What is Al-Ahram and when was it founded?

Al-Ahram is an Egyptian daily newspaper, founded on August 5, 1876. It is the most widely circulating daily newspaper in Egypt and is considered a newspaper of record for the country.

What is the literal translation of 'Al-Ahram' and what is its significance?

The name 'Al-Ahram' literally translates to 'The Pyramids' in Arabic. This name is significant as it connects the newspaper to one of Egypt's most iconic and enduring symbols.

How does Al-Ahram compare in age to other Egyptian newspapers?

Al-Ahram, founded in 1876, is the second-oldest newspaper in Egypt, following Al-Waqa'i al-Misriyya, which was established in 1828.

Who owns Al-Ahram newspaper?

Al-Ahram newspaper is majority-owned by the Egyptian government. It is published by the Al-Ahram Publishing House.

What is Al-Ahram's influence on the Arabic language?

Due to the many varieties of the Arabic language, Al-Ahram is widely regarded as a highly influential source for establishing and maintaining a standard writing style in Arabic.

How was Al-Ahram described in comparison to major Western newspapers in 1950?

In 1950, the Middle East Institute described Al-Ahram as being to the Arabic-reading public in its distribution area what The Times is to Englishmen and The New York Times is to Americans, highlighting its significant influence and prestige.

What criticisms have been leveled against Al-Ahram regarding government influence?

Despite its influence, Al-Ahram has frequently faced accusations of being heavily influenced and subject to censorship by the Egyptian government.

Besides its main edition, what other editions does Al-Ahram publish?

In addition to its primary edition in Egypt, Al-Ahram publishes two other Arabic-language editions—one for the Arab world and another for an international audience. It also produces editions in English and French.

Where and when was Al-Ahram founded?

Al-Ahram was founded in Alexandria, Egypt, in 1876.

Who were the founders of Al-Ahram?

Al-Ahram was founded by two Lebanese Melkite Christian brothers: Beshara Takla and Saleem Takla.

What was the initial publication frequency of Al-Ahram?

Initially, Al-Ahram began as a weekly newspaper, with its first issue appearing on August 5, 1876, published every Saturday.

When did Al-Ahram transition to a daily publication?

The newspaper was relaunched as a daily newspaper in January 1881.

What was the original headquarters of Al-Ahram, and when did it move?

Al-Ahram's headquarters was originally in Alexandria. It was moved to Cairo in November 1899.

Who were some notable early writers for Al-Ahram?

Early writers for Al-Ahram included prominent religious innovators Muhammad Abduh and Jamal al-Din al-Afghani.

Who succeeded Beshara Takla as editor of Al-Ahram?

Upon the death of Beshara Takla, Daud Barakat, a Lebanese journalist, was appointed as the editor of the daily newspaper in 1901.

Who was the editor of Al-Ahram in the early 1920s?

In the early 1920s, Muhib Al Din Al Khatib, a Syrian journalist, served as the editor of Al-Ahram.

When did Mohamed Hassanein Heikal become editor-in-chief of Al-Ahram, and what was the paper's status then?

Mohamed Hassanein Heikal was made editor-in-chief of Al-Ahram in 1957 by President Gamal Abdel Nasser, and the paper subsequently gained semi-official status.

What significant legal action was taken regarding Al-Ahram in 1960?

In 1960, President Nasser passed a law that eliminated the ownership of private newspapers, leading to the nationalization of Al-Ahram.

How did Al-Ahram fare internationally under Nasser's era?

Under President Nasser's administration, Al-Ahram became an internationally respected newspaper.

When and where did Al-Ahram move its headquarters in the 1960s?

In the 1960s, Al-Ahram moved to a new headquarters located in Boulaq, Cairo.

What technological acquisition did Al-Ahram pursue in 1965?

In 1965, under Heikal's leadership, Al-Ahram contacted the Mergenthaler Linotype Company to acquire state-of-the-art Elektron linecasters, indicating a focus on production quality.

What were the circulation figures for Al-Ahram in 1937 and 1947?

In 1937, Al-Ahram's circulation was between 45,000 and 50,000 copies. By 1947, this figure had increased to 90,000 copies.

How did Al-Ahram's circulation compare to Al Akhbar in 1976?

