glasses quickly became highly popular among jet fighters.
While the original frame was made of plastic, shortly after, the following model introduced a metal frame, which is still common in aviator models today. This particular pair of aviator nerd glasses is made of heavy-durable metallic material. It doesn't sacrifice comfort and is extremely hard to break. Most variants include a double bridge for added strength.
This might be the reason Dwight Schrute prefers these glasses! For someone who is solely obsessed with functionality. The aviator nerd adopts a clear 80's appearance that may not be for everyone, but it typically flatters all face shape types. One distinguishing feature, in my opinion, is that unlike most eyeglasses striving to brand you as hip. This one, on the other hand, boldly presents you as someone comfortable displaying their geeky side.
Often witnessed riding around inside the infamous half-ton pickup trucks, laying down at fruit markets and on highways. This centuries-old craft can potentially give us an insight into how we could benefit from ancient practices and innovate sustainable products beyond metal straws and reusable cotton swabs.
Handcrafted by locals in modest home workshops, the leaf boxes can withstand heavy loads as well as cold and hot weather while providing proper ventilation for fruits and vegetables compared to plastic boxes, which can harm crops by sucking in the heat. Given that the know-how has been passed down over the years, skilled workers can process on a vast scale, resulting in more affordable boxes. The leaf boxes are constructed of a vernacular material that Egypt has an abundance of. The boxes are stackable and make perfect sense to use over plastic, so please consider them next time you need a box!
One of the most feared things for humans is uncertainty. We seem to naturally retreat to counting numbers as a coping mechanism since they represent certainty, right? 1+1 will always be 2, but your exam results will not always be the same. In fact, a sizable subset of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by an obsession with numbers. People with counting OCD may count to feel "correct" and escape the anxiety that comes with anything feeling "wrong." Sibha tends to take advantage of that by stimulating the intrinsic calming mechanism of counting numbers!
The Sibha is a string prayer used by Muslims to keep track of counting, perhaps originating from the widespread garments of religious bracelets (Rosary'- japamala-malas). The sibha is a string of beads worn by Muslims. Some have 33 beads, while others have 99. The talisman's number represents the 99 names of Allah. Muslims use it to recite the Islamic names for God (Tasbeeh) following the completion of their daily prayers. The sibha is never referenced in any holy scripture, yet it is nevertheless considered sacrosanct even though Muslims can practice tasbeeh with their hands.
How such a basic product has existed for so long is truly remarkable. Beyond its primary use of counting, Sibha often serves as a cultural symbol, a fashion statement, or both. They are made of wood or precious stone. It can also be made of olive seed, ivory, pearls.
The natural swiping motion of beads provides a breathing room to observe your prayer words. While electronic sibha had their heyday, it didn't stay long since they made it purely mechanical.
The blue bead has risen to prominence as a cultural icon in contemporary Turkey. The history of glass making in the Mediterranean is intertwined with the birthplace of the bead. Inscriptions and beads from the 16th century B.C. have been found. Beads made of glass were produced and utilized in many different ancient cultures, from Mesopotamia to Egypt, Carthage and Phoenicia to Persia, and even throughout the Roman Empire.
There is no accurate historical confirmation on the origin of the blue bead or even its benefits and reflection on human life, as it is like all the legends that were passed down through generations, father and grandfather, and turned into customs and traditions over time without evidence and proof. And people believe in it, according to some psychologists, because man since ancient times has been trying to adhere to some beliefs, even if they are not directly related to religion, to feel reassured and comfortable.
Picture this, It's the coldest day of the year, and your toes are numb. You dig through your sock drawer, hoping to find a pair that would keep them toasty. Your sock assortment includes the casual variety, the athletic pair, the no-show socks, and the novelty socks with cool designs that every twentysomething considers to be on trend. Not one of these socks will do its job of keeping your feet warm.
As my younger brother returned from his first military duty wearing a pair of wacky thick socks, I knew I had found the one. I stole/borrowed a pair to test on, and holy socks, those things are comfortable.
Looking for new socks? Consider a pair of thick military socks. You may find that they are more comfortable than thinner socks. Especially with the extra compression provided by the cushioned sole made of a blend of wool, cotton, and nylon. Disclaimer: Overly cushioned socks may not be a suitable choice for walking in the summer since they may cause your feet to overheat and sweat.
