Tahrir

We were told the best way to get to Tahrir would be by taxi, no cars other than ambulances were allowed inside. A short cab ride later, my cousin Sherin and I enter Tahrir Square from Zamalek through Kasr el Nile, the bridge that connects Dokki and Zamalek with Tahrir. The make-shift check point was a breeze compared to the past few days. With an Egyptian birth certificate, I passed through the first check, though I think I may have walked past the man frisking for weapons and such….ooops. Entry gets difficult without and Egyptian ID or Press ID when walking in with camera equipment, so these are the things I’ve been working on getting since I arrived. Unfortunately the Govt offices have been closed for holiday since I landed, but luckily I have a guide.

Upon entering, smoke stacks rise above the crowd bellowing a bouquet  of roasting sweet potatoes and corn while other local vendors hustle Egyptian flags and scarves to the approaching masses. Through watching the TV screens, I was curious about the centered tent city, a make-shift hospital by civilians and doctors built in the midst of the violence and protests days before this was a busy epicenter for the wounded. After walking through a maze of guide wires and tent lashings, we  entered the center of Tahrir Square. Today this tent city provides a haven for those wounded and friends to collaborate and talk about politics, the new PM, and the elections to come. We spoke to one of the doctors taking post to keep people out of the medical area to see how things were going. Lifting a cigarette to his lips with his latex encased hand he says they have a surplus of medical supplies thanks to the donations from civilians.

Those protesting, looked to news cameras on the ground and in the windows of surrounding buildings, consumed by news networks and reporters, to recite political chants and share their stories and opinions. The Egyptian news networks show a 24 hr view of Tahrir, which makes those watching at home anxious to participate…mainly myself.

It was amazing to be there, where I had been watching from afar for so long. It is difficult as a photographer without credentials and a lack of an extensive  knowledge of the language to move freely. My knowledge of the language stops at everyday vernacular, when it comes to politics and medical jargon I am handicapped. Without an viewable press pass, passer-bys continually question my motives as not to give Egypt a bad name or to put these happenings in a bad light. Luckily for me, my guide, my cousin Sherin was there to settle any disputes while giving me the opportunity to shoot in some of the calmer areas. In the upcoming days, as government offices open and I continue to make connections with news networks back home and here, I hope to be able to get all my credentials to freely shoot without question in all areas of Tahrir Square.

Although the carnage is great for the news coverage and photographers, its more amazing to see peace and camaraderie amongst Egyptians. Not coptics, not muslim, not seculars and non, but Egyptians through and through.

More images: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sharifhassan/sets/72157628322665191/

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