Amidst all the faded glamour and crumbling facades in its neighbourhood the American University's downtown campus has long been a thriving beacon of beauty and excellence. That, however, was before the headquarters of the Middle East's premier educational institution were moved to new, shiny premises in New Cairo. Fortunately, the old campus with its moorish arches and mashrabiya panels is still open to the public and remains an oasis of green and calm in central Cairo, literally on the doorstep of the urban blight that is Tahrir Square. Come here on a Saturday morning for a leisurely stroll through the lush gardens and deserted hallways, take a peek at the splendid Oriental Hall and marvel at the many intricate details of this architectural masterpiece. Then, head to the AUC bookstore at the back of the building and browse to your heart's content through thousands of books spanning several languages and sections. It's easily one of the best and well-stocked bookstores in the country. Plus, the sleek wood and glass interior gives it a refreshing feel that is in stark contrast to the ornate decor of the rest of the campus. Let's hope it will still be open for a while. Entrance from Mohammed Mahmoud.
http://www.aucpress.com/t-aucbookstores.aspx
No comments:
Post a Comment