Every year, life seems to move a little faster. Technology evolves, trends shift overnight, and the way we consume media transforms with it. Yet we remain endlessly curious about the days that came long before the noise, the notifications, and the nonstop rush of modern life. There’s something comforting about stepping into an era where streets looked different, and traditions carried a different rhythm. These are the Ramadan series that brought us as close as we can get to living in those simpler times.
Saraya Abdeen – Late 1860s to 1890s
Set during the reign of Khedive Isma’il Pasha since 1866, the drama transports us straight into the lavish corridors of Abdeen Palace, where power, politics, and passion intertwine behind closed doors. At the heart of the story lies the Harem, where rivalry simmers as its women compete for the ruler’s affection. Led by a strong cast including Youssra, Nelly Karim, and Ghada Adel, the series delivers grandeur, drama, and performances that more than live up to expectations.
Haret El Yahood – Late 1940s to 1950s
This poignant social drama brings history to life with a deeply human lens, tracing everyday experiences in Cairo’s Jewish alley in Old Cairo from the 1948 Palestine War to the 1956 Tripartite Aggression. Haret El Yahood unfolds against a backdrop of political upheaval, yet at its heart lies an intimate love story between an Egyptian army officer, Ali, and a Jewish woman, Layla. Through their relationship, the series explores religious coexistence, rising tensions, and the impact of Zionism on Egypt’s Jewish community.
Grand Hotel – 1950s
Set in the 1950s, this drama pulled us in with its distinctive set design and accurate period costumes, recreating the era in striking detail. The story follows Ali (Amr Youssef) as he searches for answers behind his sister’s sudden disappearance, a journey that leads him deep into the hidden secrets of the grand hotel. Along the way, he meets Nazly (Amina Khalil), and the plot quickly unfolds into a love story layered with intrigue, suspense, and romance.
Wahet El Ghoroub – Late 19th Century
Transporting viewers to the 19th century in all its glory, this sweeping period drama unfolds against the striking backdrop of Egypt’s Siwa Oasis. The story follows Egyptian police officer Mahmoud Abdel Zaher (Khaled Nabawy), who is transferred to the remote oasis alongside his Irish wife Catherine (Menna Shalaby). Together, they navigate the unexpected challenges of life at the remote oasis.
Layali Eugenie – 1940s
Set against the elegance of the 1940s, this drama revives the era through an intimate story that viewers can’t help but connect with. It follows Farid (Dhafer L’Abidine), whose life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Cariman (Amina Khalil), a mysterious, estranged woman trying to escape Cairo and the weight of her past. As he becomes drawn to her, what begins as chance soon unfolds into a layered romance.
Aho Da Ely Sar – Late 1910s to 2019
Blending the old with the new, this compelling drama highlights the evolving struggles of Egyptian women across generations. Set in Alexandria, the story unfolds through the lives of its inhabitants over 100 years, spanning different social classes and capturing the personal impacts of major political events, including the 1919 Revolution.
Al Hashashin – 11th century
In this gripping historical drama, the series brings to life the true story of the legendary Order of Assassins, or Al Hashashin, a secretive military order founded by Hasan-i Sabbah in 1090. Portrayed by Karim Abdel Aziz, Hasan-i Sabbah leads a group whose daring and deadly operations struck fear into rulers and reshaped the political landscape of their time. Through a tense blend of strategy and intrigue, the series delves into the shadowy world of the Assassins and the legacy of their notorious crimes.
Whether tracing political upheavals or intimate romances, these period dramas bring history to life through stories that resonate today. They prove that even in a modern world, the past still has the power to captivate.
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