Showing posts with label Egyptian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Egyptian. Show all posts

US Worries about the Egyptian Islamic State

on Thursday, July 12, 2012

David Schenker the director of the Program on Arab Politics at The Washington Institute raised worries about the form of the Islamic state which is being formed in Egypt, amid the ongoing conflict over sovereignty between the Islamists and the army.

Schenker said in an article named Egypt’s Islamists Future on the site of the Institute, last Thursday that the election of Mohammed Morsi, being a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, as Egypt’s president temporarily puts to rest the debate about whether the nation will be secular or Islamist. Egypt is an Islamist state.

He proved his point of view – that Egypt will become an Islamic state – by highlighting the control of the Muslim Brotherhood and the Salafis of nearly 75% of the Legislative authority before the dissolution of the People’s Assembly by the Military Council last month.

Schenker said that the battle between the Islamists and the army is less important than the political battle about the type of Islamic state that is being formed in Egypt, pointing out that the contest would be between the Salafis and the Muslim Brotherhood in the degree of militancy and the imposition of Islamic limits, such as cutting off hands of thieves and how soon the penalty should be imposed.

Moreover, the Director offered several evidence and analysis about some of the scenes that took place on the Egyptian political arena and the correspondence of American diplomacy, pointing to a diplomatic cable between the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, published by the site «Wikileaks», showed concern of the leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood and the lack of satisfaction with the tendency by the young and rural members of the group becoming increasingly Salafi-oriented.

Schenker said, you need years to become a full member of the Muslim Brotherhood, but one need only to grow his beard to become Salafi.

He pointed to the hostility during the parliamentary elections between the Salafi Nour Party, and the Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party, and even before the presidential elections the friction was clear, when Mohamed Morsi tried to reassure worried Christians, and said that there was no difference in beliefs between Muslims and Christians, the Salafis asked Morsi to «repent to God».

Schenker affirms that the Muslim Brotherhood «were not at any stage of its history a moderate group», and said: «in the group’s general guide issued in 2011, Mohammed Badie, the eighth General Guide (chairman) of the Muslim Brotherhood,

said that the success of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt would lead to a rightly guided caliphate that will instruct the world.” He added that the presence of internal political dynamics is likely to force the Brotherhood to take more radical positions in an attempt to bridge gaps with the Salafists.

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Muslim Academy Podcast 005 – Learning about Women’s Rights in the Middle East from the Perspective of an Egyptian Male

on Tuesday, July 10, 2012

In this Episode, Chris and Caitlin discuss women’s rights in Egyptian Society from the vantage point of a male.  He discusses his viewpoint of the current status of women’s rights, or lack thereof, and how it’s more a factor of culture than religion.



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Muslim Academy Podcast 017 – One week after the Egyptian Elections

on Thursday, July 5, 2012

One week after the Egyptian elections, Chris speaks with Walaa and Ehab about their reactions to the Egyptian elections. They speak of being cautiously optimistic and the need to support their newly elected president

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Muslim Brother Hood Reaches Egyptian Presidency

on Monday, June 25, 2012

Celebrations have filled the Egyptian streets in all governorates after the declaration of Mohammed Morsi as the first democratically elected president in the Egyptian history.

Mohammed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood has defeated Ahmed Shafiq the last Prime Minister under President Hosni Mubarak in Egypt’s presidential elections by a narrow margin.

The Egyptian Election Commission said Morsi won with 51.7 per cent of the vote versus 48.3 for Shafiq.

“I pledge to be a president who serves his people and works for them,” Morsi wrote on his official website.

Later President Mohammad Morsi delivered a speech on Sunday to thank the Egyptian people for their votes calling them my family and my beloved promising to restore their rights.

“I have no rights, only responsibilities,” Morsi said. “If I do not fulfill my promises, do not obey me.” He also thanked the Egyptian army, the police, and Egypt’s intelligence services for their work in protecting the country.

