“Egypt is not a country that we live in, but a country that lives within us.”- Pope Shenouda III

Published by: Razan Khalil

Continue reading Egyptian National Identity

The Book of the Dead

The Book of the Dead is an ancient Egyptian text that is made up of a collection of spells that are believed to protect and guide a soul through their afterlife. The Book is written on papyrus scrolls and is put in the tombs of the dead. This is important because it determined the way ancient Egyptians lived their lives because they wanted to have a happy afterlife. For example, many Egyptians would willingly spend their whole lives building the Pyramids because they believed that their hard work would be rewarded by the Gods.

Islam

The Muslim conquest in Egypt took place around 640 AD and Islam is the main religion in Egypt today. Islam was founded by Prophet Muhammad who was known as God’s messenger. Today, Muslims follow the 5 pillars of Islam which include a Hajj to Mecca, fasting during Ramada, prayer 5 times a day, charity, and profession of faith. There are many sects of Islam, but there are mostly similarities other than some religious practices and belief of the line of succession. Most of Egypt is made up of Sunni Muslims and Islam is an important aspect of Egyptian’s lives.

Hieroglyphics

Hieroglyphics is a writing system which is composed of pictures and symbols used by Egyptians. They were believed to be the “words of Gods” and were used by priests. These were also seen written all over tombs, stones, papyrus scrolls, and pieces of artwork. It is such a unique writing system that people could not decipher it for a long time and many of the origins of it are still unknown today.

Ancient Egyptian Deities

The Goddess pictured on the right is Isis who is the goddess of magic, motherhood, and love. She is also Osiris’ wife and sister. The God on the left is Osiris who is the God of the dead and ruler of the underworld. The Egyptians believed in many gods and goddesses who each had their own individual roles and powers. It was important to pray and please these Gods because they were believed to impact every aspect of their lives and their future in the afterlife. 

Cleopatra

Cleopatra was a powerful woman in Egypt at a time where women were seen as inferior. She became queen at the age of 18, but was forced to exile due to conflicts with her brother. She ended up garnering a strong army and eventually took back her empire with Caesar, and later Mark Antony. She made strong alliances, defended her land, and expanded her dynasty. Cleopatra is seen in several movies today such as many versions of  “Antony and Cleopatra.”

Nile River

The Nile River provided Egyptians with many things that contributed to their survival. Most Egyptians lived near the Nile because Egypt was a very dry place that lacked rainfall, so the Nile provided water and rich nutrients to allow for agriculture. When the Nile would flood, it would leave behind fertile soil used to grow crops. Egyptians also had many natural barriers such as deserts, rivers, and the Mediterranean Sea which protected them from invasion.

Library of Alexandria

The Library of Alexandria was in the city of Alexandria which was founded by Alexander the Great. It was one of the greatest libraries in the world filled with scholarly work made from papyrus scrolls. It was an incredible center for knowledge and innovation that was accessible to elite scholars who worked in fields such as astronomy, philosophy, geography, medicine, etc.

The Pyramids

The Pyramid of Giza is the oldest wonder in the 7 wonders of the world and the only one left standing. It has a height of almost 500 feet and a base of about 750 feet. Egyptian pyramids were made of millions of blocks of stones by the Egyptians who worked tirelessly to build them. The complexity of the architecture of the pyramids amaze me. The question of how these pyramids were really built remains, but the fact that they’re still standing shows how advanced Ancient Egyptian architecture was.

Hellenistic Period

The Hellenistic Period was a time when Greek influence was spread throughout Egypt and attributed to Egypt’s conquest by Alexander the Great. After Alexander’s death, the Ptolemaic dynasty ruled for three centuries in which many Greek people were becoming involved in the government and their culture was being spread to the Egyptians. It was also a time where Greek art and literature flourished to different parts of the world.

Music and Dance

Music and dance have been around for a long time in Egypt, it’s believed that the goddess Hathor created music. It’s also believed that Osiris used music to bring the world together. Ancient Egyptian rituals incorporated music instruments, chanting, and dancing. In the Old Kingdom, instruments such as harps and flutes flourished. There were also dances used for religious purposes and these are seen in some tomb carvings. In modern day Egypt, belly dance is very popular and many Egyptians listen to genre Shaabi which is a mixture of folk and pop Arabic music.

