Alexandria, Egypt - Just mention Alexandria and the name city rekindles the Pharoh era when the city was the location of a lighthouse that was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Library of Alexandria was the biggest at that time, but what of modern Alexandria? Is there more to this city than its famous name?
Authorities in Egypt's second largest city believe so and are planning to capitalise on its magnificent past.
Egyptian novelist Naguib Mahfuz was in awe of the city as his description reveals: "Alexandria was a European city where more Italian, French, Greek and English were spoken than Arabic. The city was so beautiful and clean you could eat from its streets. In short, Alexandria was a European city but it belonged to us Egyptians."
But Alexandria's cosmopolitan community became marginalised after the 1952 revolution and the introduction of socialism - Arab-style.
All that remains of that era are memories and wistful melancholy. Plaster peels off the buildings along the Corniche which was once Alexandria's main promenade.
The buildings are in a bad state of repair, corroded by the salty air and neglect, but times are changing and the construction of the Biblioteca Alexandrina or the new Library of Alexandria is testimony to the phenomenon.
Opened in 2002, it aims to reconnect the city with its heritage as an ancient centre of learning.
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