After the Commission announcement many political movements came in unity and congratulated President Mohammed Morsi.

Pro-democracy leader Mohammed ElBaradei wrote on his Twitter account, “It is time we work all as Egyptians as part of a national consensus to build Egypt that is based on freedom and social justice,”

Ahmed Habashi, the head of the April 6th’s Youth Movement coordination committee in Cairo said, “We are here because the Brotherhood is part of the revolution and it is continuing. We would never support the person who was in charge during the Camel Battle,” referring to Shafiq’s involvement in the massacre that took the lives of at least 26 people on February 2, 2011.

The Camel Battle was the reason why former President Hosni Mubarak is kept in jail for a life sentence.

Moreover, Egypt’s military ruler Mohamed Hussein Tantawi and Prime Minister Kamal El-Ganzouri congratulated Morsi. Bishop Pachomius from Egypt’s Coptic Church congratulated Morsi. Morsi will now have to reassure the Egyptian Coptic’s that he represents the whole country not just Islamists.

Support for Morsi also came from different countries around the world. The government of Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and the Palestinian Authority congratulated Morsi.
Binyamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, said that he “respects the outcome” of the election, and “expects to continue cooperation with the Egyptian administration”.

Morsi referred to Israel in his Sunday speech promising to keep all international treaties this of course includes the 1979 Camp David.

The White House also congratulated Morsi, and urged him to “advance national unity by reaching out to all parties and constituencies.”

No doubt that all the supporting and congratulating statements create a vision full of optimism concerning the future. This in turn encourages not only the Egyptian nation with all its segments pushing them to work harder for a better Egypt, but also foreigners around the world which Egyptians depend significantly on them in their economy including tourism and Investments.

Today it was a different scene. Streets were holding the biggest party Tahrir has seen since the ousting of Mubarak in February, 2011. People formed a huge party circle, singing, dancing and shooting fireworks and playing drums.

The Egyptians have made it! They have succeeded in their rise up against torture, dictatorship and marginalization.

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Egyptian Etiquette

on Thursday, June 7, 2012

 Language in Egypt

For almost 13 centuries Arabic has been the written and spoken language of Egypt. Before the Arab invasion in AD 639, Coptic, the language descended from ancient Egyptian, was the language of both religious and everyday life for the mass of the population; by the 12th century, however, it had been totally replaced by Arabic, continuing only as a liturgical language for the Coptic Orthodox Church. Arabic has become the language of both the Egyptian Christian and Muslim. The written form of the Arabic language, in grammar and syntax, has remained substantially unchanged since the 7th century. In other ways, however, the written language has changed the modern forms of style, word sequence, and phraseology are simpler and more flexible than in classical Arabic.

Egyptian Society & Culture

IslamIslam in Egypt

Islam is practiced by the majority of Egyptians and governs their personal, political, economic and legal lives. Islam emanated from what is today Saudi Arabia. The Prophet Muhammad is seen as the last of God’s emissaries (following in the footsteps of Jesus, Moses, Abraham, etc) to bring revelation to mankind. He was distinguished with bringing a message for the whole of mankind, rather than just to a certain peoples. As Moses brought the Torah and Jesus the Bible, Muhammad brought the last book, the Quran. The Quran and the actions of the Prophet (the Sunnah) are used as the basis for all guidance in the religion.

Among certain obligations for Muslims are to pray five times a day – at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. The exact time is listed in the local newspaper each day. Friday is the Muslim holy day. Everything is closed. Many companies also close on Thursday, making the weekend Thursday and Friday.

During the holy month of Ramadan all Muslims must fast from dawn to dusk and are only permitted to work six hours per day. Fasting includes no eating, drinking, cigarette smoking, or gum chewing. Expatriates are not required to fast; however, they must not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum in public.

Each night at sunset, families and friends gather together to celebrate the breaking of the fast (iftar). The festivities often continue well into the night. In general, things happen more slowly during Ramadan. Many businesses operate on a reduced schedule. Shops may be open and closed at unusual times.

