In the week leading up to the start of the blessed fasting month of Ramadhan, many streets in Cairo, Egypt, shine traditional candle lanterns known as 'fawanees'.

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.”