The first Three Fives (555) fragrance was created in the Chabrawishi Fragrance Factory in 1924. In its heyday, the Hamza El Chabrawishi brand was well-known throughout the country. Even figures like King Farouk and President Abdel Nasser bought into the success of the Three Fives brand. During the time of Abdel Nasser, Chabrawishi's factory was nationalized from private ownership. The product's appeal, nevertheless, persisted for generations to come, and it eventually became a nationally recognized brand.
The 555 Eau De Cologne is arguably the pinnacle of Egyptian self-care products in recent times due to its multi-purpose use. What was formerly a well-liked perfume is now widely used as a disinfectant. Mostly due to the product's high alcohol concentration, which is evident in the perfume's powerful scent.
The 555 Cologne is characterized by a very distinct and strong smell with modest longevity, and a unisex scent that leans toward being worn by men, 555 Cologne is a wonderful bargain for less than $4 for a 220ml bottle right now.
Having switched from construction engineering to design, I was unprepared for the long periods spent sitting at a desk, which is not one of my favorite aspects of the job. Especially with my hyper-elastic joint condition, I can start feeling stiffness and pain throughout my joints, and I know I am not the only one. If you, like many of us, spend hours each day slumped over a computer, you may be damaging your back and health. Sit-stand desks may save you years of agony. Standing at your workplace rather than sitting protects your spine. Most people claim it makes them feel energized and creative.
Standing desks aren't a substitute for exercise. Standing for long periods causes knee, hip, and foot pain. And if you lift one foot to relieve pressure, it may affect your posture. Also, being on your feet for too long makes blood collect in your leg veins. The vein may stretch to fit the extra blood and get weaker.
According to experts, the best way to use a standing desk is to alternate between standing and sitting during the workday several times throughout the day. Start by standing for just a few minutes at a time, and then progressively increase your standing time as you feel comfortable. Every 30 minutes or so, get up from your desk and stroll around. Walk over to a co-worker's desk or grab a drink at the fountain to get some exercise and give your back a break.
The infamous wooden chairs are found in almost all Egyptian cafes. Many claims that sitting down on one of those, presumably with a shisha in hand, will suddenly transcend your late-night gathering with friends at the nearby cafe to the next level!
Note: I do not endorse or encourage the use of tobacco products of any kind.
Since the dawn of civilization, humans have been captivated by the beauty and mystery of flight. People on the ground, fascinated by the prospect of defying gravity, have aspired to partake in this phenomenon by designing and piloting their own flying machines.
Many authors have tried to capture the indescribable joy and wonder of kite flying. One of the things I love most about kiting is the feeling of being able to reach out and touch the sky. In the midst of a beautiful sky and glittering sunshine, the sight of many tiny, brightly colored kites soaring in the air brings a unique calm. A beautiful scenic area like that is relaxing and rejuvenating for people of all ages. You can't help but smile when you see a kite floating joyfully above you.
Transitioning to a new school, while exciting, can be a terrifying experience. As someone who has moved schools four times, I can attest to the fact that walking into a brand new classroom is a nerve-wracking experience.
Takhta, or double/triple seater, is one product that I appreciate for making the first days of school a little less stressful. Furniture has a powerful ability to influence the atmosphere of a room. The double/triple seat in my classroom was the catalyst for many wonderful friendships. It seems like you're automatically given a seat next to someone, and since you have to do so anyway, you might as well make a friend out of the person you're sitting next to.
After reading up on what makes for a healthy and productive classroom setting, I kept coming across articles praising the benefits of flexible seating arrangements in the classroom and how they aid students. Nevertheless, I suspect that by doing so, many students may rationalize their social isolation as a natural consequence of their introversion if given the option.
It's hard to picture a classroom without a chalkboard. Classroom chalkboards have been around since 1801 when a single piece of slate was mounted on a wall in Scotland. While many educators have adopted the whiteboard as the standard teaching tool, others have opted to retain the traditional chalkboard.
As a focal point in the classroom, chalkboards provide educators with an excellent vantage point from which to observe their students at work. Educators can see how well their students are grasping the topic and modify their delivery accordingly.
