6 - 12 December 2001
Issue No.563
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Al-Ahram Weekly Online 6 - 12 December 2001 Issue No.563 |
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 | Current issue | Previous issue | Site map | ||
Web watch
Cairo, alive
I don't know of any Web site that offers a daily roundup of Egyptian news in English except cairolive.com. This says something, doesn't it? Not about me, of course, but about cairolive.
www.cairolive.com
An image of a small brown clock on the right-hand side of the front page indicates that this is the "Top News" section. But don't be fooled into thinking that the arrow moving clockwise means that this section offers around-the-hour news -- far from it. Do not expect more than a few items that cover the news and views dominating the press that day, but do expect original, timely material. It is, in the words of the site's makers, "the original Egyptian press review." And this is part of the strength of cairolive. It's a site that offers content about what's happening in Egypt by actually producing it, rather than lifting it from the wires.
In October, cairolive was a finalist in the most prestigious African New Media event of the year, where the site was awarded the "Innovative Use of New Media in Africa" award. These awards are given out annually to Web sites that demonstrate a clear understanding of the emerging trends in media and technology and show exceptional innovative and entrepreneurial spirit in an African context. This sounds impressive, but for a regular visitor it translates into cairolive's ability to offer content covering many aspects of Egyptian life: press reviews, columns reflecting the dominant topic in the Egyptian street, television and movie reviews and answers to questions about Egyptian life, all written concisely, and with panache, by Egyptians.
Cairolive has been providing Egyptian news, views and entertainment in a daily Web format to a variety of readers around the world since 1996. Its founder and director, Tarek Atia, says the site began as a means of keeping Egyptians around the world in touch with their motherland. But almost a year ago, cairolive reappeared with a facelift. A new, easy-to-surf format, a simple, yet modern, layout and a new concept mirror what is actually happening in this country. Obviously, as the site's owner himself says, cairolive is basically directed towards Egyptian expatriates. However, many in Egypt feel the need for the kind of fresh journalism that this site offers.
These days, cairolive's front page focuses on the frightening increase in the value of the US dollar in Egypt. More interesting is cairolive's coverage of Ramadan (yes, Ramadan has become a season of its own that requires coverage) and the 11 September aftermath. A very insightful article in the Dardasha (chit-chat) section titled "What will Ramadan Bring?" analyses the social, cultural and economical aspects of the Egyptian lifestyle during Ramadan. The column is pegged on Metro supermarket's Ramadan package of yameesh (dried fruits and nuts), which, the writer suggests, basically resembles Christmas packaging in the West. He also poses more tantalising arguments on the similarities between the Christmas tree and the fanous, the famous Ramadan lantern that appears throughout the country in all shapes and sizes. "Is Ramadan in Egypt becoming khawagati [foreign], more like the way Christmas is celebrated in the West?" the writer asks. One might not necessarily agree with this approach, but then, which platforms or publications dig this deep into the contemporary Egyptian psyche?
A lot of effort is evidently exerted on a daily basis to produce unique content on this site. It is unfortunate, however, that it does not offer more. Not for lack of trying, but it is obvious that this site is produced by very few people, if not less. Maybe someone should support it.
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