Egypt’s Culture
The culture of Egypt like its history shows diversity and influence of many foreign countries. Having history of 5000 years, Egypt ‘s vast and rich culture constitutes an important element in the life of the country, which reflects the different colorful shades of history and of the earliest civilizations.
From language to literature and from arts to music and dance, the value of cultural diversity cannot be underestimated. The ancient Egyptian language belongs to the family of Afro-Asiatic languages and was among the first written languages known by the hieroglyphic signs inscribed on the monuments and papyrus sheets.
The present Arabic language is the gift of Arabs to the Egypt during their invasion in 7th century. Of the many Arabic varieties, Egyptian Arabic is the second most widely spoken dialect throughout the Arabic speaking world. Beside of the official language, there are other languages also that are spoken by the minority ethnic groups.
The oldest Egyptian literature in Egypt’s culture is known as the Pyramid Texts. Broadly literature of Egypt is divided into two parts: religious literature and secular literature. Religious literature is all about the various hymns dedicated to gods and its mortuary texts. Whereas Secular literature includes the wisdom texts i.e. forms of philosophical instruction. In Egypt history Middle Kingdom period was considered as the golden age of Egyptian literature.
One major change in the literature of Egypt’s culture occurred during the Greco-Roman period. It was the period when certain Egyptian literature masterpieces were translated into other languages and Greco-Roman literature fused with the native writing style. One example of this fusion is the Rosetta Stone-a masterpiece of Egyptian Literature. The great city of Alexandria became the main center of literature culture of Egypt.
The wall paintings of the Pharaohs era were the earliest examples of art form developed in Egypt’s culture.However they lacked linear perspective. Modern and contemporary Egyptian art is much better in perspective manner on world art scene. Similarly Egyptian music is a mixture of Egyptian, Arabic, African and Western influences. Before 7th century AD, harps and flutes are the two indigenous instruments of music in Egypt. But a wave of change occurred after the arrival of Arabs that brought with them the Percussion and Vocal music. Egyptian Pop music is now a part of Egypt culture while the folk music is also popular but is played only during the wedding ceremony or festivities.
Beside of the art and literature section, there is one more section of Egypt’s culture that is different from the formers but win hearts by its flavor and taste i.e. Cuisine. Egyptian Cuisine shares many dishes with the neighboring countries but yet it tastes totally different. Mashed fave beans are considered as the national dish of the Egypt. Breads are the major part of main courses. Kebab and Kofta, usually of lamb meat, chops & minced meat are the other popular dishes.
The Egypt’s culture has thousands of years of recorded history. Ancient Egypt was among the earliest civilizations. For millennia, Egypt maintained a strikingly complex and stable culture that influenced later cultures of Europe, the Middle East and Africa. After the Pharaonic era, Egypt itself came under the influence of Hellenism, for a time Christianity, and later, Islamic culture. Today, many aspects of Egypt’s ancient culture exist in interaction with newer elements, including the influence of modern Western culture.
Egypt the country of ancient civilization and pyramids is among one of the main attractions of this world. The land of ancient wonders stimulates thousands of travelers each year to explore this country.
Travel information to Egypt mainly consists of information related to history, geography, religion, culture and tourist attractions. Egypt travel guide give the respective information about the country necessary before heading to Egypt.
Located in the northeastern part of African continent, Egypt is bordered by Israel in northeast, by Jordan and Saudi Arabia in the east and by Sudan in the south. Libya resides in west of the Egypt. Dominated by Nile River and Eastern and Western deserts, Egypt has total area of 1,001.450 km sq, populated by around 79 million people.
Divided into 27 governorates, Egypt’s official name is Arab Republic of Egypt and the capital city is Cairo. Cairo is not only the capital of this second most populous country of African continent but also the major destination of Egypt. Other popular destinations include Alexandria, Giza, Aswan, Luxor, Sharm el Sheikh and many more.
But it is the history of Egypt that makes it most attractive and interested to explore. Egypt well known for its history, is home of one of the ancient civilizations of this world and also contain one of the seven wonders of the world-the Pyramids. Apart from these two gems the Egypt’s culture also features ancient temples, monuments and world famous ancient cities.
Like history and geography, religion of Egypt also show diversity and plays central role in demographically division of Egypt. About 85% of the total populations of Egypt are the adherents of Islam. Among the others remaining Christianity is the main religion. Beside of the religion, Egyptians are the largest ethnic group residing in Egypt along with other minorities including Bedouin Arab, Berber speaking Siwis, ancient Nubian communities and many others.
Egypt’s culture is the ultimate result of historical diversity of this country. From music to arts and from literature to festivals all represent the true spirit of foreign influence along with the native effect. From the fertile Nile river valley to the Great Sand Sea and from the temple of Karnak to temple of Hathor and from the Sinai Mountain to the Tiran island Egypt present the perfect picture of sightseeing scattered all over the country
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