In numerous design interviews, I've been asked to choose my top favorite and most utilized design tools. There are two possible reactions when I answer "a pen and paper": either a disappointed look because interviewers assume I don't use the latest and greatest design tools, or a stare of respect and admiration because I recognize the basics of design and what matters!
The truth is, traditional tools like pen and paper existed long before digital design software and will still probably be around long after most people have abandoned their PCs and smartphones.
The act of sketching is a form of mental exercise. It's a lot more dynamic than when you're just altering pixels using a keyboard and mouse. The act of painting stimulates the mind and encourages the flow of ideas. In the world of design, these are two absolute must-haves, so if you're having trouble coming up with ideas, consider sketching down some rough concepts and planning out your next steps for your digital project. As a result, you should expect a boost in productivity and better overall results.
In 1661, Frenchman Melchisédech Thevenot invented the spirit level, also called a bubble level, which consists of a straight sealed glass tube filled with water and an air bubble. Nonetheless, the level was modified significantly multiple times over the years. For starters, to avoid freezing, alcohol or other spirits were substituted for the water.
A level, sometimes known as a spirit level, or bubble level, is an instrument used to assess whether a surface is horizontal or vertical. Spirit levels might range from the simple bubble model to the advanced laser equipment.
Spirit levels come in a broad range of materials, from aluminum and plastic to wood and composites. They are utilized by both experts and amateurs. The former include contractors and craftsmen such as carpenters, masons, electricians, and plumbers.
While espresso machines use pressure to extract coffee's rich flavor and aroma, Moka pots, which are sometimes referred to as stove top espresso makers, produce coffee that is just as flavorful and powerful without the delicate foam or cream. They serve the same purpose as their bulkier and more expensive sibling products, but without the associated cost, clutter, and wasted counter space.
Moka pots have not seen significant change in design since their introduction in 1933 and are most loved for their practicality since they can be used anywhere, from a home stove to a campsite stove to make delicious coffee.
Historically, there are competing theories as to where the Fresca had its start. Some say it originated in Greece, while others say it was brought from Italy (the term "Fresco" translates to "fresh" or "delicious" in Italian).
"Freska" is a summertime and seaside staple for vacationers.
A light wafery snack that is easy to digest and affordable for everyone, Fresca has been famous for many years as it spread from the shores of the city of Alexandria to the northern coasts, where street vendors sell it there in glass boxes on their shoulders to watch and attract the attention of vacationers, particularly children before adults, due to its cheap price.
Crunchy and spherical, Fresca is made from a mixture of sugar, flour, honey, ghee, and eggs; optional ingredients include peanuts, sesame seeds, and hazelnuts.
Balcony baskets are the unseen escalators that link the alleys and balconies of buildings to create a network of neighborly dialogue. How it was so pervasive in Egyptian architecture that it seemed to be part of the facade itself, creating a sense of community and hospitality among neighbors. They are a practical necessity in almost any building.
Traditionally it's made out of palm leaves and comes in different variations for different use cases like grocery shopping, transporting veggies and fruits...etc; however, plastic baskets are more common nowadays which raises the question of whether mass production is hurting craftsmanship.
Fire is one of the pillars of human civilization. It was the start and still plays an essential role in our daily lives. For millenniums, humanity explored different ways of producing fire. One of the most important breakthroughs was the discovery and domestication of natural gas to fit inside a simple metal cylinder.
As a basic commodity, Gas cylinders come with a few drawbacks and warning signs. Its bulky size and heavy weight make it hard to fit inside most kitchens, there are accompanying risks of leakage, and the process of changing cylinders requires some knowledge about the matter. Nonetheless, with all the bad qualities mentioned, gas cylinders will remain a household stable for years ahead since people will always prioritize value over usability.
Everyone has seen how quickly a common household item can become a hot commodity during a pandemic. With the recent outbreak of the coronavirus and the subsequent depletion of toilet paper supplies, Many people in Europe and the United States wonder if there are any alternatives to using paper towels. Meanwhile, the shatafa has ensured that Egyptians, along with many other eastern cultures, are never dependent on toilet paper. What exactly is a shatafa? Well, thank you for asking!
