18 Shots of the Revolutionary Art in the Streets of Egypt


By Joburg Post

Street art has always been a means of documenting events, dreams, ambitions, and messages. In Egypt, it has spread widely, especially after the revolution, when the art represented the images that the new generation wanted for the future.  It was largely influenced by the history and the intense political situation. Despite the continuous attempts to erase these drawings, they keep on showing up every time. Here we document some of the revolutionary art found on the streets of Egypt.

Enough Sir Sayed

 © WOMEN ON WALLS EGYPT / flickr

An image showing one of Naguib Mahfouz’s “Palace Walk” characters, Amina, who represents the submission to the patriarchy. The figure of Amina is surrounded by women who represent the complete opposite, like Latifa El Zayat, Umm Kulthum, and Nefertiti.

Why Are You Frowning? Come Dance with Me

© Rafiq Mahfouz

An image drawn on one of Hoda Sharaawi Street’s buildings by a 19-year-old engineering student, Ahmed Hafez. The writings say “why are you frowning, come dance with me” and is quoting a Lebanese song. Hafez’s beautiful soul left our world a few years ago, but it is still remembered by this lovely painting.

Don’t Forget

Don’t Forget | © Mark Muehlhaeusler / flickr

A figure of one of the Egyptian Revolution‘s martyrs’, drawn on the walls of Mohamed Mahmoud street, holding a piece of paper with his name and his death date written on it with “Don’t forget why i died” written under the figure.

Revolution Is Art

Revolution is art | © Gigi Ibrahim / flickr

With a ballerina on the right and a rebel on the left, revolution is art and art is revolution.

No Wall

 No Wall | © Gigi Ibrahim / flickr

On a wall that was built to block one on Al Tahrir Square’s streets, the no wall graffiti is drawn.

We Won’t Forget You

We Won’t Forget You | © Gigi Ibrahim / flickr

A mural of some of Port Said martyrs who died while supporting their football team.

You’re Half of the Society

You’re Half of the Society | © WOMEN ON WALLS EGYPT / flickr

There is wisdom and intelligence that lies beneath the beauty. You, the woman, are half of the society.

Art Is Not a Taboo

Art is not a taboo | © Gigi Ibrahim / flickr

A painting of Umm Kulthum with “art is not a taboo,” written next to it.


Do Not Reconcile

Do Not Reconcile | © Gigi Ibrahim / flickr

A figure quoting Amal Dunqul’s poem “Do not reconcile.” Do no reconcile even if they offer you gold, do not accept anything except what you want”.

Mother of Martyr

Mother of Martyr | © Gigi Ibrahim / flickr

A mural for a mother of one of the revolution’s martyrs holding the picture of her son.

Dance to the Tunes of the Revolution

Dancing to the Tunes of the Revolution | © Gigi Ibrahim / flickr

Dance to the melodies of the revolution, say “No” to the emergency law.

Be with the Revolution

Be with the Revolution | © Gigi Ibrahim

A sentence written on one of Egypt’s streets walls asking people to “be with the revolution.”

A Free Area

A Free Area | © Gigi Ibrahim / flickr

On one of Al Tahrir Square’s walls is drawn a figure saying “El Tahrir Square, a free area.”

Freedom Isn’t for Free

Freedom Is Not for Free | © Gigi Ibrahim / flickr

Just a gentle reminder, freedom has its price.

Your Love is Freedom

Your Love is Freedom | © Gigi Ibrahim

A mural quoting one of Mohamed Mounir’s (a famous Egyptian singer) songs that says “Your love is freedom.”

Silence Is Not for Us

Silence Is Not for Us | © Gigi Ibrahim / flickr

A rebel who lost one of his eyes during the revolution with “Silence isn’t for us” next to his painting.

We Don’t Die

We Don’t Die | © Gigi Ibrahim / flickr

A mural shows a rebel being shot, but the caption says that rebels don’t die.

No Reconciliation

No Reconciliation | © Gigi Ibrahim / flickr

A mural of some of the revolution’s martyrs and prisoners, also quoting Amal Dunqul’s poem “Do Not Reconcile.”

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