Newspapers have a tendency to come into being because of a domestic or international event. In Egypt, this has been more or less the case since the beginning of the last century, when Ahmad Lotfi El-Sayyed published Al-Garidah. In 1907, Al-Liwaa of Mostafa Kamel came on the scene. Several nation-wide Coptic newspapers appeared just before WWI. After the 1923 Constitution was drafted, Al-Mosawwar came into being. After the 1936 Treaty, Al-Masri was born. Akhbar Al-Yawm was conceived during WWII. Right after the 1952 Revolution, a spate of publications appeared, including Al-Tahrir, Al-Gomhouriya, and Anbaa Al-Watan.

Political and economic changes in the early 1990s gave rise to a new wave of newspapers, including the Arabic-language Al-Ahram Al-Masaei and Al-Ahram Weekly. The latter was an attempt to reach out to English-language readers at home and abroad, offering a liberal face of Egyptian journalism. Since its creation, the Weekly was dedicated to publishing opinions from across the country's political spectrum.

Soon, this group would produce a newspaper different in appearance, content, and style than anything we've had before.

The maestro of the new publication was Hosni Guindi, a soft spoken man with a cool temper who happened to be a consummate perfectionist. He wasn't the type who bossed people around or looked important, but he worked long and hard and that forced everyone to do the same. He led his team by love and example, relying on their loyalty and participation, and it paid off.

The Weekly was also a high-tech product from the start. The layout rapidly moved to computerised methods, and that affected the way people worked and interacted, giving the entire operation a more modern feel.

The Weekly has been Egypt's top English-language publication for two decades now, and is likely to remain so in the foreseeable future. This is because of its willingness to incorporate a wide variety of opinions and attitudes, and due to the high quality of its editorial content and artistic design.

The journey of 20 years saw several hands changing at the helm. Hosni Guindi, the man who gave the paper its original outlook and direction, was succeeded by Hani Shukrallah as executive chief editor for a while. Shukrallah, serving in a time of turmoil in the domestic press scene, led with a firm hand, putting in place new organisational and administrative regulations, and selecting new talents for top posts, including Mona Anis and the current managing editor, Galal Nassar. He was followed by the current Chief Editor Assem El-Kersh who has reshaped the newspaper, adding vigour to its content and broadening its coverage.

The Weekly will never cease to change. Like any living organism, it is likely to grow into new forms. Perhaps it will become a tabloid, easier for a weekend read. Or it may turn into a daily, offering its readers immediate access to local developments. Or, maybe it will just keep adding supplements on politics, culture and heritage. Anything is possible. One thing is certain: this newspaper is going to keep its readers well-informed and entertained.

By Samir Sobhi
Al-Ahram Weekly
27 May - 2 June 2010
Issue No. 1000
Special