A shatafa/bidet is merely a sprayer used for the sole purpose of rinsing one's private parts after using the toilet. There are two common types of shatafa: a small nozzle inside the bowl that is activated by a knob at the bowl's base, or a hose that is connected to the main water supply and used while seated on the toilet.
All Arabs can agree on one thing: it's not easy to go to the bathroom in the West. Picture yourself seated on a toilet. After you've just finished using the bathroom, you look around and realize, "Oh, no." There's only toilet paper and no bidet! But then you remember that you packed your trusty shatafa, and the miracle of portable bidets comes into play; see, not all heroes wore capes.
This has numerous benefits over using toilet paper. Using water is very hygienic. There is no downside to using water instead of toilet paper; you can wash out anything you need to. With water, you will never be able to have any form of friction when you use the toilet. The shatafa/bidet is also environmentally friendly since Americans use 36.5 billion rolls of toilet paper a year, which are treated with chemicals like chlorine and require a lot of electricity to produce. Not to mention the money wasted on clogged sewers from too much paper.
Usually, "dada" and "mama" are the first words a child utters, but for genuine Arab babies, they're the two primary sounds made by the goblet drum. The 'DOOM' is a deep bass sound, and the 'TEK' is a higher-pitched sound made by striking the side of the tabla head with the fingertips.
The oriental drum/tabla is the most prevalent instrument in Egypt's traditional music and is hailed as the national symbol of Egyptian Shaabi music because of its ability to get people of all ages to sway their hips.
Tabla is a goblet-shaped hand drum popular in the Middle East and North Africa. Although the actual date of the drums' origin is disputed, historians agree that they have a long history. It has been speculated that they date back thousands of years, gaining use in ancient cultures such as Mesopotamia and Egypt.
Technological advancements have led to the widespread adoption of highly addictive products while our brain chemistry hasn't changed much since the Paleolithic period, making us completely unsuited to a world full of dopaminergic impulses.
Addictive products prey on psychological vulnerabilities such as the fear of missing out, instant gratification, and our desires for validation.
Enter the reading tablet. designed specifically for reading as practically all other features found on smart-er devices have been stripped away. As more people become aware of the dangers of addictive products, an emerging counter-culture is raising awareness of these problems through the use of minimalist tech products. In the battle against screen addiction, regulation of use has historically been considered a modest view. However, given that screen time is currently reaching record highs, I understand why some people are adopting preventative measures to restrict the use of electronic devices, especially among youngsters.
As much as we crave certainty in a chaotic world, Sometimes we need to introduce randomness.
Dice are frequently used to introduce randomness into our lives, especially in board games. A die roll is a simple hardware random number generator due to the uncertainty introduced by elements such as the thrower's hand movement. Dice, typically seen in a six-sided variation, appear to be the most primal product to symbolize chance.
Rowing can be a form of meditation. While you might get the utmost serenity from rowing on the water, you can still reap some of the benefits by doing it on a rowing machine in your living room. This results from the ergometer's ability to produce a smooth, gliding motion and the mindlessness that comes from its repetitive nature.
While I agree that nobody should look forward to a cardio workout, I have found that the rowing machine allows me to get the workout I need with the least amount of suffering.
Leg work accounts for 65-75% of the rowing stroke, whereas upper body effort accounts for 25–35%, says the American Fitness Professionals Association. Your leg muscles are primarily engaged during the drive part of the stroke, or when pushing off the foot stretcher. Rowing is a great way to boost your strength and stamina since it mixes resistance training with cardiovascular activity.
Rowing can also help you shed pounds without placing an undue impact on your joints. It allows you to control the movement and pace and is a great exercise for active recovery. Nonetheless, this is not the case for high-impact exercises like running or plyometrics.
The origins of Kanun go back to before the time of Christ, and to the civilizations of Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and Egypt. Although the kanun has evolved over the course of its long history, its basic structure remains the same across all countries today. A one-of-a-kind instrument distinguished by its brilliant timbre and a wide range of tonal colors and pitch. That raises the question of why the kanun is not as well-known as, say, the Fender guitar.
