Raml Station: The story of the square that hasn't slept for a century
Kareem Ibrahim —
Kareem Ibrahim —
Written by Karim Ibrahim Abdel Aziz
Photography by Karim Ibrahim Abdel Aziz
The photographer’s eye cannot miss the charm of Raml Station. It is not merely a transportation hub in the heart of Alexandria, but a “living painting” that blends classical architectural styles with the bustle of modern life. Through my lens, I tried to document this unique contrast in a panoramic shot that gathers time and place within a single frame.
Trianon Building: The Pink Witness to History
Dominating the panoramic image is the famous Trianon Building, distinguished by its pink color and European Neoclassical style. Dating back to the early twentieth century, this building was not just a residential structure; its ground floor housed the historic Trianon Café, once a gathering place for intellectuals and writers, most notably Constantine P. Cavafy, who lived and worked in this area for many years.
The Horse Carriage... The Hidden Hero of the Frame
At the center of the image appears the Alexandrian horse carriage, with its classic design. It is not merely a tourist attraction, but a delicate thread connecting us to the era of wooden carriages before cars took over the square. Its presence among modern storefront signs and technology agencies creates a visual sense of nostalgia that makes Alexandria’s identity unlike any other city.
The Philosophy of Light and Sea
In the second shot, it was essential to capture the spirit of the square through nature’s perspective. Sunset over the rocky shore opposite the square offers the calm needed to absorb the city’s noise. Using a low-angle perspective in photography transformed the rocks of the shoreline into a solid base embracing Alexandria’s setting sun—a moment that always reminds us of Bride of the Mediterranean, forever renewed with every dawn.
Final Word
Documenting Raml Station today is a trust we pass on to future generations. Buildings may change with time, and signs may be replaced, but the spirit of the place remains محفوظة in the memory of visual archiving that we strive to build day after day.