The Great Egyptian Culture - Essay Example

Egyptian Culture Culture refers to the beliefs and behaviors characteristic of a particular ethnic, social, or age group. It can also be referred to as the quality in a society or a person, which results from a concern for what is believed to be excellent in manners, arts, scholarly pursuits, arts and letters. The Egyptian culture has five thousand years of recorded history. Ancient Egypt is among the earliest civilizations. Over the past centuries, Egypt has maintained a complex and stable culture, which had a significant influence on later cultures of North Africa, Middle East and Europe. After the Pharonic regime, Egyptian culture was initially influenced by Hellenism, then Christianity, and later Islamic and Arabic culture. Currently, Egypt is a nation with an immense culture mix. Many aspects of ancient Egyptian culture, which was immensely influenced by Pharonic culture, exist in interaction with newer elements as well as influence modern Western culture. Egypt’s population is estimated at 71 million. This number comprises about 62 million Sunni Muslims and around 8 to 9 million Coptic Christians (Christian Egyptians) (Moscovitch 45). Whether Copt or Muslim, almost all Egyptians are moderately religious and religious norms and practices are common phenomena in their daily lives. Every member of an Egyptian family is responsible for the integrity of his or her family, and for the conduct of other members. This has created a society that is cherished by many people from Western nations. Egypt is one of the nations where family bonds are stronger than in the West, and this is the reason as to why Egyptian cities and towns are safer than any Western cities and towns (Moscovitch 22). Egypt is believed to be the cultural capital of the Arab world. Most of the Arab cinemas and televisions are dominated by the Egyptian film industry and television including popular Arab Music (Moscovitch 66). The Egyptian Ministry of Culture controls a variety of western-style cultural institutions like the National Puppet Theater, the National Symphony, the Cairo Opera House, and Egyptian Museums. Egypt has produced some of the most popular and greatest 20th Century Arab writers from Tawfiq Al Hakim, and Taha Hussein to Nobel prize-winner novelist Naguib Mahfouz (Siddiq 96). This nation has also produced some of the excellent modern artisans such as Azza Fahmy, brilliant jewelry designer, and her sister Randa Fahmy, who revived the art of Mamluki metalwork single-handedly (Siddiq 45). People Egyptians are friendly, modest and hospitable people. They also have a sense of moderation and balance. However, Egyptians have a tendency of resting solutions and changes. Most of them believe that war is the only best solution to solve problems. For instance, Ma’lesh and Insha’Allah are some of the common vocabulary for visitors (Siddiq 34). When visiting Egypt, infinite patience is the key to enjoying this nation’s hospitality. Egypt also has some of its key problems: over 40 percent of its men are illiterate, and the number of illiterate females exceeds this figure by far. Most Egyptian towns are overpopulated, and the people living in these towns are extremely poor. Egyptian wealth is unequally distributed among the citizens as the gap between the rich and the poor is wide. It is essential to note that Egyptian culture does not classify its people according to titles or social class, therefore, the only way to go up the social ladder is by obtaining more wealth (Budge 204). Egyptians are extremely proud of their culture but sensitive to their present. This is the reason why most Egyptians do not like journalist poking cameras before their faces, unless they are photographed next to what they are proud of, or in their best situations. Egyptian culture does not accept racism, and they treat foreign visitors with tolerance and respect (Budge 45). Arabic is the widely spoken language in Egypt. Classical Arabic is used in formal writing and media, but the spoken Arabic varies from one community to the next. The Cairo’s colloquial Arabic is widely spoken in most regions because of the cultural influence of TV programs, songs and films (Gadalla 189). The language of Qur’an is a past glory, and it can only be acquired through obtaining a formal education. The Qur’an language represents the ideal “higher self” for all Arab Speakers. When this language is used in its most effective form, it is full of elaborate rhyme, metaphor and exaggeration. In Egyptian culture, exaggeration and over-emphasis in speech is common and normal (Gadalla 96). Other than the classical form of language, exaggeration and over-emphasis are also used in most colloquial forms and everyday conversation. Most Egyptians aspire to learn and use the classical Arabic language; however, they can only use the colloquial form (Gadalla 256). The use of exaggeration in language has sometimes caused conflicts between people. Like in most African cultures, Egyptian males are chauvinists, and this is something that has been promoted by the ancient culture which acknowledges and rewards male domination. The patriarchal system in Egyptian societies requires loyalty and support of all family members in return for protection and security (Budge 17). The social welfare system requires the male to support their families financially, and provide security. In the extended families, care and loyalty are expected to be extended to every family member. Both Egyptian men and women are conservative. They are ruled by the notion of honor, especially women: they are expected to make the work of their protection easy for men. Women are also expected to behave and dress modestly (Gleason 74). Women putting on dresses that reveal most parts of their body in public places bring dishonor to their hosts and kin. Such unwelcomed behaviors are considered an insult to their families, and an abuse to the hospitality (Gleason 56). However, Egyptians know how to cope up with discourteous visitors. They believe such behaviors are as a result of Western cultural influences. In the cultural context, this belief reveals the love-hate relationship that Egyptians have with the westerners. Egyptians acknowledge that the Western nations are rich and technologically advanced; however, they are also prejudiced and decadent (Budge 78). Islam is the prominent culture in Egypt; however, there are