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.
Christopher Columbus, although a controversial figure today, was the explorer who first came to the “West Indies.” This is a huge part of my American and Puerto Rican identity. The establishment of the United States may have never happened without Columbus. In addition, I have taino heritage as a Puerto Rican, these were the people Columbus brutally enslaved and killed. This history is greatly important in both my American and Puerto Rican identity.
American Revolution
The American Revolution began in 1765, as the colonies began their revolt from Britain’s rule. This is a crucial piece of the history of the United States today. Without this revolution the United States would have stayed under Britain’s rule. One great American luxury that came from this was free capitalism and taxation with representation. These are hallmarks of our society today and they are two principles that, in my opinion, define much of the United States today.
Civil War
The Civil War is arguably on of the most important events in American history. The Civil War was between the Union and Confederate armies. This war is often mistaken as the end of slavery in the United States, yet this was the beginning of the end of the American institution of slavery. This is hugely important to our modern society.
Industrialization
The Industrial Revolution is the reason we as Americans have the luxury of modernity and capitalism. The Industrial Revolution is to thank for our working conditions, the middle class, and a lot of public health ideas. This was the first time in history this really happened. Without this todays work force would be a cruel environment.
Ellis Island
This country was founded on immigration. The United States is often referred to as the melting pot of the world. This is particularly important to my national identity because most of my family immigrated to this country. Without this luxury, my family would not exist or be living the lives we are today.
9/11
On September 11, 2001 terrorists attacked the World Trade Center. This changed society as we know it today. Now there are strict travelling security measures and with a horrendous act like this comes the hatred of an entire group of people. My family, being middle eastern, has experienced some of this hatred. 9/11 is a huge part of the collective American image but it also holds a place in my life from a prejudicial standpoint as well.
Washington D.C.
Washignton D.C. is our nations capital and is the home of our government. The priviledge and luxury of having a free democracy means a lot to my family. A lot of my family came to this country for a better life and our government was the reason. This is a very controversial topic today , but my family is grateful for being given the opportunity.
American Football
Football has been a big part of my life since I was little. My family and I are aggressive Eagles fans. We would always have people over for games. Watching football is definitely a majority of my childhood memories.
University of Richmond
The University of Richmond is my new home. I have spent my whole life thinking about college. I would be worried about school in third grade because I wanted to get into college so bad. Now that I’m in college I have fallen in love with every aspect of college life.
Puerto Rico
My grandmother came to the United States when she was 18. I spent a lot of my childhood with her. She taught me how to speak Spanish, cook and also how to dance, all of my passions today. I most closely relate to my Hispanic heritage.
Lebanon
My grandfather came to the United States from Lebanon to find a better life. He soon became the top military engineer in his company. He would come home from work every day with Lebanese pastries and candy. Also, Lebanese food is my favorite food to cook.
China
My great-grandfather came to the United States to escape from China. I always grew up cooking Chinese food and going into China town every weekend. We would go to dim sum every Sunday and go to the underground Asian market. A lot of my childhood was filled with my Chinese culture.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58483607/908733776.jpg.0.jpg)
/chinese-take-out-472927590-57d31fff3df78c5833464e7b.jpg)