In 1976, Al-Ahram had a circulation of 520,000 copies, making it the second-most read daily newspaper in Egypt, surpassed only by Al Akhbar.

What was Al-Ahram's circulation in the year 2000?

In the year 2000, Al-Ahram's circulation reached 1.2 million copies.

What is the Al-Ahram Publishing House, and what role does the daily newspaper play within it?

The Al-Ahram Publishing House is the largest publishing entity in Egypt, and Al-Ahram daily serves as its flagship publication.

Which Egyptian government body reportedly controlled Al-Ahram's content?

According to the source, Al-Ahram's content was controlled by the Egyptian Ministry of Information, though this claim is marked with a citation needed tag.

What is the purpose of the pan-Arab edition of Al-Ahram, known as Al Ahram Al Arabiya?

Al Ahram Al Arabiya is the pan-Arab Arabic-language edition of the paper, intended for readers in the Arab World and Egyptian expatriates residing in Arab countries. It is published daily in several Gulf states and distributed widely in the region.

When was the international Arabic-language edition, Al Ahram al Duwali, launched, and where is it distributed?

Al Ahram al Duwali, an international Arabic-language edition, has been published daily in London since 1984. It is printed in London and Paris and distributed across Europe, the USA, Canada, and Egypt.

What foreign-language weekly versions does Al-Ahram produce?

Al-Ahram produces two foreign-language weekly versions: the English-language Al-Ahram Weekly, founded in 1991, and the French-language Al-Ahram Hebdo.

What is the name of Al-Ahram's English-language news website, and what recognition has it received?

Al-Ahram's English-language news website is called Ahram Online. It was recognized by Forbes Middle East as the most popular news portal in the Arab world between August 2011 and August 2012.

What recognition did Al-Ahram's Arabic news website receive in 2010?

In 2010, Al-Ahram's Arabic news website was ranked as the 20th most visited website in the MENA region.

How is Al-Ahram Foundation managed, and what is its relationship with the government?

Al-Ahram is owned by the Al-Ahram Foundation, which is managed by the Egyptian government's 'Supreme Council of Press'. This indicates a close relationship and oversight by the state.

How did Al-Ahram function as a voice for the Egyptian government under Mohammad Hassanein Haykal?

Mohammad Hassanein Haykal, the long-term editor of Al-Ahram, was a confidant of President Nasser and, during his tenure, the newspaper served as the semi-official voice of the Egyptian government.

What is the government's role in appointing editors at Al-Ahram?

The Egyptian government owns a controlling share of Al-Ahram's stock and is responsible for appointing its editors. This practice implies a degree of state control over the newspaper's leadership.

How did Al-Ahram cover opposition parties under President Hosni Mubarak?

Under President Hosni Mubarak, Al-Ahram largely ignored and trivialized opposition parties that challenged his ruling National Democratic Party. Direct criticism of the government was seldom published in the newspaper.

What did the Anti-Defamation League report about Al-Ahram's editorial freedom in 2005?

In 2005, the Anti-Defamation League reviewed Arab newspapers and stated that Al-Ahram was given substantial leeway by the government, provided it avoided certain 'taboo' subjects.

What did Reporters Without Borders report regarding press freedom and Al-Ahram in 2005?

Reporters Without Borders reported in 2005 that editorials in many newspapers, including Al-Ahram, had become increasingly critical of the National Democratic Party's dominance and the corruption associated with the Mubarak regime.

What specific incident in September 2010 caused controversy for Al-Ahram?

Al-Ahram generated controversy in September 2010 when it was revealed that the newspaper had altered a photograph of Middle East leaders with President Barack Obama. The alteration placed Egyptian President Mubarak in the front of the group, despite him being in the rearmost position in the original photo.

How did Al-Ahram's editor-in-chief defend the doctored photograph?

Osama Saraya, Al-Ahram's editor-in-chief at the time, defended the altered photo by stating it was intended to emphasize Egypt's leading role in the peace process and underscore President Mubarak's prominent stance on the Palestinian issue.

Who served as editor-in-chief of Al-Ahram for a significant period in the mid-20th century?

