Egypt and its people

Egypt- Country's Fascinating Details and More

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see. Yes, Egypt, from the time immemorial, has always been the center of attraction. It situates in the Northeast part of the vast African continent. Several factors make the country more vibrant and attract millions of people across the World. Undoubtedly, the ancient pharaohs' legacy is still alive in the form of mesmerizing and gigantic pyramids. Moreover, pyramids are the first image that comes to most people's minds while talking about the country. The county is rich with its natural resources and beauty. The river Nile is the heart of the country. From the ancient period, all the civilizations and development have taken place around the Nile river. Also, there are many eternal and exciting aspects of the country. Let's have a closer look at the vast and vibrant Egypt.

Historical Overview

It is impossible to reconstruct world history, excluding Egypt. From the pre-historical times, there are archaeological pieces of evidence that get associated with Egypt. Moreover, one of the most massive and ancient civilizations began in the land of pharaohs. Indeed, it has resulted in forming a diverse and rich culture in the country. Archaeological excavations and Egyptology research are still active, which help know the country's newer aspects and dimensions, making it more fascinating. However, let's dig more into the past and historical outline of Egypt.

The Legacy of Pharaohs

Let's start with the proto-historic period of Egypt or the time of Pharaohs. The ancient Egyptian rulers are popularly known by the Pharaoh. Before the time of pharaohs, the county was divided and split into many parts. It was during the 4th millennium BC that the unification of Egypt began. However, from that period of pharaohs, many drastic changes started. According to the archeological findings, the unification process of Egypt was started by Pharaoh Menes in 3150 BC. Many dynasties under different Pharaohs ruled and developed the country. For the easy understanding, these kingdoms get divided into The first phase is the Old Kingdom, then the Middle Kingdom, and finally the New kingdom. However, these kingdoms consist of different dynasties over a period. Many significant changes took place during the time of pharaohs. 

Starting with the old kingdom, the period between 2700-2500 BC, which consists of a short period of 200 years, was crucial for Egypt. It was during this period the concept and construction of many essential pyramids happen to take place. In the fourth dynasty of the old kingdom, the gigantic Giza pyramids get in the building to be very specific. Also, the magnificent monument structure of the Sphinx gets constructed during this phase. Unquestionably, the old kingdom paved the way for the strong Egyptian cultural base.

In the end phase of the old kingdom, the pharaohs could not maintain the country's stability, leading to an intermediate period of over 150 years. This intermediate period took place before the middle kingdom. Economic and political uncertainty created chaos in society. Also, society stratification became more prominent during this phase. Its country gets divided into Upper Egypt, Middle, and Lower Egypt.

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In upper Egypt, lived the elite and noble class people. In the middle lived merchants, dealers, and business class. Finally, in the lower lived the daily labor class and slaves. After the instability and chaos come the middle kingdom ( 2040-1560 BC).

Pharaoh Amenemhat restored the country's stability. Indeed, he was the significant pharaoh of the middle kingdom. However, his successors were weak and unstable; thus, it paved way for foreign invasion. Taking advantage of chaos and instability, Hyksos, the foreign ruler, invaded Egypt and conquered the lower Egypt. Also, In 1650 BC he established his capital in the land of Avaris. However, on the later stage Hyksos was overthrown by Ahmose and reunited Egypt.

Finally, in the New kingdom falls under the period between 1550-1070 BC, many internal developments happened. Indeed, this period witnessed significant growth in international trade and relations. The peak of Egyptian civilization can get consider this period. Furthermore, the pharaoh of Egypt, famous for his mummification, had a reign during this phase. By this period, Egypt had a good exposure; it also resulted in many foreign invasions.

Foreign Invasions

Considering the wealth and prosperity, Egypt has always been prone to foreign invasions. Especially after gaining international attention from 1 century BC. The Persian ruler Cambyses Achaemenid invaded Egypt and established his authority in the time of 525 BC. Also, to show his dominance, he took over the Egyptian title of Pharoah. However, many internal rebels and conflicts often took place until the country's last significant pharaoh in 324BC. After that, the native successors fragile, creating room for the external invasions. Let's give a sight at the external strengths that controlled Egypt.

The New Power and Arabs

Towards the second quarter of the 7th century AD, Arabs took control of northern Africa. In 640, Arabs made massive conquest of Egypt. Unlike the other invaders, they were more military organized; they destroyed many monuments. During this time, Europe was underdeveloped, so comparatively, Arabs were mode advanced. They knew Astronomy and were keener on treasure hunting. 

