Latest in Culture Highlight
Latest in Culture

Cairo University Engineering students win challenging team prize at Formula student competition
The passion we have for what we’re doing turned every moment of tiredness into a moment of joy; says team leader

Ain Shams University’s racing team breaks another record
ASURT becomes the first Egyptian, African and Arab team to take 4th place in Formula Student UK

People on the margin of New Suez Canal’s opening
Dreaming of open horizons of water and playing with miniature boats might have been the way young Marwa El-Slehdar spent her childhood nights, aspiring for a major that only men dominated. El-Slehdar who is the first and only shipmaster in Egypt added a new milestone to her outstanding resume last Thursday on the inauguration of …
In pictures: Egypt celebrates New Suez Canal opening
All photos by Ahmed Al-Malky

Campaign looks to renovate 100 heritage buildings in old Cairo
The campaign mainly focuses on saving Islamic and Coptic buildings that have not been under maintenance

Cairo governorate rebuilds Asal State in Shoubra
“The governorate took upon itself the rebuilding of 400 houses plus creating a structured market and a service centre,” says governorate spokesperson
Black, yellow or blue: ‘We’re all German!’
What does it really mean to be black in Germany? A multimedia project takes a closer look at a touchy subject and concludes that it’s time to get rid of prejudices and tackle racism. Marie Nejar is a slender, elegant, dynamic 85-year-old lady with a pronounced Hamburg accent. She wears a black dress with a …

Happy 50th, J.K. Rowling!
Expelliarmus! Stupefy! Cruciatus!: These spells have enchanted millions around the world. From ‘epic failure’ to business-savvy empress of a magical universe, see how Rowling, now 50, further celebrates Harry Potter. Do you know what a Horcrux is? Or why you should never kiss a Dementor? How catching the Golden Snatch can make you the biggest …

Why Taiwan’s single people are a national security threat
Lydia from Taipei and almost all of her friends are single. Sociologist Wen-Shan Yang explains why Taiwan’s single culture is putting the welfare of the whole country at risk. Whether you’re in a relationship or not – that’s your own business, right? Well, true, but in Taiwan, it’s something in which both researchers and the …
China’s most famous artist abroad: Who is Ai Weiwei?
After four years without a passport, the dissident artist can now travel and has arrived in Germany. DW looks at what political restriction means for the artist and why his ties to Berlin are so strong. Ai Weiwei landed in Munich on Thursday (30.07.2015), on his way to Berlin. After spending over four years confined …
Art in the 80s: How the wild decade looks on canvas
The 1980s were a wild, unruly decade. The Städel Museum in Frankfurt looks at the untamed period through the eyes of artists. Electronic music with nonsense lyrics resounds from the radios. On stages in dark cellars musicians hammer on oil canisters with iron bars. Young people shave their heads, wear clothes torn to shreds while …
‘Mission Impossible’ mimics Bond for risk-free action
The bad guys are back and that means Tom Cruise is, too. With chases and explosions galore, “Mission Impossible 5” sticks to the standard action tricks. But that’s exactly why it will be a hit. This time, it only takes three minutes before secret agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is dangling in the air, hanging …
Sieren’s China: ‘Monkey King’ is a domestic success
A new take on an old epic, the animated film “Monkey King: Hero Is Back” has broken all box office records – and reveals plenty about China’s cinemagoers. It’s a recipe for domestic success, DW’s Frank Sieren writes. It took a while, but it happened: The new Chinese animation movie “Monkey King: Hero Is Back” …
Which voice is behind the next James Bond song?
007 fans can hardly wait for the new James Bond movie later this year. Rumors are abounding over the title song – which has already been recorded. DW looks at previous theme song hits. They’re tough acts to follow. On Tuesday (28.07.2015), singer Ellie Goulding posted a photo on Instagram of her leaving the famous …

Heavy metal fans invade Wacken
Every summer a small village in Germany turns into a Mecca for headbangers. The Wacken Open Air, the world’s largest heavy metal festival, draws metal fans and top bands from around the world. Let the pilgrimage begin. It started in 1990 with a few hundred participants and is now the biggest heavy metal festival in …

The last call to save one of Egypt’s statues
4,000-year-old statue was on verge of being sold by British museum

