Alexandria
With us on board, the train pulled out of Dayrout and sped
towards its destination, Alexandria. It was a special train for
students and it stopped only once in Cairo then rolled on to Alexandria…This
was the summer of 56 in the past century. At the time, my scholastic knowledge
about Alexandria, its military and political
history, was very limited. Nonetheless, I was fully conscious of its important
position and cultural prestige, an awareness that was imparted through whatever
cultural diffusion means available then…The moment for meeting Alexandria had
arrived ...I turned towards the sea...and for the first time caught sight of
large quantities of sea air, vast expanses of blue water and marveled at the
waves as they broke vigorously …These where the moments when I realized that I
stood before a new source of inspiration…one that took hold of every iota of my
imagination..
Alexandria, at the time, possessed a special kind of
attraction…it was friendly and radiant, aware of its magic and confident of its
beauty…It came across as if it were an independent planet whose inhabitants
inhaled the fragrance of freedom, tolerance, eloquence and nobility…a planet
whose spiritual environment invites the visitor to soar, meditate and create.
On Alexandria’s shore, I enjoyed listening to
chants, hymns and melodies that reflected the interaction and continuity
between the harmony of its classic architecture, the motion of water, air and
waves and the pace of its worldly Alexandrian citizens.
Days and eras came and went…My encounters with Alexandria increased and my understanding of
its roots became more profound. I could trace the source of decay that sapped
its vitality and partly effaced its grace and sensed the impact of time on its
citizens… But whoever loved this city as I do will continue to revere its
history and defend its glory, splendor and universal culture…Alexandria was
built and founded to serve as a beacon of light and crossroads of civilizations
and cultures…Century after century, it continued to radiate beauty, wisdom and
knowledge…It continued to sing songs of love, harmony and peace among people…It
glorified the thinking of philosophers, intellectuals, musicians and artists…I
love Alexandria and adore it. I place my trust in its future.
Farghali
Abdel Hafiz
