OT, Arabic Translation... help required

[ALEX]

Originally Posted by Dom

Hi Atlantia
you are correct, most probably Egyptian or Syrian job
the inlay mentions are done in Arabic, but in a form very difficult to translate, I mean for us, sorry
may be somebody else ??

à +

Dom

Gene,
I agree with Dom and his lovely half:-) it is difficult to translate because of the way the calligrafy is done; it's like: the more sophisticated and stylish it is -the harder it is to translate. I have a small English silver case, and I still cannot make the 3 letters engraved on it... and it is in English calligraphy:-) So the script on your plate, as well as it's overall quality, is very sophisticated, i.e. 'not easy'... it's simply outstanding.
The only bits I can tell are: the top right image mentions word "Amel Masr", i.e. "Work? Egypt", the lower right has word "Cairo", and the lower left I believe has a verse "...Heavens are Under the Feet of Mothers". I believe it is a famous verse (perhaps Koranic). I think it'll make a perfect gift to Louise.. just a hint:-)