Rumor has it that Egypt is solely an Arabic Muslim country with a homogenous population. However the truth is much more complicated than that. With more than 90 million in population, Egypt proves to be quite the melting pot with diverse communities coexisting alongside.
| "Egypt", photographer: Gina Günther |
Egypt's different regions have very distinct cultural flavors. Cairenes and Alexandrians have a rather urbanized lifestyle complete with outlets, huge shopping malls with famous brands, trendy coffee shops and restaurants as well as a vibrant nightlife. Sa'idis live in Upper Egypt, the south of Egypt, and they have their own dialect and lead a traditional rural life with highly conservative values. Further to the utmost South of Egypt, Nubians pride themselves with beautiful colorful villages along the Nile. They speak their own Nubian language and excel in henna drawing and crocodile taming! Up north and east of Egypt, in Sinai, Bedouins dwell in tribes, most of which are nomads and shepherds.
| "Nubian girl", photographer: Kirolos Awni |
Boasting 15 to 20% of the population, Coptic Christians are the largest minority group in Egypt. Beautiful ancient churches can be found all over Egypt. These places of worship are also riddled with holy relics for the Christian Community and are often visited as historical monuments by tourists and Egyptians alike.
| "Egyptian church", photographer: Aghathon Mories |
Egypt also hosts a large Armenian Diaspora. A proud people, they strive to keep their heritage alive by practicing and using the Armenian language in their daily lives. In Armenian community clubs, children of Armenian descendance learn traditional Armenian dance and compete in international dancing competitions!
A huge Levantine community - to which I happen to belong - is also living on Egyptian soil, pertaining to countries such as Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Due to the latest sorrowful events striking Syria, the Syrian population in Egypt has witnessed an exponential increase. They have been well melded into the Egyptian community, and have immersed themselves in all kinds of trades. They largely contribute to the Egyptian market with a notable presence in the food arena - Syrian food is absolute bliss! - and the textile and clothes industry.
On the downside, sadly only a small Egyptian Jewish community persists in the shadows of Egypt after they were expelled by Abd El Nasser in the 50s but their temples are well conserved.
| "Temple in Egypt", source: pixabay |
Plenty of foreigners live long term in Egypt, notably in Zamalek and Maadi districts of Cairo and are well accepted in their communities. Alexandria, a former hub of the Greek community, has heavily absorbed the "Khawaga" (foreigner) culture in the beautiful coastal city. You can still head to the Greek club located right on the sea for an amazing seafood meal.
| "Cairo", photographer: Shady Shaker |
The true fabric of Egypt is weaved by all of these different communities and much more. Our strength as a people lies within our diversity which will rival and hopefully eradicate the rise of one-minded intolerant terrorism.
You might also be interested in another article written by Nadine, called: The 7 Most Common Myths About Life in Egypt.
You might also be interested in another article written by Nadine, called: The 7 Most Common Myths About Life in Egypt.
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Nadine Banna is an Egyptian aspiring author with a firm belief that the written word can touch and change lives. This is why she started her writing blog (A Piece of Me) to share short fiction, poetry and thoughts. Currently in the R&D sector in the biopharmaceutical industry, she uses it to fuel her creativity and writing in the hopes that one day she will change the world!
