Inspired by a 19th-century masterpiece by Austrian artist Ludwig Deutsch, this painting captures a lifelike scene from the historic districts of Old Cairo. At its heart is a Sehlab seller, surrounded by a diverse gathering of people—men, women, and children from various walks of life—brought together by a shared moment. Originally completed in 2008, the work reflects meticulous attention to detail and cultural nuance. Years later, during the war in Syria, I was forced to flee my home, leaving behind everything I owned, including my artwork. When I eventually returned, I was heartbroken to find my house reduced to rubble. But amidst the devastation, I discovered this painting—alongside four others—miraculously intact. In that moment, surrounded by ruin, I felt an overwhelming wave of joy. The paintings were battered, yet they survived. I carried them by hand, through miles of hardship and numerous checkpoints, to my new shelter. Restoring this piece took over 150 hours, but the process reignited a spark within me. Since then, I’ve made a vow to keep painting—to hold onto that fleeting joy I found in the darkest time of my life.