Egypt Always Multicultural

Egypt's Identity: Dr. Mounira Soliman, Associate Professor of English at Cairo University, explained to us at the orientation session (9/18) that Egypt has always been a multicultural state. Paintings from the tomb of Seti I led African Americans to discuss the contribution of black Africans to this formation. Some important dates from Egypt's history reflecting this diversity are: 3200 BC, Union of the Southern and Northern Kingdoms; 525 BC, Invasion of the Persians; 27 AD, Establishment of Christianity; 640 AD, Arab Conquest; 1798-1801 AD, French Invasion. Thus, Egyptian culture reflects Pharaonic, Nubian, Islamic, Hellenistic, Bedouin, Jewish, Christian, and Western influences. No one culture was able to totally dominate but persisted alongside others. She pointed out that Karnak was a city (ancient Thebes) as well as a temple complex; it represents a way of life. The deities represented range from some of the earliest worshiped to those worshiped much later in the history of ancient Egyptian culture. In Alexandria, Pompeii's Pillar sits side-by-side with a sphinx. The Belle Epoque architecture of downtown Cairo reflects the building of the Khedive Isma'il and French inspiration. Today, most celebrations have a religious orientation.

Lanterns special for Ramadan have been a tradition since the Fatimids, although most today are made in China. Sweets are emphasized during the Eid al-Fitr (Little Bairum) and meat during the Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice, Big Bairum) ending the pilgrimage season. Egyptian Culture: Three basic aspects of Egyptian culture are: 1) religion, 2) family, and 3) kinship. In speeches, President Morsi has called the Egyptian people his family and his tribe. What happened to citizenship? The wealth, honor, and family name are crucial. Roles within the family are assigned with a man the head. The group is valued over the individual.

Oral Tradition: Oral tradition is still very vibrant in Egypt in terms of 1) myths, 2) folktales and epics, 3) proverbs, and 4) songs. A famous epic (sira) poet is Sayyed al-Dawi. Egyptians believe in destiny as part of their religion. A celebrated Sufi chanter is Sheikh Yassin al-Tahami. Sufis engage in madeh (songs of praise), zikr (chanting of sacred phrases),naurval (whirling), etc. The Nubian Nour Group is a well-known group of drummers. Presently, the zar (Sufi religious performance) has become nonreligious, giving a new twist to an old practice. Cultural Schizophrenia: Are Egyptians torn between too many cultures? Is an Egyptian ancient or modern, authentic or hip? What is Egyptian identity? Egypt is a multicultural place, a cultural mélange, a mix of all the cultures who have lived in the area. In spite of this, an Egyptian identity exists, a coherent sense of a country and a people who share the same land (geography) and history.