“SakhamKa”: Ancient Egyptian scribe of significant religious value
“The statue has a significant importance to the study of Egyptology,” says RCEWA

Why the Chinese love Germany’s National Youth Orchestra
Just as the number of classical music lovers is expanding in China, Germany's National Youth Orchestra has broken records of attendance during its tour there. Some cultural quirks can be surprising for Europeans. It's a mixed crowd: Young women in summer dresses, students wearing T-shirts, and parents with their children flock to Jinan's large concert hall. Li Zhang is among…

Lufthansa: New airfares can be booked
From now on, travelers can book their economy tickets according to a new price concept at Lufthansa. It is the airline's reaction to growing competition. Flights will be cheaper for passengers with hand luggage only. The airline Lufthansa is reorganizing its previous pricing system. It is adjusting the prices of its tickets in reaction to the growing competition from low-cost…

Greece’s musical hero: Mikis Theodorakis turns 90
His impact not only on Greece's music but also its politics is unparalleled. As renowned Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis turns 90, singer Maria Farantouri recalls their years of close collaboration. Born on July 29, 1925 on the island of Chios, Mikis Theodorakis has seen nine decades of political developments in Greece – and continually responded to them in music. Often…

Vincent van Gogh meets techno poetry
He sold just one painting during his own lifetime. Yet 125 years after his death on July 29, 1890, the Dutch painter still continues to inspire. See how technology is breathing new life into his works. Although he lived in extreme poverty, Vincent Van Gogh is now one of the most popular artists ever. The international icon is getting even…

Architect creates special designs to simplify Quran’s meaning
Emarah reflects his hopes, dreams and fears through simple designs, all in black and white

El-Manfalouti and ‘Sous Les Tilleuls’
By Nouran Maamoun “Sous Les Tilleuls” was the first novel written by Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr, a French critic, journalist, and novelist. Karr wrote this autobiographical romantic novel in 1832. Over 60 years later, Mustafa Lutfi El-Manfalouti translated it into Arabic under the name “Magdolin”. “Magdolin” itself became another masterpiece, as El-Manfalouti’s translation, …

Cinema for the blind with Zawya
By Rana Khaled Have you ever imagined that the visually impaired might still have a chance to watch a full film in a normal cinema theatre? Have you ever thought they are able to see the backgrounds and atmosphere of each scene, get the full conversations between actors and even understand their feelings, facial …
Germany’s culture elite gears up for Bayreuth
It's all about the operas of Richard Wagner – but it's also about dressing up and being seen on the red carpet. The Bayreuth Festival opens with pomp, management changes, and a new production. Heading the list of VIPs at the opening of the Bayreuth Festival on Saturday (25.07.2015) is German Chancellor Angela Merkel, joined by German Parliament President Norbert…

Remains of ancient city discovered in Sharqeya
The antiquities indicate that a crisis hit the city in the past, leaving it in ruins
Actor’s sister dies in blaze after refusing to leave cats
Far away from cinemas and drama, Egyptian actor Khaled Abo El-Naga never imagined he would come across a picture of his sister’s residence place on fire on Twitter, with a caption that read: If anyone knows who lives in this block on Mohamed Mazhar Street in #Zamalek, let them know. Most are empty for the …
Sexual harassers face harassment by police
Over 100 reports of sexual harassment during Eid Al-Fitr celebrations in Cairo alone
In pictures: Egyptians bid legendary Omar Sharif farewell
Hundreds of the late renowned actor Omar Sharif’s family, friends and fans gathered on Sunday at Al-Mosher Tantawy Mosque in the Fifth Settlement to bid the silver screen legend farewell. The funeral took place following midday prayers. Omar’s son, Tarek, displayed strength and faith by standing strong and saluting the crowds as they arrived to …
‘Replace My Face’ blends Western beauty with Eastern charm
By Rana Khaled Have you ever noticed that Fouad El-Mohandes and Robin Williams look alike? Or paid attention to the resemblance between Bridgette Bardot and Naglaa Fathy, Ismail Yassin and Charlie Chaplin or Philip Seymour Hoffman and Yehia Al-Fakharany? A 24-year-old graphic designer, Hagar Nagi, decided to search for international celebrities who look similar …