The Egyptian dream: Egyptian national identity and uprisings

Abstract

The story of Egyptian identity from the beginning of the 20th century is one constructed by statesmen, intellectuals and Islamic thinkers. This book argues that the current fragmentation of Egypt's political scene reflects the increasing social division in a country where 'the people' are demanding a redefinition of their national identity. Scrutinising the society behind the uprisings that began in 2011 and their diverse economic, ideological and sectorial demands, it also looks at the desperate state's attempt to construct a unified Egyptian identity an attempt which has resulted in further splitting Egyptian society. The book focuses on the societal context that caused and continue to stir the internal conflict in Egypt and offers a fresh perspective in that it zooms in on the Egyptian society and its multiple layers. It also zooms in on the role of language and education in enforcing the status quo using a number of case studies to illustrate the development of nationalist discourse in Egypt.