For some years now the face of Egyptian cities has been changing drastically. Under the influence of Egyptian and Arab investors, enclosed shopping malls and other places for spending leisure time have been rising, all referring to global, Western standards. These are regarded as symbols of modernity, while religious expressions and values are increasingly seen as representative of the Arab culture that resists Western cultural domination. In reality, Boutros argues, the lines dividing the modern and traditional are not so clearly drawn.

Nabil Boutros (b. 1954, Egypt) lives in Paris, but maintains close links with his homeland. He has published various photo books, and in 2004 participated in the Noorderlicht exhibition Nazar.