One reason could be that the Qanun is more challenging to master than other instruments. If you wish to learn to play the Qanun, it will benefit you to have experience with other stringed instruments, such as the guitar, harp, or oud. The lack of learning resources plays a great role too. For students, this creates a substantially more challenging learning environment.
Affordability and exposure in popular culture also play a role in the widespread adoption of particular instruments. The guitar, drums, and piano all benefited greatly from employing this tactic. Having a low-priced alternative and being widely featured in pop culture can be powerful publicity tools.
"Why are we being denied the right to travel to whichever country we want, yet an American or a Brit can waltz into this country without ever experiencing the kind of humiliation that Kenyans and other Africans are subjected to? " Rasna Warah, a Kenyan writer, book author, and journalist.
At the outset of our existence, a great deal of our lives is already mapped out for us—including our ethnicity, religion, political influences, social class, and nationality. The term "passport privilege" is used to denote the rights granted to a traveler by their passport. The list of visa-free destinations you can visit depends heavily on where you were born. Consequently, if you intend to apply for a first-world country visa, it is imperative that your profile coincides with the visa requirements (which can be arbitrary and ludicrous). Still, you'll need to dedicate a good chunk of time to complete the visa process.
The fact that some nations allow individuals to acquire a passport in exchange for monetary investment makes me consider passports as commodities or products, even if passports are technically government-issued documents.
The worst nightmare for a coffee shop chain is a parasite customer, someone who stays in their shop for long periods, consuming power and depleting their wifi while usually occupying an above-average space. I was just describing a "remote worker."
The growing tension between giant coffee shop franchises and remote workers is real! As a remote worker, I have spent considerable time working in public spaces, cafes, and coworking spaces. While Some cafes are opting to bypass the whole conflict by opening drive-through locations. Over time, I've noticed the café industry employs a few strategies that drive away the parasite lancers who hang around for hours but only order a few items.
Many cafes adopt the tried-and-tested method of blasting the same music playlist on repeat at maximum volume. It might mess with your brain, but with the introduction of the ultimate retaliation weapon, the AirPods coupled with noise cancellation, remote workers like myself can now stay in and possibly plot our next move.
Jewelry is one of the earliest forms of archaeological artifacts, with 100,000-year-old beads produced from Nassarius shells regarded to be the oldest known jewelry.
While it is true that jewelry can signify hard work and accomplishments, store wealth, and communicate one's own joy.
In today’s pop culture, subtlety has little to no room. Most celebrities sell a dream to their audience, and it is in their best interests for them to publicly display their success and money. Contrary to more conservative fashion trends, pop music celebrates flashy accessories like chunky gold chains making jewelry the ultimate symbol of fame, overall success, and wealth.
The Swiss Army knife, a cultural icon of Switzerland due to its distinctive design and wide range of possible applications, conveys a story of affordance, of how to squeeze an entire workshop into one's pocket! The word "Swiss Army knife" has come to be used as a figure of speech to describe great utility in almost any situation.
This time I thought I could get a little more imaginative with the product concept, creating an Egyptian take on the Swiss Army knife, and what better symbolizes Egypt than a "Qarn al-Ghazal"?
First debuted in the early twentieth century in South Africa, The deer horn "Qarn al-Ghazal," is the most recognized pocket knife in the Arab world and the most prevalent in urban areas and rural villages in Egypt.
Because of its dark brown color and resemblance to a twisted ivory horn, it was given the name "Qarn al-Ghazal." It consists of five parts, one of which is a brown wooden piece fitted with two nails. It is called "Al-Khuja" and "3 stars and two crescents".
We buy what we cannot control, the rugs,
rhythm-makers, containing refrains of
the oldest story: a man takes a journey.
I have no stories inside me, he says,
so travels on, to rest beneath a carpet
of blue constellations, star patterns
at the edges of disordered border walls.
At the center, a meditative medallion
makes a moving immortal-flowered ground:
to live there is to give oneself over
to greenness, redness, occasional blues,
holding those spirits of woollen dyes
rising from the knots within to breathe
against the woven, multi-colored air.
