MyEgyptianIdentity_Shehady

My Egyptian Identity

The Book of The Dead

The book of the dead is one of the most memorable artifacts in Egyptian history. The book of the dead is the first recorded religion to date. The principles and beliefs in ancient Egyptian religion acted as a foundation for the hallmark religions today.

Arabic

Language is very important to one’s national identity in many ways. Different regions have different dialects and within Islam the word of religion is not to be translated out of its “mother tongue.” Todays modern Arabic has a lot to thank to Butrus Al-Bustani’s prose.

Medicine

The Egyptians were the first to practice modern medicine in the ancient world. Their medicinal practices were known around the world and many countries learned from Egyptian healers. This holds great significance for Egypt as they were known as one of the earliest most intelligent societies in history.

The Nile River

The Nile River is crucial to life in Egypt. The earliest civilizations depended on the annual flooding of the Nile for their entire livelihood. The floods brought extremely fertile land to the valley and the delta that allowed for life in such a hostile environment. The Nile allowed for Egypt to produce the ancient worlds largest supply of wheat. This river is still of immense importance in Egypt today.

The Mediterranean

The Mediterranean is the reason for much of Egypt’s early wealth. Egypt once controlled much of the trade in the Mediterranean and it was vastly important for international relations. Today the Mediterranean not only hold significant trade importance to Egypt but it is also of great importance to the ecotourism of the area.

The Library of Alexandria

The Library of Alexandria was the greatest collection of knowledge in the ancient world. This amazing collection of scrolls existed until around 2000 years ago when the library caught fire during a siege. Today there is a library in its honor known to be one of the most remarkable of todays age.

The Romans

The Romans controlled Egypt from 30 BCE to around 641 CE. There were many run ins with the pharaoh Cleopatra. She used two Roman rulers to gain and maintain power and stability in her country. This is one of the most significant eras of Egyptian history.

The Market Place

The market place is where all the hustle and bustle of Middle Eastern life happens. Market places are common among most Middle Eastern countries and they are a huge part of Egyptian society. Bartering is expected in the market place and its a big past time in Cairo.

The Ottoman Empire

The Ottoman Empire took control of Egypt in 1517. The Ottoman regime lasted until 1867 lasting in a total of 350 years. This is a very recent occupation of Egypt that has had effects on the country for years. Egypt’s history is filled with many occupations that all impart culture and struggle on the people of the country.

The Pyramids

When you think of Egypt the first thing that comes to mind is the pyramids. The pyramids symbolize the greatness of the ancient Egyptians and the shrewd intelligence and capability of this ancient civilization. These pyramids also act as a huge profit for the nation in tourism. These structures are of immense significance to the legacy and culture of Egypt.

Islam

Islam is the “national” religion of Egypt. Although there are many in the country who do not practice Islam, it is a huge part of the nations identity and culture. Islam was brought to Egypt between 639 and 646 CE and has held foot ever since.

Food

Food is the expression of every country. Egyptian food is of great importance to ones national identity as it is how people celebrate and express love and joy through their culture. Egypt, having so many different cultural occupations over the years, has had a lot of influence from said countries in the foods of the nation.