Comments on: Night 7 — On the Sorrow of Not Knowing Arabic

By: Ibrahim

Ibrahim — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:01 +0000

In response to Peter, i beg to differ with you!
We actually have both Islamic and Coptic Cairo in Egypt! that’s a fact.
Now their is this area in Cairo called “MOGAMMA’ EL ADYAN” and this area has a number if churches, though not only Coptic, but anyway, it also has a synagogue. This area is usually referred to as coptic cairo or mogama el adyan.
Any way the other area where their are a number of old mosques like Sayeda zeinab and nafeesa, and others, are usually referred to as Islamic Cairo, since, the majority of the residents and monuments are Islamic.
Another thing, this area referred to by Islamic Cairo did not exist at the time of Jesus Christ, so i am sure you mean the mogama el adyan region.
Anyway i am totally against classification according to religion, but if we try to look at the picture in an open minded way, i think this names would be but explanations and descriptions.

By: WMoynan

WMoynan — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:17:46 +0000

I think most locals respond favourably to westerners who make the effort. I’m sure it’s no different with Egyptians, though I’ve never been there. I can identify with the feeling of shame for our arrogance at being in their country and expecting them to speak to us in our language. Something’s not right about that. Probably the best way is to find some things which you love about their culture, learn about them, be able to talk about them and tell the locals about your interest in those things. I find that knowing a little about someone’s culture that they don’t expect you to know can break down many barriers. Also, pronouncing the words you know as authentically as you can creates an almost disbelief in them.

By: Peter

Peter — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:06:19 +0000

I am an Egyptian who read the article and my only problem is the phrase ” Islamic Cairo ” we as Egyptians never called it that cause it has many Christian churches that has been there since the holy family visited Egypt/Cairo.

By: Daniel Hubbard

Daniel Hubbard — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 19:05:30 +0000

Well I think it’s at least cool (and possibly beneficial) that the locals think you’re one of them…it should make for a more fun and authentic experience.