By: Julijana Englander
Helllloooooo! Greetings from Cairo! To say the last few days in Cairo have been quite historic would be a major understatement. Today, June 18th, 2012, marks a day that Egyptians and the world alike will not soon forget. Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood has been elected the next president of Egypt after defeating his opponent Ahmed Shafiq. The election has brought with it tides of fear, anxiety and concern among the Egyptian people. The world will need to wait and see what changes the future will bring with a new group in power.
Anywho, in other news, today the Duke in the Arab World group had the pleasure of meeting Mustafa Kamel Abdel Rahim, author of Final Exit. Prior to meeting the author, the group read and reviewed the book. Rahim’s book tells the story of Abdel Tawab, a father of five; Rahim uses this narrative to depict social inequalities, lack of job opportunities, and everyday struggles Egyptians face. The book was published prior to the January 25th Revolution in Egypt, but the author says that people are often shocked to learn that it was written and published before the revolution. The narrative and the story were harbingers for the revolution and the need for change in Egypt.
While sitting down with the avuncular author, the group gained insight into his book and his thoughts on Egypt’s future. Rahim noted that the main character in the book was a representative personality of the Egyptian perspective; the main character’s voice was a lens which the reader used to see an individual’s perceptive of Egypt that represents so much more than just one person. He also mentioned that the book was meant to create an organic connection between different generations of Egyptians and their differing perspectives. The author also mentioned the importance of breaking stereotypes, which are so often portrayed in the media, about Muslims as dangerous and terrorizing forces. This is just one tidbit of information about a fantastic author and an incredible talk!
The DAW group would like to give a huge thank you to Mustafa Kamel Abdel Rahim for giving us his time and would DEFINITELY recommend checking out his book, Final Exit. If you check out page 207/208 in the English version you will see a reference to an individual our professor Lo knows quite well. They go way back. Thanks for reading and Ma’Salama!
Meeting this author sounds like a unique experience to get an honest glimpse of the more difficult aspects of life in Egypt, both socially and politically. I would be curious to learn what he thinks about the recent election results and their potential to impact the daily lives of the people he writes about. Sounds like you are learning a lot!
It is interesting to me how the struggles of the Egyptians, although initially seem very different from those of us in the States, are actually very similar to those going on in the States after all. It seems that while Rahim gives a great insight into the view of an Egyptian, the author also shows that Egyptians and Americans are not so different after all. The summary of his book reminds me of A Thousand Splendid Suns and how to view the Middle East and the Arab World from a unique and insightful perspective. It sounds like the interview with Rahim was very insightful and that the Duke program itself is successful in its mission so far.
Hey JJ
I think its fascinating that you were able to gain insight into this author’s book detailing contemporary Egyptian life. Cross-cultural learning is such a key part of ones growing experience, especially abroad. Sounds like a very interesting political climate to be in right now, and I hope you continue to document your time in Egypt! Look forward to hearing more about your adventures when you get back to the US.
JJ, this is really interesting and I am so eager to hear more about your experiences. It’s interesting to hear you describe the feeling of this momentous time and surge of change, and also your growing understanding about pressures that have been brewing for generations. I’m going to pick up a copy of ‘Final Exit’ today. Thanks for sharing – travel safe!
Hi JJ, Your amazing experience and observations are fascinating. You are correct all eyes are on Egypt and the choices it makes today will affect its future for decades to come. It will also be interesting to see how your experiences in Egypt, during this time of great change affect your future and those of your classmates.
It must have been facinating to read the book and meet the author of ‘Final Exit’ and learn the history and frustrations that lead to the revolution.
The balance between majority rules and the protection of minority basic rights is extremely important to get right. Let us hope that the Egyptians can find the strength and luck to accomplish that goal. Also, the transition from a dictatorship to a true democracy can be difficult and painful. I find it interesting that without a constitution the Egyptian Court is able to rule that the election of the parliament was illegal and disband the parliament.
From where I sit, here in the states the road ahead for Egypt will be difficult. Perhaps with some luck and reliance on its long and rich history the Egyptians will get it right and be able to balance the rights of all people and prosper in a true democracy. Clearly, you have observed the making of history up close. Have a safe trip home and see you stateside real soon.
Wow, JJ, what a fantastic time to be present in Egypt. I am curious about what this new President has to offer and whether the great social changes called for are even possible in Egypt. It seems that momentum has started, but will it really be able to rectify and improve the stagnant conditions for the future?
Otherwise, I am very excited to follow your trip throughout the region and read about all you have experienced. I was actually in Cairo during December 2010 (literally weeks before the Jan 25 Revolution), and can imagine that much has changed! Great post.
So cool that Duke is offering you such amazing opportunities like meeting this author! You are so lucky to be studying in Egypt right now and literally experiencing things that people will be reading about in history books in the future. Can’t wait to hear more about your experience, I’ve been loving all of your pictures!
I cannot even begin to imagine what it must be like for you to be in Egypt at such a monumental moment in its history. It is one thing for me to follow the story and changes from afar, but another for you to live it. What a great experience it must be to be immersed in the Egyptian culture and get to meet such interesting people such as Mustafa Kamel Abdel Rahim. So glad to hear you survived the election! Stay safe (and say hi to Leila for me!).
This sounds absolutely amazing, JJ! I cannot believe you are there for such a momentous time in history! It will be interesting to see how the new Egyptian president will lead the country and how he will differentiate himself from Mubarak. I’m sure there will be initiation ceremonies that you will be able to experience first hand which is so intriguing. Your meeting with Rahim sounds incredible; it must have been so rewarding to hear the author’s intentions for the story. I have already looked into getting the book because I am embarrassingly undereducated in Arab culture. It’s so good to hear about your travels, and I hope you enjoy the rest of the program!
JJ! I’m so happy to hear about your adventures in Egypt. It’s so special that you are able to be studying in Egypt at such an important time in history. It sounds like you are having many rewarding experiences, like meeting this author. It’s always so interesting to hear first hand from authors. I’m excited to hear about the other amazing experiences you have and the interesting people you meet throughout your trip. Safe travels and keep me updated!
It was great to hear about your visit to Cairo. Loved the picture too! The news about Egypt and the election has been constant in the press and on NPR. It sounds like a terrific experience to read and then meet the author of Final Exit. I plan to check out the English version! Was anyone in DAW group able to completely read the Arabic version?
Safe travels and enjoy the rest of your adventure.
Thanks for all this great info. Can’t wait to hear more.
JJ! It sounds like you’re having an extraordinary experience. I love that I read this and hear your voice telling me about everything. I can’t wait to hear more. Safe travels, love!
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