Family Values

. The family is the most significant unit of Egyptian society.
. Kinship plays an important role in all social relations.
. The individual is always subordinate to the family, tribe or group.
. Nepotism is viewed positively, since it is patronage of one’s family.
. The family consists of both the nuclear and the extended family.

Egyptian Honour

. Honour is an important facet of interpersonal relationships.
. Respect and esteem for people is both a right and an obligation.
. An individual’s honor is intricately entwined with the reputation and honor of everyone in their family.
. Honor requires that Egyptians demonstrate hospitality to friends and guests.
. It also dictates that people dress as well as their financial circumstances allow, and show proper respect and deference to their elders and those in authority.
. A man’s word is considered his bond and to go back on your word is to bring dishonor to your family.

Social Class

. Social class is very apparent in Egypt since it determines your access to power and position.
. The social class an Egyptian is born into dictates their everyday life and the opportunities they will have.
. There are three social classes: upper, middle, and lower.
. Status is defined more by family background than by absolute wealth.
. There is little social mobility.

Etiquette & Customs in Egypt

Meeting EtiquetteMap of Egypt

. Greetings are based on both class and the religion of the person.
. It is best to follow the lead of the Egyptian you are meeting.
. Handshakes are the customary greeting among individuals of the same sex.
. Handshakes are somewhat limp and prolonged, although they are always given with a hearty smile and direct eye contact.
. Once a relationship has developed, it is common to kiss on one cheek and then the other while shaking hands, men with men and women with women.
. In any greeting between men and women, the woman must extend her hand first. If she does not, a man should bow his head in greeting.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. If you are invited to an Egyptian’s home for dinner, bring good quality chocolates, sweets or pastries to the hostess.
. Do not give flowers, which are usually reserved for weddings or the ill, unless you know that the hosts would appreciate them.
. A small gift for the children shows affection.
. Always give gifts with the right hand or both hands if the gift is heavy.
. Gifts are not opened when received

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited into an Egyptian’s house:
. You would normally remove your shoes before entering.
. Dress well and conservatively. Appearances are important to Egyptians.
. Compliment the host on the house.

Table manners

. Wait for the host or hostess to tell you where to sit.
. Eat with the right hand only.
. It is considered a sincere compliment to take second helpings.
. Always show appreciation for the meal.
. Salting your food is considered an insult.
. Leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have finished eating. Otherwise they will keep filling it up for you!

Business Etiquette and Protocol in Egypt

Relationships & Communication

. Egyptians prefer to do business with those they know and respect, therefore expect to spend time cultivating a personal relationship before business is conducted.
. Who you know is more important than what you know, so it is important to network and cultivate a number of contracts.
. Expect to be offered coffee or tea whenever you meet someone, as this demonstrates hospitality. Even if you do not take a sip, always accept the beverage. Declining the offer is viewed as rejecting the person.
. Since Egyptians judge people on appearances wear good quality conservative clothes and present yourself well at all times.
. Egyptians believe direct eye contact is a sign of honesty and sincerity, so be prepared for disconcertingly intense stares.
. Egyptians are emotive and use hand gestures when they are excited. In general, they speak softly, although they may also shout or pound the table. This is not indicative of anger; it is merely an attempt to demonstrate a point.
. You should demonstrate deference to the most senior person in the group, who will also be their spokesperson. This is a country where hierarchy and rank are very important.

Business Meeting Etiquette

. Appointments are necessary and should be made in advance.
. Confirm the meeting one week in advance, either in writing or by telephone.
. Reconfirm again a day or two before the meeting.
. Meetings are generally not private unless there is a need to discuss matters confidentially. In general, Egyptians have an open-door policy, even when they are in a meeting. This means you may experience frequent interruptions. Others may even wander into the room and start a different discussion. You may join in, but do not try to bring the topic back to the original discussion until the new person leaves.
.  High- level government officials often adhere to more western business practices and hold private meetings without interruptions
. Business meetings generally start after prolonged inquiries about health, family, etc.
. If you send an agenda and presentation materials in advance of the meeting, send both an English and Egyptian Arabic translation.

