my Cairo, Toufic Araman
Meet the award-winning Dubai-based fashion photographer for whom Cairo will always be home, and the people on its streets his family…
Where do you live?
I live in my suitcase. I have been traveling constantly in the last 4 months between Cairo, Beirut, Amman, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. I stay in Dubai about 10 days a month, it is where I am based.
What are your current projects?
Me and my agent in Egypt, Blue Ocean, are working on introducing my work in Egypt. I am spending time going to different advertising agencies. Once done, I will be back to Dubai where I have two fashion shoots lined-up for New Year and Spring/Summer collection. Afterwards, I will be spending sometime in Beirut on a very short vacation.
What is your life philosophy?
Here is a quote that I have received from a friend, Nagham, who heard me on the radio. ‘The only way to make dreams come true is to reach out for them. Many have inspired you and I’m sure you’re going to inspire many more.’
What do you miss most about Cairo?
The people. The noise. The contrast. Home. Cairo is home. The people in the street are my family.
What was the last cultural event you attended in town?
I went to an award winning Turkish movie taking part at the Cairo Film Festival. The movie was too slow for me but it is a great event.
What is your favorite view of Cairo?
The view from Kobry El Gamaa. When we were younger, every single time my dad drove past that bridge, we used to live in Manial and my brother would say: “Look, look it is the best view in Egypt!”
What advice would you give to a tourist?
Read about Egypt before you visit. Cairo is an acquired taste. Noise, traffic and how short personal distant are all factors that might be intimidating. However, there is a lot to enjoy in all this. Chaos just adds a live flavor to the experience. Unexpectedly, it is a safe. Culture is thriving in every corner and Cairo is intensely alive. You just need to know how to manage it.
Which Egyptian -living or dead- do you admire most?
Shaaban Abdel Rahim. He is has a unique identity, creative, bold and is in constant touch with his surroundings. This is what art is for me. He is an artist with a social message and speaks the language of the people. I don’t know him personally but would love to meet and make a photo-story about his daily life one day.
What would you do if you were governor of Cairo for a day?
One day is far too short to do anything in Cairo, if you are going to step out from your apartment. So, I will give Caireans that day off, each Cairean has to spend one hour in public cleaning.
Which Cairo shops do you rely on?
I do not shop much in Egypt but I love visiting Soliman Arts in Lebanon square; great framing and people.
What is your proudest moment?
When my work got accepted to be shown at the Noorderlicht Festival in The Netherlands and when my father heard my first radio interview in Dubai. Oh, and when I won my first photography award and HP sponsored my trip to Russia.
What is your earliest memory of the Egyptian capital?
My mother’s uncle’s house in Downtown with its old scary elevator and beautiful marble stairs, floors and decorated ceilings. It just smelled of authenticity.
Who or what in your opinion epitomizes glamour?
In Egypt, Faten Hamama, Mervat Amin and Omar Sharif; hopefully one of the upcoming stars will succeed them soon. Internationally, Angelina Jolie, Isabelle Adjani and Monica Bellucci are on top of the list.
What is one of the city’s best kept secrets?
I won’t tell you. Let’s keep it as is.