Islamic Impact on Egyptian Culture - by Islam El-Shafie

Eng. Islam El-Shafie – MBA 2020Eng. Islam El-Shafie – MBA 2020
Islamic Impact on Egyptian Culture

Coptic Egypt
The meaning of Copt.
Coptic Culture:
- Authority
Authority was owned by Christians, causing the word “Coptic” to be equivalent to Christian.
- Language & Religion
Coptic language was the official and administrative language of Egypt, until now Egyptians
are still using some Coptic words. Also, Christianity was the official religion.

Coptic Egypt
-Cities
Some Egyptian cities names are Coptic, like Abu Qir, Abnub, Fayoum, ..etc.
- Calendar
Coptic calendar is still being used in agricultural course and weather study.
- Influence
Popular religious songs, Language and Architecture.

Islamic Egypt
 Early Islamic Period
 Umayyad period
Based in Damascus, the Umayyad Caliphate was one the most powerful Islamic caliphates that ruled
the Islamic Empire for nearly 100 years. The Umayyad Caliphate was brought to an end in 750 CE
when the Abbasids took control. The Umayyad period is often considered the formative period in
Islamic art.
 Abbasids and Fatimid Period
Based in Baghdad, Abbasids Caliphate formed after a revolt against the Umayyads. In the 9th century
the Fatimid Caliphate, originating in modern Tunisia, wrested control of Egypt from the Abbasids and
established a new capital called Al-Qahirah from which modern Cairo takes its name. In 1171 AD the
Fatimids gave way to the Ayyubid Caliphate, founded by the famous general of the Crusades, Salah
Ad-Din. Between 750 and 833 the ʿAbbāsids raised the prestige and power of the empire, promoting
commerce, industry, arts, and science, particularly during the reigns of al-Manṣūr, Hārūn al-Rashīd,
and al-Maʾmūn

 Ayyubid Period
 Under the Fatimid and Ayyubid Caliphates, Egypt and the capital, Cairo, were of great
geographic and political importance.
 The Ayyubid dynasty was a Muslim dynasty of Kurdish origin founded by Saladin and
centered in Egypt. the constant threats to the ayyubid period has resulted on the
powerful military and a lot of citadels were built. in order to defense against any threat.
the citadel of cairo was built by salaheldin himself.
 Egypt and the capital, Cairo, were of great geographic and political importance
 The beautiful buildings that still decorate Islamic Cairo are evidence of the wealth and
influence that came to Cairo as the capital of the important governments. During these
centuries, the people of Egypt also changed with their government.
Islamic Egypt

• The Coptic language is the final stage of the ancient Egyptian
language, but it is written in the Greek alphabet.
• The majority of Coptic words are taken from the ancient
Egyptian language, with only two thousand words borrowed
from Greek.
• Coptic was the language of the Egyptians during the 3 centuries
before the Islamic conquest, and the Coptic language is the
language of speech among the Egyptians.
The history of Coptic language

• Arabic language existed in Egypt before Islamic conquest
because of the trade between the Egyptians and the
Arabs, along with the migration of some Arabs to Egypt.
• The Muslim conquest of Egypt by Arabs came with
the spread of Islam in the seventh century.
• At the turn of the eighth century, Caliph Abd al-Malik ibn
Marwan decreed that Arabic replace Greek and Coptic as
the sole administrative language.
• Until the 10th century, Coptic remained the spoken
language of the native population outside the capital.
• Some words in ancient Coptic language still used
nowadays for example (‫أوطه‬ ،‫ترابيزه‬ ،‫.)بخ‬
• A village in Luxor is the only place where the Coptic
language is still used among the general public.
Coptic VS Arabic language in Egypt

Coptic Art
Coptic art originally displayed a mix of native Egyptian and Hellenistic influences. It’s famous for its
paintings, textiles and other artistic mediums. Subjects and symbols were taken from both Greek
and Egyptian mythology. Coptic icons are more concerned with religious truth and beauty than
realism.

Islamic Art
Islamic architecture was influenced by antiquated structures that existed in
Egyptian, Roman, Byzantine, Mesopotamian, and Persian grounds which
Muslims have conquered earlier.
THEMES
 Islamic Calligraphy
 Geometric
 Decorative arts as carpets, ceramics, metalwork, and books
 Aniconic art

The Influence of Coptic on Islamic
Architecture
• The Arabic conquest of Egypt, the Coptic art to influenced the
Islamic art and architecture with many features that are integrated
into the Islamic art.

Egyptian Personality Traits
we truly know that there are no people as pure-hearted and unique as they are. People living abroad especially
miss the warm smiles and loving characteristics that grow within the Egyptian culture. So, here is a list of
personalities that are only found in Egyptians.
1. Sense of Humor
The Egyptians are known for their funny personality. Even in the darkest situations an Egyptian will make a joke
out of it. They are the best people to convert sadness to a source of laughter and when a huge event happens in
the country, Egyptians are the first one to make a joke out of their own struggles.

2. Generosity
Egyptians are the most generous people ever, they can negotiate for hours about who is going to pay the
bill! If you are visiting an Egyptian at their home it is guaranteed that they will keep offering you all the
food, and the drinks they have.
3. Hospitable
If an Egyptian saw any tourist on the street they will randomly welcome them to Egypt. If you haphazardly
met your Egyptian neighbor at the door he/she might invite you for a drink or even dinner.

4. Chivalry
Egyptian men are well-known for their gallant, courageous and honorable personality.
5. Faithful
Egyptians are very faithful and religious. They think of God all the time, and they leave everything to God.

6. Emotional Spirit
They sympathize with each other through thick and thin. If it’s a funeral or a wedding, Egyptians will be sharing
your special moments.
7. Kind-hearted
The kindest, the most helpful and most delicate human beings on earth.

8. Heroic
The Egyptians are known for their brave character. They created two revolutions in 4 years only. This
shows how heroic and adventurous they could be.

Thank You

Islamic Impact on Egyptian Culture - by Islam El-Shafie

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