Business Negotiation

. The social side of business is very important. Egyptians must know and like you to conduct business. Personal relationships are necessary for long-term business.
. Business is hierarchical. The highest ranking person makes decisions, after obtaining group consensus.
. Decisions are reached after great deliberation.
. If the government is involved, discussions will take even longer since approval must often be given by the ministers of several departments.
. Business moves at a slow pace. The society is extremely bureaucratic. It may take several visits to accomplish a simple task.
. It is advisable to include older people with impressive titles in your team since Egyptians respect age and experience.
. Expect a fair amount of haggling. Egyptians seldom see an offer as final.
. Egyptians do not like confrontation and abhor saying ‘no’. If they do not respond, it usually is a negative sign.
. Always include research and documentation to support your claims.
. Do not use high-pressure tactics.
. Egyptians are tough negotiators.

Dress Etiquette

. Business attire is formal and conservative. Dress well if you want to make a good impression.
. Men should wear dark coloured, lightweight, conservative business suits, at least to the first meeting.
. Men should avoid wearing visible jewellery, especially around the face and neck.
. Women must be careful to cover themselves appropriately. Skirts and dresses should cover the knee and sleeves should cover most of the arm.

Business Cards

. Business cards are given without formal ritual.
. Have one side of your card translated into Egyptian Arabic.
. Always hand the card so the recipient may read it.
. Make a point of studying any business card you receive before putting into your business card case.



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Podcast: An Egyptian Christian’s Perspective

on Monday, June 4, 2012

Muslim Academy has created a new podcast series where we interview bloggers about their articles and their lives. This is the first post. Check it out and let us know what you think.

In this podcast, Caitlin and Chris interview Ehab, a Christian living in Egypt. They speak about stereotypical ideas of Egypt as well as Ehab’s worries about the ongoing elections.



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Podcast: An Egyptian Muslim Woman’s Perspective

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In this podcast, Caitlin and Chris interview Walaa, a Muslim woman living in Egypt. She gives her thoughts on the elections as well as the rights and responsibilities of women according to Islam.



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Tourists Guide to Egyptian Etiquette

on Sunday, June 3, 2012

Egypt is the land of both ancient wonders and modern excitement. You can really learn a lot and gain a new perspective by visiting it. You should learn as much as you can about Egyptian society and customs before going there. Overall the society there is interesting and the people are generally very friendly. As Egyptians would say, “Masr ummi dunya! (Egypt is the mother of the world).”

Egypt the 15th most populous country of the world is the most populous country of the Middle East. Not only this it is the second largest populous country of the African continent. Egypt has a population of around 79 million (July 2006.estimate), which is mostly concentrated around the banks of Nile River, in the Delta and near the Suez Canal.

Egypt is the most popular tourist destination in the Middle East. Almost everybody who hasn’t been there at least wants to go see the pyramids.Most Egyptians are friendly and welcoming to tourists. Tourism aids Egypt’s economy greatly, and for Westerners the exchange rate is pretty good.

The Egyptian people are comprised mainly of Muslims. The acceptable behaviors and customs are different from in Europe or the U.S.

Egypt is comprised of about 90% Muslims and 10% Coptic Christians. Overall the people are conservative in their religious beliefs. The old adage of being like a Roman in Rome is especially true in countries of the Middle East,so read about Egyptian Etiquette.

Clothing is expected to be modest and cover most of your body. For men, the recommended dress is similar to what you would find acceptable in an academic setting. Men should wear pants or long shorts, along with a standard shirt(t-shirt is fine). For ladies, they should dress conservatively – think 1940s American style to be safe – long skirts or regular pants that are loose fitting, along with shirt that is preferably long sleeved and also loose-fitting. Men and women should avoid revealing a lot of skin. Also avoid shirts or clothing with people or anything possibly controversial or indecent in Egyptian Etiquette.

