Russian President's Envoy Visits Suleiman Johar Market

Alexei Vasiliev, the personal envoy of the Russian President for 30 years, visited the Suleiman Gohar market in the Dokki area to buy some Egyptian fruits. Vasiliev was happy to return to a place he used to frequent in the sixties while he was a student at Cairo University's Faculty of Arts. During his stay, he lived in the university city and would often visit Suleiman Gohar Market to buy food and fruits.

Vasiliev has beautiful memories of his youth, and he remembers all the support he received from his Egyptian teachers and colleagues. He deeply immersed himself in Egyptian life and cuisine, loving famous Egyptian dishes such as 'Foul Medams' (fava beans), falafel, and koshari. He fondly recalls celebrating major national holidays with their beautiful Eastern rituals, as well as the traditions of the holy month of Ramadan and the group breakfasts he shared with his Egyptian brothers.

The chief Russian orientalist expressed his amazement about his visit to Egypt, stating that he cannot believe that his last visit was five years ago. He eagerly anticipates visiting Egypt frequently in the future. Sherif Gad, responsible for cultural activity at the Russian Cultural Center and head of the Egyptian Association for Graduates of Russian and Soviet Universities, accompanied Vasiliev on his tour of the places he loved in his youth when he was a student at Cairo University. Vasiliev was noted for his sense of humor in dealing with vendors and simple people, and his deep love for Egypt and its people. He is now preparing to publish his latest book, which deals with life in Egypt.

Contributed by Ahmed Emam