also Coptic Christians all over Egypt. It is necessary to understand that the Coptic Christians are not a minority because they are of the same culture and race as their Moslem brothers and sisters (Bergamini, Francone, and Glover 67). There is also an ancient belief which asserts that “all Egyptians are Moslem, whether they are Marxists or Christians” (Bergamini et al. 45). The resulting Egyptian cultural beliefs and practices are moderate and accommodative to everyone including non-Egyptians. Fanaticism, which is common in most Egyptian societies, is believed to be an alien phenomenon and imported from Western societies (Gadalla 57). Despite the fact that the world’s security instability is usually associated with Moslem terrorists, Egyptians are Moslems who love peace and hate violence. The uprising that happened in Egypt in 2011 was mainly caused and catalyzed by Mubarak’s poor governance. This destabilized the country’s security, made some Egyptians seek asylum in other countries, and made tourists flee back to their countries. After overthrowing Mubarak’s regime, peace was restored in the country, and Egypt still remains one of the most secure and friendly tourist destination countries in the world (Siddiq 164). Egyptians are friendly people, who are easy to socialize with: they sometimes even welcome foreign visitors to their homes for tea or meals. Their offers are usually free of charge, and they do not expect rewards from visitors. The heart of giving is part of the Egyptian cultural belief, which resulted from the harsh conditions of living that required giving and sharing (Gadalla 46). Egyptian business rivals competing for the market space to sell their artifacts in the local tourism market, has nothing to do with the country’s cultural beliefs and practices, but it is more of a free market competition for more revenue (Gadalla 78). Egyptian culture is divided into four main cultural groups including Nubians, Bedouins, Copts, and Egyptian peasants, or fellahin (Siddiq 99). Cultural divide in Egypt is as a result of lack of touch with reality, and feeling for Egypt’s true flavor. Egyptian culture comprises a delightful and fabulous mixture of traditions and practices, including a socioeconomic framework that allows more gradient of social classes. Fallahins are ordinary farmers living in the rural areas (Budge 321). A considerable number of Egyptians live in large cities, mostly Alexandria and Cairo. Most foreigners also live in these large cities. Both cities play key roles in determining Egyptian culture, not only in the regions, but including other towns and cities. It is also within these cities where social classes are evident, unlike rural regions where classes and titles are not used to classify people. The poor population in the cities lives in slums, and it mainly comprises poor Fallahins who have migrated from their rural homes to the cities in search of employment opportunities and better living standards (Budge 248). Hard working fallihins soon emerge into the middle class, then upper-middle class and with more wealth, they become well-off. Egyptian Villages Village houses are made of mud-bricks, which form thick walls that absorb most of the afternoon heat. Flat roofs that are exposed to the northern chilly breeze serve as stores and sleeping areas. The outside walls are plastered and trimmed with blue paint – a color that wards off the devil eye (Gleason 29). Villagers, who have had the opportunity to visit Mecca, usually paint the legend of their trip on the outside walls. Some villagers own ornate pigeon coops in their homes, and they use the birds as food, with their droppings used on farms as fertilizers (Gleason 42). Many rural homes also lack electricity and tap water. Domestic water is obtained from wells. Food Egyptian village women bake aysh (bread) in a clay oven of an ancient pattern. They also make the aysh shams (sun bread) and an unleavened type that are set in the sun to rise (Siddiq 156). Major meals consist of vegetables, ful beans, and rice. During special occasions, Fattah, which consists of a layer of bread, meat and rice seasoned with garlic and vinegar, and garnished with nuts and yogurt, is usually prepared. The Fallahins do not use spoons or forks while eating, but they use bread which they tear into finger-sized portions, and dip them into the serving dishes (Siddiq 103). Clothes The Bedouin community dresses for the desert. Their flowing and layered robes absorb the sun’s hot rays while allowing fresh air to circulate. They also wound pieces of clothes around their necks so as to slow down moisture loss, which usually causes heat stroke (Gleason 74). Egyptian women wear black dresses while covering their heads with an embroidered piece of clothes with tiny cross-stitch design: red for married women and blue for unmarried women. Women also cover their faces with a veil highlighted in tiny cross-stitched design, which is usually decorated with coins and shells (Gleason 103). Conclusion Egypt has a 5,000-year old civilization and culture. It is a nation that is rich in people and places, art and history. Egypt has also emerged as one of the most cultured nations of the world. The history of Egyptian culture is classified into ancient Egyptian culture and the modern Egyptian culture. The ancient Egyptian culture adored religion, and gods and goddesses formed part of their daily lives. During the pharaoh’s era, people wore a lot of gold jewelry and other precious metals. Culture in modern Egyptian cities and towns comprises a mixture of cultures and people from different backgrounds. Modern Egyptian cities have created a unique cultural identity while retaining the rich, ancient cultural heritage. Mixture of culture in Egyptian cities has made Egyptian culture distinct and unique. Works Cited Bergamini, G., Francone, M., and J. Glover. Egyptian Civilization: Religious Beliefs. Barcelona: Electa, 1998. Print Budge, E. W. Short History of the Egyptian People. Montana: Kessinger Publishing, 2003. Print Gadalla, M. The Ancient Egyptian Culture Revealed. New York: Tehuti Research Foundation, 2007. Print Gleason, K. Ancient Egyptian Culture. Vero Beach: Rourke, 2006. Print Gadalla, A. Egypt: The Culture. St Catharines: Crabtree Publishing Company, 2007. Print Siddiq, M. Arab Culture and the Novel: Genre, Identity and Agency in Egyptian Fiction. New York: Routledge, 2007. Print Read More