In Egypt, along with countries in the vicinity, public displays of affection should be kept to a minimum. It is fine, In Egypt, for a couple to hold hands or talk close to each other while sitting on the Nile. However it is not accepted for a couple to be kissing or amorously touching in public.

You need to be careful with taking pictures in Egypt. Always ask if it’s OK to take pictures of someone/something before doing so. People in rural areas will naturally be suspicious of foreigners taking pictures of them, so it’s best to ask and be friendly first. At museums signs will guide you. Do not take pictures of military people, soldiers or government-looking places.

Always remove your shoes before entering a mosque. You will see shoe racks at the entrance to mosques. Locals who invite you into their homes may also expect you to remove your shoes as in Egyptian Etiquette - ask or follow what the locals do.

If you are invited to an Egyptians dwelling for dinner, be gracious and compliment the food when you are finished. Accept a host’s offer for seconds if possible. You should eat with your right hand as this is required for Muslims and in Egyptian Etiquette. Do not ask for condiments or negatively react to any food you eat – be grateful no matter what. Say “Shukran gazeelan” after the meal (this means “thank you very much”). In fact, whenever you are in a doubtful situation you can probably say smile, say “Shukran gazeelan”, and the recipient will probably warm up to you. They may look at you in a puzzled way, but at least they’ll be lightly amused.

When you go to the bazaars to buy goods, it is OK to bargain, but do so in a cheerful and light manner. Be mindful of the fact that these people need that money more than you – after all, you’re the one buying souvenirs and artwork. Some items, like gold and other jewelry, don’t allow for much bargaining.

Be generous with taxi drivers if you are in doubt – it is best, however, to either have a local or a guide with you to deal with this or to ask the price beforehand.

Avoid talking too much about politics, and especially avoid talking about Egypt’s government in public. Focus instead of less polarizing issues and general fun events like the Egyptian soccer team or attractions in Cairo. It’s better not to talk sensitive issues. In fact it’s probably better to talk less and enjoy the scenery and sounds more, unless you’re talking to your spouse.

Beside of this division, population of Egypt can also be divided into according to basis of its religion. 85% of the total population of Egypt is the followers of Islam while the second major adherents are of Christianity.



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Top Egyptian Presidential Candidates

on Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Hello everyone, I apologize for my absence, but as I mentioned in my last post, Egypt is having its first Presidential elections, everything was hectic and following the news and the numbers. So I had no time to write. This is why this blog post will be about the results of the elections any my humble analysis of these numbers.

Although there has been no official and confirmed count, but the primary numbers indicate that Round 2 of the elections will be between Mohamed Morsy (Muslim Brotherhood) and Ahmed Shafiq (ex-Prime Minister). My prediction about the top 5 people was almost right; I got four out of five. As instead of Khaled Ali, it was Ahmed Shafiq. The competition was between 5 candidates, then it became between three candidates until we arrived to the final two. The 5 candidates were Mohamed Morsy, Hamden Sabahy, Ahmed Shafiq, AmrMoussa and Abo El Fetouh.

Before I start to analyze, I’d like to say again that this is my own political opinion and mine only, I do not represent the website or other writers, some may agree and some may not agree, but this is my opinion and I’m entitled to say it loud.

These five had the most votes, but the real competition was between the top 3 candidates, Hamden Sabahy, Mohamed Morsy and Ahmed Shafiq. The numbers kept jumping and the places kept switching, and as I mentioned, there is not confirmed or official announcement, but the numbers say that the first two who will undergo the second round are Ahmed Shafiq and Mohamed Morsy. But I am still hoping that last minute changes would push Hamden Sabahy in the top two (my candidate).

