Located in Alexandria, Al-Max, also known as “Qaryat Al-Sayadin” or The Fishermen’s Village, is best known for its vibrant fishing industry, featuring a bustling fish market and a variety of seafood restaurants. The Egyptian government is actively revitalizing Al-Max, which is classified as a second-degree unsafe area on the national map of the Slum Development Fund. While social media often showcases the charming fishermen’s boats and quaint houses, creating the impression of a small, picturesque setting, Al-Max actually encompasses a much larger area, with Qaryat Al-Sayadin representing only a small fraction of its 4.80 km². Photographer Abdullah Salah, known for his previous work “The Blue Hour in Cairo,” embarked on a journey to capture the essence of the Al-Max lighthouse after discovering it through a post on FujiFilm Egypt’s Instagram. Intrigued by its historical significance and the lack of contemporary images following its renovation, he joined FujiFilm Egypt’s Photowalk to document this remarkable site. “It was very unexpected,” Abdullah shared with Egyptian Streets. “As soon as we arrived before sunrise, the view was breathtaking. Fishermen began arriving with their boats, preparing for the day ahead. It was crazy to see…
Photo-Essay: The Timeless Allure of Al-Max Lighthouse
February 12, 2025
By Belal Nawar
Senior Journalist