In a much later stage, Egypt's people returned with many manuscripts and antique objects, especially Europeans. This tendency among people often termed "Egyptomania," later resulted in Egypt's scientific study and artifacts. However, the classes get started in the year 1639 AD. Furthermore, towards the second quarter of the 20th century, the word's full attention in context with mummies, pyramids, treasures, mysteries was all on Egypt.

Geographic Features

The geography of the country is vivid and vibrant having, deserts, rivers, plains, and more. The popular Nile river of Egypt plays a vital role in geography and demography, making 98% live in the Delta Region of the Nile river. Also, the country constitutes 1,001,450 sq kilometers in the area making it the 30th largest country in the World. However, the larger area of the vicinity includes the desert. Geographically the country holds a strategic position sharing its territories with Libya on the western side, Sudan lies in the southern region, then the crucial Gaza narrows, and the country of Israel on the Eastside.

The Navigable land side bridge that links the Meditteranean sea and the vast Indian ocean make it favorable for trade relation with other countries.

Climate  

The climate of the country is not too extreme, making it suitable for survival. The average temperature in summer goes to 32 degrees and in winter, 9 degrees. The Meditteranean sea on the northern side of the country produces cool breeze resulting in a moderate climate. The water level in the Nile is very crucial for the people. In rainy seasons, it may get flooded, which harms people's lives settled near the riverside.

Economy Sector

In every country, some sectors will be so vital and concrete that will help in their economy. In Egypt's context, the Agrarian sector plays a crucial role in the country's economic growth. Again, the Nile river plays a vital role to built such an industry. However, over a 3 million population of Egypt works abroad. 

To contribute to the GDP of the country, Economic and financial structures like petroleum, Natural gas, Industries, etc. play a crucial role. Also, considering the rapid economic growth, many foreign investments are happening in the country. Indeed, it is significant progress in the country's economy. In the past few years, the stock exchange market is in a balanced state. Moreover, the International monetary fund has considered Egypt as a fast-growing economic Nation.

Tourism

Tourism is the most active area in Egypt. An average of 13 million people worldwide come to Egypt to explore and experience the beauty of the pharaoh's land. Moreover, the country gains an estimated revenue of $12 billion only through the tourism sector. The magnificent Egyptian structures attract millions of people. Furthermore, the thrilling Nile cruise packages and other exciting offers make this a must-visit tourist place. Also, the government is very keen on promoting the country's tourism, ensuring tourists' comfort.

Education

Egypt being the land of ancient civilization, has always given importance to the Educational sector. The Al- Azar University is one of the oldest and famous centers for Islamic studies situated in Cairo. In the last few decades, a drastic progressive change in the country's educational structure is evident. Furthermore, many new colleges and universities providing high-quality education in different fields have built. The land is also known for its religious and cultural studies. 

Culture 

It isn't easy to define culture in a few words. The tangible elements and intangible factors together form a culture. However, in the context of Egypt, its culture is vibrant and deep-rooted. The country's culture is diverse as it has witnessed many invasions. Moreover, Greeks, Romans, Persians, Arabs, Christians, etc. have paved the way to expand Egypt's culture. Few crucial factors contribute to cultural formation. Let's have a look at it.

1 : Literature: 

As the country prosperous, the literature was too developed. In olden times papyrus sheets were the available writing records. Also, many other scripts and writings were relevant in the country. However, Arab literature gained more popularity and acceptance.

2: Arts: 

The beginning of the arts can get traced back to the prehistoric period. Further, towards the dynastic phase, it gained more prominent. Also, foreign invasions and cultural fusion resulted in the formation of various arts. From the rock paintings to popular Hellenistic art, the country witnessed a progressive change. 

Ptolemy made a revolutionary change in art by incorporating Hellenistic styles in monuments and other structures. However, the country being a place for cultural exchange, acted as a platform to develop skills.

3: Music: 

Egypt is a few countries in the World that have linked Music with God. The mythology mentions God Hathor as the inventor of Music. Also, stories revolve around God Osiris, who helped to Civilize people through Music. So Music was never separate from the lives of the people. 

The greatb musicians namely Mohammad Abdel Wahab, Sayed Darwish,  Mohammad Mounir, Amr Diab, etc. are few global renown musicians from Egypt. 

