The blessed month of Ramadhan has started in Egypt, and many Egyptian cities, including Cairo, are decorated with traditional lanterns in this blessed month. Vendors selling the traditional, brightly-colored candle lanterns known as 'fawanees', are a common sight in Cairo.
The lights are closely linked culturally to Ramadhan and they have been illuminated annually in Egyptian family houses for nearly a thousand years.
The first lantern was reportedly used to light up the city’s streets when a new month arrived. Ever since then, lanterns have become a symbol of celebration as they give a warm glow to the entrances of homes and businesses.
The elaborate lanterns were commonly made out of copper, yet as the material became more expensive, lantern-makers increasingly turned to more affordable, light-weight tin alternatives and vibrant glass.
Authenticity and tradition is very important to someone like Ahmed Mahfouz, who travelled more than 60 kilometers to buy the ‘perfect lantern.’
“When I see the lantern ( known as 'fanous' in Arabic) , I automatically feel I have to buy it – even though I have three at home,” he says. “It’s in my genes. It’s become part of our heritage.”
For Mahfouz, the "fanous" is a glowing representation of Ramadhan:
“When I buy a 'fanous', I am buying a piece of history. I am buying a piece of the season’s joy. It’s the best symbol.”
