ICDS FORUM

Naguib Gabriel: The Issue of Egyptinization

March 2004

Mr. Gabriel discussed the marginalization of Coptic culture during and after the Islamic invasion of Egypt. According to Mr. Gabriel, Islam began as a religion, but soon grew into a political movement that swept through the neighboring political entities previously linked with the Roman Empire. After the Islamic invasion, Arab culture engulfed Egypt and undermined its ancient language. However, Coptic endured as a form of communication in the area.

According to Mr. Gabriel, Arabs spread their culture under the pretense of Islam; however, Arabization is not a prerequisite for the religion. Unlike Egypt, several states have embraced Islam while maintaining their indigenous culture and language, such as Turkey and Iran. Moreover, the notion of Pan-Arabism, so politically important after the 1952 revolution, emerged at a time when Egypt lacked a clear vision for the future. Mr. Gabriel also commented on the conflict that exists between Egyptian and Arab culture and concluded that Egyptians continue to live in the shadows of that conflict.