4: Dance: 

Where there is civilization, the dance will be a common aspect. There are archeological shreds of evidence that exhibit that the Egyptian people had inclinations towards dance from ancient times. However, it is a bit difficult to re-establish the form and type of dance. In today's context, belly dance is one of the popular forms of dance. Also, Tanoura, a Sufi practice, is widely accepted.

5: Museums: 

It is a very popular saying that "Museums are the doorways to the past." A country like Egypt, with its rich historical background, should have many museums. Indeed, the government has many large museums with a variety of antique collections. There are prominent 60 well functioning museums spread across the country. The museums' artifacts help us feel the legacy of the pharaohs and take us back to the past.

6: Festivals: 

It is a place of festivals and celebrations. Almost all globally celebrated festivals like Christmas, Ramadan is widely celebrated. Apart from that, the native and cultural festivals associated with ancient Egyptian pharaohs like the Sphinx festival are also popularly celebrated. The celebrations of different communities get celebrated with joy and happiness, exhibiting the country's communal unity.

Language 

For centuries before, especially during ancient civilizations, the medium of communication was much relevant. From the scripts and literary sources, it is very evident too. However, looking at the modern context, Arabic is a commonly spoken language in Egypt. Many dialects change, and Arabic variations are apparent like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Arabic, Sudanese, etc. 

 Ethnicity

Egypt has been a place of diverse ethnic groups. Considering the strategic position and natural resources, many groups have invaded the country, resulting in a country's mixed ethnicity. However, in the present situation, 99% of people among the population are native people. Furthermore, communities like Greeks, Nubians, Turks also co-exist peacefully in the country.

Religion

Many religious groups that exist in the country of Egypt. But a larger population of 85% follows Islam. Furthermore, the Sunni community of Muslims constitutes larger in percentage. Apart from this, the Coptic Christian group consists of 10-15% of the total population.

Major Cities

Egypt is one of the fair developing countries in the World. However, significant cities of the country also exhibit rapid growth. Let's look at the major cities of the country. 

CAIRO

It is considered as the largest city and capital of Egypt, consisting of 20 million. The famous educational centers and sites get situated in the city. For instance, the popular Al Azhar University and many other significant structures like mosque, temples, and other magnificent forms get located in Cairo's heart. Furthermore, the city of Cairo has UNESCO rankings of the world heritage status. It consists of the famous citadel of Saladin, Mohammad Ali mosque, and so on. Other attractions of the city include the famous International Park, the Al Horreya Park, and the beautiful Aquarium Grotto Garden.

Giza

It is the third-largest city of Egypt, known for its great gigantic pyramid complex. Also, the other monumental structures like the great Sphinx draws millions of people to the city. Indeed, Cairo is one of the major tourist attractions in Egypt. The Giza museum, Wissa Wassef Art Center, gives extra vibrancy to the town making it more attractive.

Alexandria

The city of Alexandria is known for its seaport and manufacturing development. Also, the all-time popular Alexandria library re-established in the name of 'Bibliotheca Alexandrina.' Furthermore, Alexandria's famous National Museum, the great Fort Qaitbey, Corniche, the busy waterfront road are few significant highlights of Alexandria.

Hurghada

Unlike the other major cities, it is different from its natural beauty. Hurghada consists of beautiful beaches where the tourists can experience the thrill of Snorkeling. 

Luxor

The beautiful city of Luxor gets filled with historical monuments and structures. Indeed, these mesmerizing structures add beauty to the town. A large number of people annually visits Luxor and experiences the historical beauty of Egypt.

Current Situation

In the present situation, under President Abdel Fattah el Sisi Egypt is in progressive mode. The significant economic policies and other reforms lead the country to the quickest developing nations across the globe. However, in this pandemic situation, the government has shown immense courage to overcome the problem. Also, the efforts were beneficial. In the context of development, the city of Cairo ranks top in the most developing country in the Arab countries.

In the early stage of its independence, there were many political dilemmas and uncertainty. However, overcoming all the significant obstacles, Egypt stands on top of the World's notable countries.

Conclusion

There are very few places in the World that come in the list of must-visit category. Egypt is few such places in the world that One should explore and experience the beauty and dynamism of the country. Understanding this reality, a drastic increase in tourists to Egypt has noted in the last few years. Also, the country is not too expensive; budget-friendly holidays are readily available. So when you make a holiday plan, it's now time to make your tour to Egypt. Undoubtedly it will be a fantastic life experience.