A quick lesson on the history of Egypt’s cigarette production

A quick lesson on the history of Egypt’s cigarette production: Kyriazi Frères was among the first cigarette manufacturing companies to be established in Egypt, according to Al Masry Al Youm. The company, founded by Greek brothers Ioannis, Efstathios, and Epaminondas Kyriazi back in 1873, expanded significantly over the years and began exporting to the Middle East and Europe years before other cigarette manufacturers set up shop in the country. It wasn’t until 1961 that Cleopatra cigarettes — now a favorite of the average Egyptian — came into being.

As legend has it, Armenian-born Joseph Matossian created Cleopatra after then-President Gamal Abdel Nasser told him he would be his best client if he were to successfully manufacture a product similar in quality to Kent cigarettes, which were illegal in Egypt at the time despite being the socialist leader’s favorite brand.