‘Memory of Egypt’...Prominent Figures, Heritage

The Memory of Egypt releases a new issue every three months - Asharq Al-Awsat
The Memory of Egypt releases a new issue every three months - Asharq Al-Awsat
TT
20

‘Memory of Egypt’...Prominent Figures, Heritage

The Memory of Egypt releases a new issue every three months - Asharq Al-Awsat
The Memory of Egypt releases a new issue every three months - Asharq Al-Awsat

The 46th issue of the Memory of Egypt magazine released by the Library of Alexandria, highlighted heritage features from the Egyptian society characterized with cultural diversity and richness, in addition to exploring the centennials of many historic figures and events.

In the issue’s introduction, Dr. Mostafa al-Feki, head of the library, writes about two great figures who left our world in the past few years, Pedagogist Dr. Hamed Ammar, and Islamic philosophy professor and former minister of Endowments Dr. Mahmoud Hamdy Zakzouk.

According to al-Feki, they both represented a vital example of creativity in their fields given their contributions in the movements of religious and civil education.

The issue also featured a number of articles, including “Judicature between Literature and Egyptian Cinema…Standing on the Edge of Reality” by Judge and novelist Ashraf al-Ashmawy; “Centennial of Hamed Ammar, Teacher of the Poor” by Dr. Kamal Mughith; “Raya and Sakina…Case that Fascinated Egyptians for 100 Years” by Editor-in-Chief Dr. Sameh Fawzi; “Route to Sidi Fathallah al-Ajami” by Dr. Mohammed Suleiman; “Queen Farida…Centennial of a Queen that Owned Egyptians’ Hearts” by researcher Mohammed Ghanima; “Popular Anniversary Celebrations…Tolerance Message from Egypt” by Dr. Doaa Bahieddine; “Alexandria and Golden Age of Cinema” by journalist Mohammed al-Malihi; “Neighborhoods, Lanes of Cairo in Modern Age” by Dr. Kamal Jamal Mahmoud; and “Scenes of Egyptian Cultural Diversity” by Dr. Sahar Hassan Ahmed.

This issue is a contribution to the magazine’s strategy in shedding lights on the different life aspect in Egypt, the creative historic and cultural manifestations, and the country’s connection to the Arab and international horizons.

Former issues contributing to this strategy include a special edition on the Nile which placed special emphasis on the river’s origins, myths, geographic features and popular heritage, and another that focused on the history of Egyptian summering. The magazine is also preparing a special issue on the civil work in the country in line with this year’s theme “2022: Year of Civil Society.”



KAUST: Unexpected Ecosystem Found Deep Below Red Sea Coral Reef

Located in Difat Farasan, also known as the Farasan Bank near the border between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, the deep waters were found to be inhabited by corals, fish, and other marine life not typically expected to survive in environments with such low oxygen and high acidity. (SPA)
Located in Difat Farasan, also known as the Farasan Bank near the border between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, the deep waters were found to be inhabited by corals, fish, and other marine life not typically expected to survive in environments with such low oxygen and high acidity. (SPA)
TT
20

KAUST: Unexpected Ecosystem Found Deep Below Red Sea Coral Reef

Located in Difat Farasan, also known as the Farasan Bank near the border between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, the deep waters were found to be inhabited by corals, fish, and other marine life not typically expected to survive in environments with such low oxygen and high acidity. (SPA)
Located in Difat Farasan, also known as the Farasan Bank near the border between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, the deep waters were found to be inhabited by corals, fish, and other marine life not typically expected to survive in environments with such low oxygen and high acidity. (SPA)

Scientists from Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and the National Center for Wildlife (NCW) have reported the discovery of an unusual ecosystem beneath the world’s third-largest coral reef system—and the largest in the Red Sea.

Located in Difat Farasan, also known as the Farasan Bank near the border between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, the deep waters were found to be inhabited by corals, fish, and other marine life not typically expected to survive in environments with such low oxygen and high acidity.

According to a statement by KAUST, several of the species displayed unexpected coping strategies in the extreme conditions. Fish exhibited slower swimming patterns, and corals remained healthy despite environmental factors that would normally inhibit the calcification process essential for coral growth and survival.

KAUST Research Scientist Dr. Shannon Klein, who led the study, said: “The ability for these animals to live in warm, oxygen-depleted zones suggests they have an unusual ability to reduce how much oxygen they use to sustain life. This discovery highlights the need for greater marine exploration of deeper layers in tropical coastal areas, as they may hold unexpected ecosystems.”

“Although underwater, fish, corals, and many other sea creatures need oxygen to survive. While their bodies have evolved differently from land animals to metabolize oxygen, they too asphyxiate if oxygen levels drop dangerously low. However, in the Red Sea, there are resistant ecosystems,” Klein added.

“Considering that oxygen depletion in the sea is one consequence of rising temperatures, greater study of how these creatures exist there may help us understand how marine life can withstand the challenges of climate change. Coral reefs usually exist in shallow waters. But the study found depressions that went more than 200 meters deep throughout the Farasan Bank coral reef system,” she said.

CEO of the National Center for Wildlife and contributor to the study Dr. Mohammad Qurban stated: “This research highlights the significance of the Red Sea as a natural laboratory for studying marine resilience. Discovering ecosystems that thrive in extreme conditions expands our understanding of how marine life adapts and reinforces the need for continued exploration and conservation of these unique habitats.”