DEFINING THE BOROUGH OF QUEENS, NY THROUGH ITS PEOPLE
2.3 million people. As many as 138 languages spoken here. Over 125 different neighborhoods.
Northwestern Queens: Little Egypt
Little Egypt is a small commercial section of Steinway Street, from 28th Street & Astoria Blvd, within Astoria. Little Egypt has a vibrant night life that features many Middle Eastern restaurants and hookah bars.
Pictured is the Egyptian Coffee Shop & Hookah Lounge. Owner Labib Salama opened the store in 1997, and claims it is the 1st Hookah bar in the United States, but cannot confirm it, however it has been confirmed as the 1st hookah bar in Little Egypt.
Every Friday afternoon Muslim men gather in droves for prayer at the Al-Iman Mosque on Steinway, with the crowd usually extending past the front doors and onto the street.
The History section is in collaboration with Steve Vazquez of Queenscapes.