Reported for Al-Gomhoria – by Al-Foul & Kotb
Photo courtesy of Islam, Fayoum Thanya Bithanya

In a unique and inspiring journey, Ahmed Magdy, a medical student at Al-Azhar University from Fayoum, embarked on a world tour that took him across 15 cities in three Asian countries. Over the course of 43 days, he traveled more than 22,250 kilometers, using over a hundred different means of transportation. His route included stops in Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Bali in Indonesia; Hyderabad, Kerala, Kumarakom, Kovalam, Cochin, Mumbai, Agra, and Delhi in India; and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

Ahmed undertook this remarkable experience driven by his passion for travel, learning from diverse cultures, and seeing the world firsthand.

Family Support and Early Concerns

Born in Mansoura and raised in Fayoum, Ahmed comes from a family of five. His father is an accountant, his mother a chemist, and he is the eldest of four siblings. Initially, his parents were anxious about his adventurous plans, but after witnessing the positive impact on his personality, outlook, and maturity, they fully supported his ambition—to become a modern-day Egyptian explorer, much like Ibn Battuta, while still in his twenties.

From Local Volunteer to Global Traveler

Ahmed explains that his love for exploration began with his volunteer work at “Resala – Life Makers”, where he traveled extensively across Egypt, gaining invaluable knowledge and experiences. This sparked his desire to explore beyond his homeland.

Earlier in the year, he had already traveled to Russia, and he spent over three months carefully planning his Asian trip—choosing the right timing, securing visas, and researching the most affordable travel options through specialized websites. For accommodation, he relied on networking platforms that allowed him to stay in budget-friendly hotels or connect with local hosts.

Lessons Learned Abroad

Reflecting on his experiences, Ahmed said he learned the value of contentment from the Indonesian people—whether rich or poor, they radiate warmth, hospitality, and smiles. Despite being home to the world’s largest Muslim population, Indonesia is also known for its tolerance, housing Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist monument.

During Ramadan, he observed unique traditions such as the resonant dawn prayers, special Eid celebrations at Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque, and the distribution of rice to the needy. He even attended Eid prayers alongside the President of Indonesia.

Ahmed also visited major landmarks like Taman Mini Park, a vast open-air museum with 27 pavilions showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Indonesia’s many islands.

A Distinguished Student and Role Model

According to his biography, Ahmed Magdy excelled academically from an early age. After being among the top students in Fayoum during his primary education, he transitioned to the Azhar school system in middle school, later ranking third in the governorate in the Azhar secondary exams. Today, he studies medicine at Al-Azhar University in Cairo and has achieved national recognition in Azhar competitions.

Beyond academics, he serves as a board member of Life Makers Egypt, continues to volunteer, and pursues his interests in reading and poetry.

Ahmed encourages young people to travel whenever possible, embrace new experiences, and broaden their horizons—because, as he puts it, “traveling is one of life’s greatest teachers.”