“I was drawn to this bicycle rental shop in the old town of Shali in Egypt’s Siwa Oasis by the vibrant colours, lines and shapes, and the dilapidated bikes dangling there. A sense of mystery permeated the scene. There was something eerie about it; perhaps it was the isolation of this settlement, buried in the Western Desert region of Egypt, about 550km west of Cairo, 305km south-west of Mersa Matruh and 50km from the Libyan border. The town holds a special appeal for many travellers on account of this very remoteness and because of its natural beauty, unique character and historical associations.”
Photograph and words by Yasser Alaa Mobarak
Yasser is a 23-year-old, award-winning amateur photographer based in Alexandria, Egypt