Cairo

Cairo is the capital of Egypt and is is along the Nile. It’s a very populated city and contributes a lot to Egypt’s economy with the production of goods and trade. It houses many universities and is a center of learning and education. It is also a center for Egyptian culture and a place where many Arab movies are filmed.  It holds many famous historical structures, such the Giza Pyramids Complex and the Sphinx. This makes Cairo a big tourist attraction.

Ankh

The Ankh is a hieroglyphic symbol that means “life.” The symbol represents the sun, the Nile, and the delta. These are all things that Ancient Egyptians believed were the cores of life. In ancient art, Gods and Goddesses can be seen holding this figure. It’s believed to sustain and protect souls in the afterlife as well. It’s a famous symbol in Egypt and a part of people’s identities: it’s found in ancient art, people wear it as jewelry, and display it proudly.

The Nepal flag is important to my identity because it is where I was born and where my family is from. Even though I grew up in the United States, most of my family lives across the world. The Nepali flag is unique because it is the only flag in the world that is not rectangular. When I see the flag, it reminds me of how unique my country is and serves as a reminder to my roots. The sun and moon represent the royal dynasties that ruled in Nepal for hundreds of years. This is important because Nepal was ruled by a royal family until recently when they were overthrown during a Civil War. The blue on the flag represents peace and the red represents bravery. The flag hangs in my house and reminds me of where I’m from and the history of Nepal.

The Civil War was a war between 1861-1865 in the United States between the Union (the North) and the Confederate (the South). The war was about slavery, but more importantly the economics behind it. The South relied on slaves for free labor in plantations. The Union defeated the South, but thousands of U.S. soldiers from both sides died. This war led to a lot of questions about the direction we were heading as a country and the debate about states rights versus federal power. I have lived in both the north and the south in the U.S. and it is interesting to see the differences in modern day. For example, living in North Carolina, so close to South Carolina, I remember when the Confederate flag was removed from the South Carolina house there was a lot of controversy in the South. I believe that it was the right thing to do because it was a symbol of pain and division during the War. The Civil War was an important part of the U.S. finding our identity and abolishing slavery.

My home, Charlotte, North Carolina, is important to me because I have spent most of my life here. I am lucky to have grown up in such a diverse city because it has allowed me to be more open-minded and make friends from different backgrounds. The oceans of North Carolina are beautiful and a vacation spot for my family every year. We also go hiking and camping in the Appalachian Mountains and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Even though I plan on moving to a big city on the West Coast after college, my suburban town in N.C. will forever hold a special place in my identity. 

I grew up practicing Hinduism with my family. It is the worship of one deity, but we also pray to many other Gods and Goddesses. There is belief in a cycle of life, death, and reincarnation. Hindus believe that all forms of life have souls and that there is a never ending cycle of life. Hindus also believe in Karma in which previous lives determine how a form of life will reincarnate. My religion has had a positive impact in the way I have grown up and the person I am. It has taught me morals and values through stories of Gods and Goddesses. There are many traditions and rituals that we follow to pray to the Gods and wish for a peaceful life. It is a part of my life that unites my family and close friends together during the holidays. 

The United States is a melting pot because of all of the different cultures, religions, races, and backgrounds of people. It reflects all of the immigrants that have come to the United States who built the backbone of this country. In the U.S., we have a mix of different beliefs and values, yet people are still more united than divided. Some countries, such as Nepal, there is not much diversity between people, most people are the same race and follow the same religion. For the most part, the U.S. is open-minded to differences, but there is still work to do to ensure equality for minorities, women, and low-income groups.

Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world and is located in Nepal. When I lived in Nepal, I could see Everest from my house. Climbers train for years to attempt to climb this mountain which brings a lot of tourism to Nepal. It’s a task of a lifetime as only the best will be able to accomplish such a challenge. This mountain was a part of my childhood and even today I love to hike and camp out in the mountains of North Carolina.

The Boston Tea Party was a part of the American Revolution in which Americans demanded independence from the mother country, Britain. It was a political protest by a group known as the Sons of Liberty in Boston in 1773. Hundreds of tea chests were thrown into the waters by the Sons of Liberty disguised as Native Americans. This was in response to the Tea Act which was high taxes put on tea along with taxes on other goods. The colonists were done being taken advantage of and chanted “no taxation without representation.” This was one protest in a series of events which led to our independence from Britain through the Declaration of Independence.

The Statue of Liberty is an influential figure because it represents freedom and liberty.  It was gifted to us by France, an ally during the Revolutionary War. It was a symbol of welcome to millions of immigrants into the United States. When people arrived in the U.S., they would see the statue and it was a sign that they had arrived at their destination. It’s a symbol of the American Dream which is the belief that America is the land of opportunity and that people could achieve a successful life if they worked hard enough. It reflects a better life and freedom for those who fled their country to come here and start over.

