Magnum photographer Bieke Depoorter has traveled to Egypt regularly since the beginning of the revolution in 2011, trying to find trust in times of turmoil and suspicion, where private life is often shielded. She asked people she met by chance if she could spend the night at their homes. Women, their husbands and children shared their daily life, their food and even their bed with her. This engagement is truly important to Depoorter. Nevertheless, the consciousness of her status as an outsider, both culturally and as a photographer started to grow. In 2017, she revisited the country with the first draft of this book, inviting others, to write comments directly onto the photographs. Contrasting views on country, religion, society and photography arise between people who would otherwise never cross paths.

The included booklet features all of the handwritten notes in the original Arabic as well as the English translations. As It May Be depicts a population in transition with integrity, commitment, and respect.

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