First issue of Al-Ahram published in Alexandria

Background. Al-Ahram, meaning 'The Pyramids', was established in 1876 in Alexandria, Egypt's principal seaport and largest city on the Mediterranean coast. The city had undergone modernization under Muhammad Ali, considered the founder of modern Egypt, who implemented infrastructure projects and modernisation efforts in the early 19th century.

Publication Details. The newspaper began as a weekly publication issued every Saturday. It is recognized as the second-oldest Egyptian newspaper after Al-Waqa'i' al-Misriyya, which was founded in 1828. Al-Ahram has since become the most widely circulating Egyptian daily newspaper.

Founders. The founders, Beshara and Saleem Takla, were Lebanese Melkite Christians. Their establishment of Al-Ahram in Alexandria contributed to the city's cultural and journalistic landscape, which had been revitalized by infrastructure projects and modernization efforts in the 19th century.