I am from El Haram!
I belong to a few neighborhoods, and they hold a special place in my heart. Yet, there is no place that can compete with El Haram (The Pyramid).
I grew up in a neighborhood not too far from the greatest and most ancient wonder in the world, The Great Pyramids of Giza. The three pyramids towered over everything; we saw them every day. There was no escaping the breathtaking view or their grandness. The whole area was named after them. The entire world came to express their respect and admiration.
It was a view that I grew accustomed to. I saw them while riding school and public buses; I gazed upon them riding horses in a moonlit desert; I admired them for the duration of red lights not too far from Mena House. They were my anchors; they were my north star. As long as they are in sight, I am never lost; I am home.
Upholding Standards
In my younger years, the pyramids were taunting. My ancestors laid the blueprint to unfathomable standards; they dropped the mic thousands of years ago. It didn’t matter what we did, nothing amounted to their grandness. They were also inspiring. They exemplified our capabilities as a race when we apply ourselves; nothing is impossible.
They were also a constant reminder of death and the afterlife, and their undeniable presence in our daily life cycles.
Changing Narratives!
The maternal side of my family has lived in various areas throughout Giza, mainly Agouza. My uncle owns one of the oldest pharmacies in El Haram, it has been around for 50 years. My mother, a pharmacist, held her first job upon graduation in that pharmacy. I grew up in that pharmacy, and it was the reason behind such an eternal affair with the pyramids.
Over the years, I saw the neighborhood as a visitor, resident, and tourist. I experienced it when it was mainly farming lands, canals, and villas. It was the place to be. Sadat lived and walked its streets. Movie stars flooded El Haram for its studios and nightlife.
I witnessed its demise into slums of randomness. Farming lands turned into buildings. People moved in from all parts of the country. They didn’t reflect the essence of surrounding magic.
Suddenly, the magic was gone, poof.
During his first visit to the pyramids in 2001, my American/Russian/Egyptian brother wasn’t impressed. He was bothered by the repelling scents of horse and camel waste, constant haggling, and poor presentation. As disappointing as his reaction was, it held tons of truth.
I was in love with the pyramids, but I was not a fool. I knew we could do better by them, but I still didn’t care as long as I got to enjoy them my own way.
Ramses II:
We, the residents of El Haram, failed to maintain the magic, and we were failing at any attempts to restore it. We had to call for help.
We called upon one of Egypt’s favorite leaders, and builders: Ramses the Great! We welcomed him with open arms in Giza after his 50-year stint in the middle of polluted Cairo. He needed the desert’s fresh air. I was there for the move; I was part of the unofficial welcoming committee that flooded the streets and balconies.
With some assistance from Japan and those who appreciate ancient beauty, we elected Ramses II in 2006 to oversee the building of a new Pyramid in the area. They promised something grand.
The Magic
According to the original plans, the grand promise should have been fulfilled in 2011. It didn’t happen.
We saw glimpses of it, but nothing tangible. We lost patience and interest. More pressing life matters won our attention and interrupted progress.
Yet, true to his nature, Ramses II continued to improve and improvise. He completed his work and moved to his new place of residence in 2018.
The stage was set and ready for a grand opening in 2020. A great number. Life had other plans for the grand collective narrative. The reveal was delayed.
Redeeming the Magic
I stood by the entrance and imagined the flocks of people who would visit the area. And the host, Ramses II, was kind enough to let me in on his future plans for the entire neighborhood and its infrastructure.
It was clear that this would be a special place. That was why and when I decided to author a novel called A Pyramid Builder – inspired by my time at the museum. The GEM plays a starring role.
If you haven’t picked up a copy yet, I highly recommend it—and not just because I wrote it! The story is thrilling and fast-paced, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Plus, who doesn’t love a good archaeological adventure? So, what are you waiting for? Grab a copy of A Pyramid Builder today and join the fun!
