The international political sphere has been riding one wave of turbulence after the other, prompting an increased number of pointed fingers and a growing gap between people. Meanwhile in the world of culture, literature and books, one Egyptian chain of bookstores set out to spread what the Arab culture is truly about beyond the Middle East. Alef Bookstores, a chain of over 30 branches across Egypt, has now extended its reach into the heart of the British capital, London. “In a cosmopolitan city like London, there is a huge unaddressed demand for Arabic literature and culture alike,” says Ahmed Rahmy, general manager at Alef Bookstores. “With the recent shutting down of many independent bookstores across London, and the domination of two big chains, Alef is hoping to bring the city’s readers a different array of books as well as become a hub for the Arabic culture.” With over 45,000 copies in stock, the bookstore – which lies on one of London’s most toursity streets, Baker Street – presents a variety of reads ranging from English books, translated Arabic literature and non-fiction books, as well as Arabic books in their original language. “Although…