The Bill of Rights is the first 10 amendments to our Constitution. This is what gives Americans our civil rights and liberties. I believe that the most important amendment is the first amendment which allows people to express free speech, press, religion, and assemble for protests. This is important because a lot of early settlers came to the United States for religious freedom and to escape persecution from countries that were not tolerant. In the U.S., people have the right to practice any religion, express their voices freely, and protest against things they believe need to be changed. This makes the U.S. unique because people can speak their mind freely without being scared of retaliation from the government. The Bill of Rights gives us our individual rights that no one can take away. 

Hollywood is a place in California that is widely known for the center of film creation and entertainment. I visited last summer and seeing the Hollywood sign made me and feel in awe knowing that so many of the movies I admired were created there. It’s a representation of creativity and a place where many of the world’s famous actors reside. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is where famous stars get their name cemented on the sidewalk. It shows how much talent we have in our movie industry. Movies are a big part of our culture because people are brought together by the love of a good movie. There is so much variety in the film industry, as there is in our country, ranging from action to romance. I find that talking to people about movies and television shows in common brings people together.

If there’s one thing all Americans love – its food and family. Thanksgiving is a holiday that was originated by the “First Thanksgiving” by Pilgrims who harvested and shared a feast. Today, it is a time when we get to go home, be reunited with family members all over the country, and share a good meal together. I believe that time spent with loved ones makes for the best memories. It’s a time of the year where I get to reflect on my gratitude for the people in my life.

Dred Scott vs. Sandford was a case established the precedent, for a long time, that African-Americans were not citizens so the constitution did not apply to them. Slaves built this country and their free labor is what allowed the economy to be what it is today. African-Americans were treated as less than human as seen by this court ruling. Even after slavery was abolished, Jim Crow laws and segregation continued for a long time to prevent the equality of African-Americans. There is controversy behind reparations, but I believe that it’s necessary to pay back all descendants of slaves because our economy would be nothing it is today without their ancestors. Today, effects of slavery are still seen through racism and discrimination of African-Americans. It’s a painful part of our history, but needs to be taught more in-depth so that we can fix the inequality that is still deeply rooted in our institutions such as with the criminal justice system. 

 

My American Identity

Freedom

The Thirteen Colonies defeated the British in the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783) winning independence from Great Britain and establishing the United States of America. This independence was the beginning of living free in the United States. The Bill of Rights were written December 15, 1791 which spells out Americans’ rights in relation to their government. It guarantees civil rights and liberties to all, such as freedom of speech, press, and religion. For the most part these rights and liberties still hold true today, but some such as the right to bear arms has become a divisive interpretation of its original intent. Our freedom has not come easily and without great sacrifice by those who serve in our military and government. As citizens of the United States, the freedoms we have become accustomed to should never be taken for granted.

National Anthem

“And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.”

“The Star Spangled Banner” was originally a poem written by Francis Scott Key after she witnessed Fort McHenry being attacked by the British during the War of 1812. Key was inspired by the sight of a lone U.S. flag still flying over the Fort at daybreak. Her poem was later set to music and officially became the National Anthem in 1931. It is a heart wrenching and awe-inspiring song every single time it’s played whether at the Olympics, other sporting event or public gathering. It is sung with great American pride and represents all those who have fought to preserve our freedoms.

American Dream

 The American Dream represents the notion that people who come to America from other countries will find prosperity and freedom. An example of the American Dream is being more successful than your parents, owning your own home and being independently wealthy. Migrants risk traveling to the United States, leaving their families behind in search of a better life in the United States. Some view the American Dream as a chance to become rich and famous. If you work hard and are willing to make sacrifices along the way, it is possible to achieve your goals because you will have the freedoms to allow it, this is the American Dream!

9/11

On September 11, 2001, 19 al Qaeda terrorists hijacked four airplanes. Two airplanes were flown into the World Trade Center Towers in New York City, a third plane hit the Pentagon just outside of Washington D.C. and the fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. Almost 3,000 people were killed in the attacks, the most ever on American soil by a terrorist group. The attackers were allegedly retaliating for American support of Israel and its involvement in the Persian Gulf War. This attack united Americans in the search and ultimate capture and death of the assailant,  Osama bin Laden.