From Figures in the Carpets Poem By David Schloss
The "Rug Belt," an area spanning from Morocco through the rest of North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and northern India, is where some of the world's finest hand-woven carpets have been produced for centuries. It was in Persia that the art of the carpet flourished to the point where at least 40 cities or villages in Iran are credited with contributing to the carpet industry's dazzling array of unique designs and styles. There are countless mentions of Oriental rugs throughout art, literature, and music dating back thousands of years.
In my attempts to break free from a sedentary lifestyle, I've been doing Crossfit for several years since it's quick and easy to fit into my schedule while still getting my daily dose of activity. Ironically, I find myself frequently needing to recover in innovative ways from both intense workouts and long working hours, and the most practical option that has worked so far is a massage gun.
The massage gun includes several vibrating speeds for a simple muscle warm-up to an intense sports massage, as well as multiple attachments for usage on any part of the body.
The massage gun functions just like a real massage; advantages include enhanced neuronal activity in the brain, greater short-term muscular length, and reduced muscle tension. It also flushes extracellular fluid, relaxes muscles, and breaks up acute adhesions.
The story of the rise of Mo Salah is well known to many people and his achievements on the pitch go hand in hand with his accomplishments off the pitch.
Following years of political and economic turmoil in Egypt, Mo Salah's inspiring story of perseverance through adversity helped restore Egypt's faith in its ability to create positive change.
When I originally started in design, I didn't have any kind of formal education. I came from an engineering background and was solemnly relying on my admiration to learn from online resources as well as an initial investment to buy a laptop with a decent GPU power, Despite being certain that this was the best strategy for breaking into the field, There was always a nagging uncertainty spurred by the cultural emphasis on prestige above competence to spend my time and money on a reputable art school.
It was difficult for me to accept the reality of the status game in the corporate world, where designers with prominent degrees and credentials stand a better chance of being employed, paid more, etc. While I could have decided to pursue status, I ultimately decided to allow my values to determine my journey and advocate for skill over status.
For almost four years, I have been producing my very first graphics, up until this render using the Acer Predator! Gaming laptops generally have above-average GPU power at an affordable price. However, they have a short battery life, a bulky appearance, and are not particularly attractive, especially in client meetings. Consequently, I've been advised repeatedly to upgrade. The Acer Predator is one of my best professional decisions, and although I plan on upgrading soon, It seemed right to me to pay it a formal farewell in some way.
For the love of the glass bottled Cola, Do you taste any difference in flavor?
We Egyptian youth of the '90s fell into one of two categories. There is "Camp 1," whose parents can afford to pay for premium cable packages that include Disney Channel, and then there is "Camp 2," who tune in to Spacetoon TV, a pan-Arab free-to-air channel that focuses on animation and children's programs.
The only time the two groups come together is during the holy month of Ramadan to watch Bakkar. Since the late 1990s, the Egyptian cartoon series Bakkar has been shown on Arabic TV channels during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. I used to get so fired up listening to the opening and closing songs by legendary Nubian-Egyptian singer Mohammed Mounir that I'd sprint to the dining table, grab the controller, and crank up the volume.
Bakkar is a story of representation in an era when most children's television consisted of dubbed versions of foreign animation. The show follows the escapades of a young Nubian-Egyptian boy named Bakkar and his companions, including his pet goat Rashida. Each episode has a moral lesson and often touches on nationalist issues.
Were you hoping to find some cookies inside ?!
Mercedes has been synonymous with elegance and comfort in Egypt for decades, and this has earned the brand a number of endearing nicknames among the country's population. The Mercedes E230, sometimes known as the "crocodile," is one of the brand's most recognizable vehicles thanks to its status as a celebrity favorite throughout the '80s.
My father has been driving this Mercedes for nearly 33 years. Yes, you read it right; he put in a whopping two million kilometers on it, swapped out the engine several times, and is fully acquainted with every centimeter of the car. It has been such a reliable companion throughout his life that he has come to affectionately refer to it as "Al-Aseela" (Arabic for "The Genuine/Savior") because it has never let him down in his most critical moments on the road.
The car holds a lot of good times and laughs for our family. Our 6-person family relied solely on the car up until we moved to Cairo in 2014, and unfortunately, the car was stolen the following year, which is how I came up with this render concept dubbed "all crocodiles go to heaven."