The numbers are pretty close, the difference between Ahmed Shafiq and Mohamed Morsy and not more than 200k, and between them and Hamden Sabahy is about 500k. In percentages, about 1-2% difference between them. If the numbers stay the same, the people will have to choose between two candidates, the ex-prime minister of the ex-president and the candidate of the Islamic Political Party who proved their failure in the parliament.

We are really facing one of the most difficult choices. Either we choose Ahmed Shafiq, the ex-prime minister, which is basically bringing back the old regime back, after the thousands that died. Or, we can pick the Muslim Brotherhood candidate, after they failed miserably in the parliament, plus the fact that they are a majority in the parliament, or a near majority, so they got the parliament, the president and nearly all the unions, so by doing that, we are basically building a dictator regime with no opposition, how will the parliament correct the president if they both belong to the same political party. They will be judge and jury, and me as a Christian, I really don’t know what to do or who to choose, I’m still thinking about it, or I’ll boycott the second round.

As a friend of mine said “One killed me and the other will”.



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Overview of the Egyptian culture

on Friday, May 25, 2012

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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The Egyptian Presidential Elections

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It is a great day today, you will feel that I have averted away from the usual kind of topics and articles I do, but today there is a great event taking place in Egypt that can’t be ignored, and I felt that I have to share it with everyone. Today, after thirty long years, we are having the first presidential elections.

Before I start talking about the elections and the candidates, i will share with you a fun fact that you probably didn’t know, did you know that for all of these past years, under the regime of the ex-president Mohammed Hosny Mubarak, there was no elections? Meaning, we didn’t have multiple candidates that we choose from. We go, we choose between “YES” or “NO” to the president, and needless to say, the president because he was so loved, he always won by a great percentage of 99.99% (I hope you realized the sarcasm)only one year before the revolution that we had an election, and of course, he won with the same percentage after putting his nearest competitive in prison.

Enough with the past, it’s time to talk about now, today I have stood on a long long line, which I call the line of freedom, I stood in the burning sun for over 4 hours, and I was enjoying every bit of it, because finally I will have a voice and an opinion in my own country.

So, to break it down, here are some details about some of the presidential candidates that I think have the most chance of winning (MY OPINION), I do not represent the opinion of the website or any fellow writers, and these are my opinions and mine only. They are as followed:

- Hamden Sabahy: His ideology is  , he was always against the regime of Mubarak, he was in the parliament. He is expected to gain the votes of the poor since he has always cared for their needs and defend their rights.Highly popular among the youth.

-Khalid Ali: Although his chances is very low, according to a lot of people, but I see otherwise, he has always been a fighter for the poor, he was the one behind the minimum wage laws, and he got a court order regarding the law, but the govt. never implemented it.  He belongs to the Liberal party.Highly popular among the youth.

-Amr Moussa: The former minister of foreign affairs of Egypt and the ex- president of the . Some say he belongs to the old regime, some say he always opposed it and this is why he was kicked out of his position as minister in the govt. of Mubarak. He is expected to obtain the voices of the age group of 45-60.

Abo el Fetouh: He had a great position within the Muslim Brotherhood of Egypt, he was kicked out after the revolution when he announced he will run for president, and at that time the Muslim Brotherhood refused the idea of having any representative in the presidential run, although that changed a few months later. He recently acquired the blessing of el “Salafis” through their biggest political party “Hezb el noor”. He is supposed to be a liberal, but after the blessings of el Salafis, people started to doubt it.Highly popular among the youth.

Mohamed Morsy: the Presidential candidate of the Muslim Brotherhood, as mentioned, they said they will not palpitate in the elections, but they did afterwards. They first backed “Islam el Shatter” but due to legal issues, he was eliminated so they pushed Mohamed Morsy instead. He is expected to obtain the voices of many Muslims who belong to the Muslim Brotherhood and their political party “Horeya we Adala” which means Freedom and Justice.

So, in a few days, I’ll certainly write and tell you about the winner and more about him in details.



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