Mohamed Hassanein Heikal served as the long-term editor-in-chief of Al-Ahram, holding the position from August 1957 to 1974.

Who were the editors-in-chief of Al-Ahram between 1974 and 2006?

Ali Amin served as editor-in-chief from 1974 to 1976. He was succeeded by Ibrahim Nafie, who held the position from 1978 until July 2006.

Who succeeded Ibrahim Nafie as editor-in-chief in 2005?

Osama Saraya replaced Ibrahim Nafie as the editor-in-chief of Al-Ahram in July 2005.

Who appointed Abdel Nasser Salama as editor-in-chief in August 2012?

Abdel Nasser Salama was appointed editor-in-chief of Al-Ahram in August 2012 by the Egyptian Shura Council.

When did Alaa Thabet become the editor-in-chief of Al-Ahram?

Alaa Thabet became the editor-in-chief of Al-Ahram in May 2017.

Name three notable writers who have contributed to Al-Ahram.

Three notable writers who have contributed to Al-Ahram include Taha Hussein, Naguib Mahfouz (who won the Nobel Prize in Literature), and Edward Said.

Which Nobel Prize winner is listed among Al-Ahram's notable writers?

Naguib Mahfouz, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1988, is listed among Al-Ahram's notable writers.

What is the official website for Al-Ahram?

The official website for Al-Ahram is ahram.org.eg.

What is the format of Al-Ahram newspaper?

Al-Ahram is published in a broadsheet format, which is a large-print newspaper size.

What languages are used in Al-Ahram's publications?

Al-Ahram publishes content in Arabic, English, and French.

What was the political alignment of Al-Ahram between 1978 and 2011?

From 1978 to 2011, Al-Ahram's political alignment was associated with the National Democratic Party (Egypt).

What is the current political alignment status of Al-Ahram as of the source's information?

As of the information provided (2011-present), Al-Ahram's political alignment is listed as uncertain.

Al-ahram Wiki: Al-Ahram: Chronicle of an Egyptian Institution

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Foundation & Early Years

Genesis of a Giant

Established on August 5, 1876, in Alexandria, Al-Ahram was founded by the Lebanese Christian brothers, Beshara and Saleem Takla. Initially conceived as a weekly publication, its inaugural issue marked the beginning of a long and influential journey in Egyptian media.

Shaping Arabic Discourse

From its early days, Al-Ahram was recognized for its significant contribution to the Arabic language's written style. Its influence was so profound that by 1950, the Middle East Institute likened its standing among Arabic readers to that of The Times in Britain and The New York Times in the United States, highlighting its role as a newspaper of record.

Geographic Roots

The newspaper's headquarters were initially located in Alexandria. However, in November 1899, it relocated to Cairo, consolidating its operations and solidifying its presence in the nation's capital. This move facilitated a unified editorial direction, merging previous separate editions.

Evolution and Nationalization

Transition to Daily Publication

The publication rapidly evolved from its weekly origins. By January 1881, Al-Ahram had successfully transitioned into a daily newspaper, increasing its frequency and reach. This shift allowed it to become a more immediate and consistent source of news and analysis for its readership.

State Control and Semi-Official Status

A pivotal moment in Al-Ahram's history occurred in 1960 when, under President Gamal Abdel Nasser's administration, it was nationalized. Prior to this, Mohamed Hassanein Heikal, appointed editor-in-chief in 1957, had already elevated the paper's standing, making it a semi-official voice of the Egyptian government.

Technological Advancements

Under Heikal's tenure, the paper pursued high production standards. In 1965, efforts were made to acquire state-of-the-art printing technology, such as the Elektron linecasters from Mergenthaler Linotype Company, reflecting a commitment to modernizing its operations and output quality.

Diverse Editions and Reach

Pan-Arab and International Presence

Al-Ahram extends its influence beyond Egypt through various editions. Al Ahram Al Arabiya caters to the broader Arab world and Egyptian expatriates, with daily publications in several Gulf states. An international Arabic edition, Al Ahram al Duwali, has been published from London and Paris since 1984, serving readers across Europe and North America.

Multilingual Publications

In addition to its core Arabic editions, Al-Ahram publishes weekly versions in other languages. The English-language Al-Ahram Weekly, established in 1991, and the French-language Al-Ahram Hebdo, provide perspectives for international audiences.

