'Tutankhamuns' Neighbours'

Is the title of a book about the history, life and work in the villages of the Theban West Bank, written by Kees Van Der Spek

A friend has been reading it and told me it was a fascinating study about the Qurnawi people that used to live on the Qorna Mountain. It covered all aspects of their lives, their history including the recent upheaval of being relocated to the new village of Qorna Jededa.

Whilst talking about the book, I glanced through the pages and saw wonderful images of the people that used to inhabit the area and make a living from the visiting tourists. There was an immense sense of community spirit. Indeed the villages were almost designed around the social occasions of weddings, funerals and festivals or Moulids as we call them here.

I mentioned to a friend at another table, that he should have a look at the book. I recognised one man felt sure that Mohamed would know more. We were in the restaurant of the infamous Abd Rassoul family. They knew everyone and everything about the Mountain, the people and it's past.

Haaj Abdul, a 67 year old man, the husband of 2 wives and the father of 13 children, sat at the table and told me that he was so tired - 'No wonder' I exclaimed! 'You have been busy!' They all looked at the black and white photos in the book, talking about the people and where they had lived and where they lived now. Between them, they knew many people, the book started a big conversation about the past and stories began to be told.

This is 28 year old Mohamed and 18 year old Ahmed. They live in the villages of El Kom and El Bairatt. Their friends, family and lives stem from the Theban Hills. This book, tells the real life story of the Qurnawi people that lived on the Qorna Mountain until a recent demolition and relocation programme. It is a compelling account of the struggles, the survival and eventual relocation of a tribe living amongst Egypts' ancient past.