ZARAFA

Exhibition of appliquéd tapestries made with cairene tent makers depicting the journey of the Zarafa at the Museum of Agriculture in Cairo last weekend.

The Zarafa is a beloved symbol of the diplomatic friendship between Egypt and France. The story of how the giraffe came to France is a fascinating tale of international diplomacy and cross-cultural exchange.

In 1826, the Egyptian ruler, Muhammad Ali Pasha, wanted to establish friendly relations with France, so he decided to send a gift to King Charles X of France. The gift was a young giraffe named Zarafa, which had been captured in Sudan and brought to Egypt.

The journey from Egypt to France was arduous, and the giraffe was accompanied by a team of caretakers to ensure her well-being. Upon her arrival in Marseille, Zarafa caused a sensation among the French people, who had never seen a giraffe before. She was then transported to Paris, where she was housed in the Jardin des Plantes, a botanical garden and zoological park.

Zarafa quickly became a beloved figure in France, and her image was featured on everything from porcelain figurines to wallpaper. Her story also inspired countless works of art, literature, and music.

Today, the Zarafa remains a symbol of the enduring friendship between Egypt and France. Her story serves as a reminder of the power of cultural exchange and the importance of building bridges between nations.

Photographs by Ahmed Fouad Abou Bakr

DESERT DE NUBIE, DIAMETER : 100 cm