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InterviewPeopleTravelAttractions

by Alexandra Mansilla

Esraa Ehab: ‘The Egypt I See Is More Felt Than Seen’

28 Jul 2025

If you’re interested in Egypt, you might already know Esraa Ehab. She is a storyteller who reveals the country from a truly unique angle — her own. Through her stories, you will discover hidden mosques and the stories behind them, local flea markets packed with treasures from different eras, and stunning architecture that only locals seem to know about. She shows it all in such an inspiring way that you will find yourself almost booking a ticket to Cairo.
But here is the thing: Esraa is actually a pharmacist by profession. So, how did she end up sharing stories about Egypt? What inspired her to start? And what are those special places in Cairo where you can really feel the soul of the city? We asked her all this and more.
— Esraa, wait, you are a pharmacist? What?
— Exactly — I am a pharmacist, and that is something that surprises most people, especially since my social media activity isn’t related to pharmacy at all. However, I did study pharmacy and graduated in 2021. A year later, I earned a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) professional degree.
Pharmacy isn’t just my current profession; studying it has shaped my personality and taught me so much about life that I never knew before.
— What exactly?
— It taught me that behind every pill, there is science, and behind that, there is hope for someone in pain. It taught me precision, patience, and above all, how to be a source of trust and support during people’s hardest moments. It showed me how to be a responsible human being, how to deal with pain, search for solutions, and understand that medical knowledge isn’t a luxury — it is a responsibility that could save a life.
— So, how did you start telling stories about your home country, Egypt? And did you switch from being a pharmacist?
— It all started with my love for photography. I used to take random photos of the sky, buildings, cars, anything with flowers or trees. After I graduated, I decided it was time to explore more of what Egypt has to offer, like palaces and museums. That is when my passion for photographing historical and significant places in Egypt truly began.
At the same time, I haven’t left the pharmacy profession — I’m still working in a hospital while also being active on social media.
— Is anyone in your family involved in storytelling in any way?
— My family is definitely my biggest supporter, especially because they encourage me to visit these places and inspire others to do the same. That is the main purpose of my account — to be a helpful resource where people can find everything they are looking for in one place, from historical sites to unique exhibitions and events happening around Egypt, away from the typical spots like restaurants or shops.
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— What places in Cairo remind you most of your childhood?
— Shubra Masr, Cairo, is the one place in the city that truly reminds me of my childhood. It is a beautiful area that I deeply love, especially because our family gatherings are usually held there. It is the place I am most grateful for — it is where my journey of discovering Egypt really began.
— Are there any flea markets in Cairo worth visiting?
— The Diana Market in Downtown Cairo truly feels like stepping back in time. It takes place every Saturday, and you can find everything vintage you can imagine — clothes, children’s toys, portraits, old kitchen tools, antique spoons, and mirrors. It is a real treasure in the heart of Cairo. I didn’t buy anything specific from there, but just walking around makes you feel like you have been transported to another era.
— I have noticed many beautiful mosques featured on your Instagram account. Is there a particular mosque in Cairo (or elsewhere in Egypt) that gives you goosebumps?
— I absolutely love Egypt’s mosques — they are probably my favourite thing to photograph. The grandeur, history, and culture all come together in one place. Cairo truly deserves the title “The City of a Thousand Minarets” because of the sheer number of mosques it holds. Some of the top ones I always recommend are Al-Azhar Mosque, Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque, Sultan al-Mu'ayyad Mosque, Sultan Hassan Mosque, Ibn Tulun Mosque and Al-Rifa’i Mosque.
— Could you name a few places in Cairo where you believe the soul of the city truly lives?
— Cairo is truly full of historical sites. But there are some places you simply can’t miss, like the Citadel of Salah El-Din, Prince Mohamed Ali Palace, the Religious Complex, Al-Mu'izz Street, and Al-Saliba Street, which I consider one of the most important historical streets in the city.
In general, every corner of Cairo holds a story, especially in its old streets and alleyways.
— Cairo is filled with stunning buildings that you could admire forever. Could you recommend five buildings that architecture lovers should definitely see? Are there interesting stories behind these buildings that you could share?
— Before talking about buildings with distinctive architectural styles, there is a very special place worth mentioning — the Egyptian Architecture House. It is a centre for creativity, documentation, and visual memory that captures the spirit of Egyptian architecture. It also includes dedicated museums for two of Egypt’s most important architects, Hassan Fathy and Ramses Wissa Wassef, showcasing the evolution of Egyptian architecture.
As for the buildings themselves, there is Prince Mohamed Ali Palace, Prince Amr Ibrahim Palace, Prince Taz Palace, and the historical houses like Beit El Suhaymi on Al-Muizz Street and Beit Al-Kiritliya, which is now the Gayer-Anderson Museum.
— Also, can you recommend a few places in Cairo known for mysterious legends?
— There isn’t one specific place in Egypt that is surrounded by mysterious legends, but there are so many places filled with inspiring stories and captivating history. They catch your eye and spark your imagination — every corner has something that will amaze you and make you fall in love with it more and more each day.