Military

There are six branches in the United States Armed Forces. The Army is the oldest service of the military and provides the ground forces that protect the U.S.  The Marine Corps maintains amphibious and ground units for combat operations and is a component of the U.S. Navy. The Navy provides on, above and below water forces and is a major deterrent to aggression around the world. The Air Force can deliver rapid, flexible and if need be lethal air and space support anywhere in the world. The Coast Guard provides law and maritime safety enforcement, marine and environmental protection and military naval support. It operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime and under the Navy during war time. Most recently added is the Space Force which trains and organizes space forces to protect the U.S. and its allied interests in space. All fall under the President of the United States as Commander in Chief. I am a proud supporter of the military and have a long line of military family members. My grandfather is a retired Air Force Major General who served several tours in Vietnam as a B-52 bomber and fighter pilot. My father is also an Air Force veteran who was an engineer on navigational and radar systems during the Gulf War. My Uncle and cousin served in the Marine Corps and after 9/11 my Uncle volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan. Because of my family, immense pride and patriotism is a tremendous part of my identity.

Hawaii

Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States on August 21, 1959. The state of Hawaii consists of eight main islands: Nihau, Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and the Big Island of Hawaii. Hawaii was first discovered by Polynesians who came upon it simply by following the stars as their guide. A fun Hawaiian fact is that in 1889 Joseph Kekuku from Laie, Oahu invented the steel guitar. The steel guitar became very popular with American country music and still is today. On December 7, 1941 Japanese forces launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu during World War II.  President Barack Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. Hawaii is known for its sugar plantations, coffee, pineapple and amazing surfing.

Native Americans

You can’t write about National Identity without mentioning Native Americans. Native Americans are the original people of our great land. Inspired by my ancestors, I’ve always had a passion for the plight and culture of the Native people. “You say that I use the land, and I reply, yes, it is true; but it is not the first truth. The first truth is that I love the land; I see that it is beautiful; I delight in it; I am alive in it.” (N. Scott Momaday) Native Americans’ relationship with land was that of a spiritual nature and of reverence, respect and humility. It is with great shame and despair to study the history of how the early settlers stripped the Native Americans of their land and therefore their identity and culture as they knew it. Pictured above is Big Foot, leader of the Sioux, during the Wounded Knee Massacre.

Bruce Springsteen

 

“Born in the USA” is one of the most played and recognized albums of the 1980’s. Bruce Springsteen is often associated with being an American Idol and symbolizes a true working-class American citizen who made it to the top. His working-class origins influenced him to write songs rich in historical themes of economic inequality and racial injustice. The song “Youngstown” recounts the birth, preeminence, and eventual decline of the nation’s iron and steel industry. “These mills they built the tanks and bombs that won this country’s wars. We sent our sons to Korea and Vietnam. Now we’re wondering what they were dyin’ for.” Never afraid to tackle politics through lyrics, Springsteen is widely recognized as expressing the views of many Americans. He is known as one of the greatest American Rock n Roll artists of all times and happens to be one of my favorite artists. 

New England Sports

Growing up in New England it’s hard not to be a sports fan. We have some of the best teams in the Nation who play at some of the best venues in the Nation (not biased). The Patriots have won 6 Super Bowls in my lifetime. The Red Sox have won 12 World Series Championships, the Bruins have won 6 Stanley Cup Titles, and the Celtics, which is probably my favorite team has won 16 National Championships. It is an indescribably special feeling to attend one of the New England sporting games. Living on the Northshore of Massachusetts it’s an easy train ride into the Boston Garden. New England fans are always all in and it’s impossible not to get caught up in the electric energy.

Massachusetts

 

To me, Massachusetts will always be my home. I’ve lived in the same town since I was born. My town is on the north shore which allowed me to be a day student during high school at a boarding school, The Governor’s Academy. Boston will always the most beautiful, spirited, and my favorite city and I can thank it for the addition of ‘wicked’ to my vocabulary, dunkin donuts, the cape and islands and much much more. My proximity to a major city has made traveling out of state another part of my identity.

Nantucket

The island above is my favorite place in the world and happens to be just off the coast of my Massachusetts. For me Nantucket is both vacation and work. Last summer (and hopefully this summer) I worked as a hostess at the golf club out there and had the chance to meet amazing people from all over the world, further my work ethic, and live away from home with my best friend and housemates, from South Africa, Bulgaria, and St. Thomas. However, my parents honeymooned in Nantucket, so we have been taking yearly vacations for their anniversary making it also my favorite getaway.