My visit to the Al-Ahram newspaper headquarters was more than a tour of a media institution; it was a passage through the layers of time. I have walked through living history, one that still breathes within the corridors of one of Egypt’s and the Arab world’s most venerable newspapers.
From the moment I entered its halls, it was clear this was an encounter with the memory of a nation—a cultural and media institution that has shaped the consciousness of generations.
Walking those passageways, which once echoed with the footsteps of giants, I reflected on the legendary names who established its journalistic values and creative standards: Ihsan Abdel Quddous, Mohamed Hassanein Heikal, Taha Hussein, and Salah Jahin. These are the figures whose words educated us and whose rich schools of thought we drew from. Here, they wrote. Here, they shaped their ideas. Here, their articles became foundational texts for the Arab world.
The most compelling part of the visit was diving into Al-Ahram’s historical archives—a priceless treasure trove containing rare photographs, prints, and documents that have recorded every major event in Egypt and the world. These are pages whose value transcends paper, standing as direct witnesses to moments that made history.
I was astonished by the institution’s modern restoration project, where a dedicated team works with expert skill to preserve this paper-based wealth for future generations. Yet, an even greater surprise was learning that Al-Ahram is undertaking a massive digitization effort to convert the entire archive into digital files designed to last for more than 500 years. This step reflects a profound understanding of Al-Ahram’s role as an enduring, perpetual memory.
Also impressive is the newspaper’s unique capability to produce a complete book documenting everything it has published about any given country or personality since its founding, a feat made possible by its massive archive and advanced methodology.
At the close of this deeply impactful visit, I must extend my gratitude to the esteemed journalist Mahmoud El-Noby, who organized this valuable tour, and to all who accompanied me and shared the wonders of this exceptional institution, making the experience profoundly rich and insightful.
TunisianMonitorOnline Correspondent Douha Essaafi
