“This is not only a café, we support co-existence among the diverse cultures and classes of society,” says Shaima about her project Mishkat (lantern), which she launched with her friend Shurouq. “We also promote tolerance and hope this place will be like a lantern that radiates awareness and understanding.”

“This is not only a café, we support co-existence among the diverse cultures and classes of society,” says Shaima about her project Mishkat (lantern), which she launched with her friend Shurouq. “We also promote tolerance and hope this place will be like a lantern that radiates awareness and understanding.”

Having graduated from the College of Pharmacy in 2012, a discipline far removed from their cherished dream of a space that brings people together away from any sort of political differences that have  plagued young people’s life, Shaima and Shurouq managed to realize their dream.

“We have a book club where customers gather to read and discuss a book and exchange views about it,” says Shurouq.  “This month, ‘Granada Trilogy’ by Radwa Ashour and ‘The Forty Rules of Love’ by Turkish writer Elif Shafak were discussed. ‘1984’ by English author George Orwell and ‘Islam between East and West’ by former Bosnian President Alija Izetbegovi are to be discussed next month.

On every Thursday evening, a film is shown, followed by an open discussion about direction, script, montage, characters and their dramatic dimensions. Music fans find inspiration in a lute player who innovatively revives classic songs. We also organize courses in marketing, business administration, calligraphy, photography, music and English.”

Mishkat is comprised of the Saha, a cozy and convenient section in which friends gather to enjoy the traditional ambiance of popular coffeehouses. There is also a library for those who wish to read, borrow or even donate books, which aims to promote the spirit of sharing.

The Atfa is a traditional Arabic-style space furnished with carpets and low tables where people sit on the floor. This area allows for private reading. It only takes five people to enable customers to have a quiet atmosphere and concentration. Mobile phones are not allowed in this section. The Mashrabiya is designed for students working on their theses, participating in seminars or receiving specialized training.

There is also the Iwan with designs and decorations inspired by the Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah Mosque, famous for its mural paintings and green curtains. The Iwan has been earmarked for workshops and for screening films on Thursdays.

The kitchen serves beverages and food at cost price, using self-service and even self-checkout where the incurred bill can be settled by placing the money into an open box, without being checked by anyone, save the conscience of customers themselves.