Circulation and Readership

Al-Ahram boasts substantial circulation figures, with approximately 1,000,000 copies distributed daily and 1,200,000 on Fridays. This wide reach underscores its position as one of the most widely read newspapers in Egypt and the region.

Government Influence and Editorial Stance

State Ownership and Control

As a majority-owned entity of the Egyptian government, Al-Ahram's editorial direction is significantly shaped by state interests. The Supreme Council of Press manages the Al-Ahram Foundation, and editors are appointed by the state, implying an expectation of loyalty.

Accusations of Censorship and Bias

The newspaper has faced accusations of heavy influence and censorship by the Egyptian government. During the Mubarak era, Al-Ahram was noted for largely overlooking or downplaying opposition parties and refraining from direct criticism of the ruling National Democratic Party. Reports from organizations like Reporters Without Borders have detailed government interference through control of printing presses and editor appointments.

Controversial Image Manipulation

In September 2010, Al-Ahram drew controversy for altering a photograph of Middle East leaders with U.S. President Barack Obama. The newspaper digitally manipulated the image to place Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in a more prominent position, which was defended as an artistic expression of Egypt's leading role in peace initiatives.

Notable Contributors

Literary and Political Figures

Al-Ahram has been a platform for many influential writers, intellectuals, and political figures throughout its history. Its pages have featured contributions from individuals who have shaped discourse across various fields.

Founders: Beshara Takla, Saleem Takla
Early Influences: Muhammad Abduh, Jamal al-Din al-Afghani
Editors-in-Chief: Mohamed Hassanein Heikal, Ibrahim Nafie, Osama Saraya, Alaa Thabet
Prominent Writers: Taha Hussein, Yusuf Idris, Naguib Mahfouz (Nobel Laureate), Anis Mansour, Joseph Massad, Edward Said, Ahdaf Soueif

Digital Presence and Modern Era

Ahram Online

Al-Ahram maintains a robust online presence. Its English-language news website, Ahram Online (https://english.ahram.org.eg/), provides continuous updates and analysis. The Arabic news website has also garnered significant attention, recognized for its popularity in the MENA region.

Recognition and Popularity

In 2012, Al-Ahram's Arabic online portal was named the most popular news portal in the Arab world by Forbes Middle East. This digital recognition highlights the newspaper's adaptability and continued relevance in the contemporary media landscape.

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References

Islam, 2002, p. 277.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Al-Ahram Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. It is presented to provide a comprehensive overview suitable for academic study.

This is not professional media or political analysis. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for expert consultation in journalism, political science, or historical research. Always refer to primary sources and consult with qualified professionals for in-depth analysis or specific project needs. Never disregard professional advice because of information found on this website.

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Al-Ahram: Chronicle of an Egyptian Institution

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Foundation & Early Years 🏛️

🗓️ Genesis of a Giant

✍️ Shaping Arabic Discourse

📍 Geographic Roots

Evolution and Nationalization 📈

📰 Transition to Daily Publication

🏛️ State Control and Semi-Official Status

🚀 Technological Advancements

Diverse Editions and Reach 🌐

🌍 Pan-Arab and International Presence

🗣️ Multilingual Publications

📊 Circulation and Readership

Government Influence and Editorial Stance ⚖️

🏢 State Ownership and Control

🧐 Accusations of Censorship and Bias

📸 Controversial Image Manipulation

Notable Contributors 🧑‍🏫

🖋️ Literary and Political Figures

Digital Presence and Modern Era 💻

🖥️ Ahram Online

🏆 Recognition and Popularity

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Foundation & Early Years

Genesis of a Giant

Shaping Arabic Discourse

Geographic Roots

Evolution and Nationalization

Transition to Daily Publication

State Control and Semi-Official Status

Technological Advancements

Diverse Editions and Reach

Pan-Arab and International Presence

Multilingual Publications

Circulation and Readership

Government Influence and Editorial Stance

State Ownership and Control

Accusations of Censorship and Bias

Controversial Image Manipulation

Notable Contributors

Literary and Political Figures

Digital Presence and Modern Era

Ahram Online

Recognition and Popularity

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice