Riphenburg/Egypt: The Constitution

Constitution: Here I am waiting in Hall #5 of the Faculty of Economics and Political Science at Cairo University (Wed., Nov. 14) for a five hour series of three panels to begin on: The Constitution: Hopes and Challenges. Although the session was all in Arabic, Fulbright in Egypt provided translation; so those of us not entirely fluent in Arabic could take advantage of the opportunity. The panelists did not offer specific recommendations for the Constituent Assembly, currently tasked with drafting the constitution, but spoke generally about the drafting process, criticized some of the articles already proposed, and talked about rights that are important to include in a constitution. Professor Mustapha Kamel El-Sayed indicated that he thought the two best Egyptian constitutions (those of 1923 and 1954) were not drafted by parliaments. Based on Egypt's new independent status, a new Egyptian Constitution was promulgated in April 1923 by a 30-member legislative committee that included representatives of political parties, as well as national movement leaders. King Fuad I's (1917-1936) most conspicuous disadvantage during his 20-year rule and in political discussions at that time was that he didn’t speak Arabic. While the presentations could have been more in-depth, the fact that Egyptian intellectuals were conversing about constitutionalism and rights and calling for public participation was inspirational.

Shopping: Today (Thurs., Nov. 15) is Mike's last day in Egypt, so we went shopping in Khan al-Khalili. On the way, a stand was giving away free ta'miyya patties and bread. I had some; they were fresh and delicious. Since the area is close to Al-Azhar University/Mosque, this could be a public service. It was offered to any passerby, not just the poor. Mike found the doll (aroosa [bride]) a colleague wanted for her daughter; and we had coffee and hibiscus tea at the famous Fishawi's Café. Then, across the street in a two-story building in the traditional market, he purchased towels make from celebrated Egyptian long-staple cotton. We had Obelisk red wine (2011), produced by Egypt's Modern VinArts, to toast Mike's departure back at my apartment as the sun was setting.

Bookstore outside Cairo University.

Students can be students.

Female students standing on a podium to speak for their cause.

Having supper before evening classes.

Fashion boots in Egypt as well.

A Muslim sister at constitution sessions.

Panel on: Citizenship and Public Freedoms (Focusing on Women's Rights). No women's rights were discussed, however.

A sign in the Cairo metro saying: Daughters of the Future. The metro stop named after Mubarak was quickly renamed (new signs appearing immediately), The Martyrs [Al-Shohadaa] (الشهداء), after the revolution.