Egypt in My Mind
When the name of Egypt is mentioned, emotions and feelings stir within our hearts, awakening deep longing, nostalgia, and affection. Everyone recalls personal experiences or shared memories. Of course, this differs for expatriates, and I have always yearned to explore the feelings that arise in individuals when Egypt’s name is mentioned, seeking answers within each person on every occasion when Egypt is referenced. While circumstances, emotions, and memories vary, a profound nostalgia for memories that seem etched in the mind persists, regardless of the passage of time. Despite differences among generations, eras, and surrounding conditions, love for Egypt remains a universal constant, even if the intensity of nostalgia and loyalty varies.
I have always enjoyed discussing Egypt with family, friends, and loved ones, asking them what they love most about it. It may seem like an ordinary question, but it carries deep significance, and answering it is no simple task. I am greatly pleased by the diverse reactions and perspectives I hear. I am always convinced that anyone who dismisses the topic, attempts to downplay its importance, or tries to recall negative aspects mockingly is actually struggling to resist their own love for Egypt—a love that may have contributed significantly to their distance from it, or led them to convince themselves they can endure that separation.
This is one of Egypt’s most defining characteristics: you love it despite your anger and frustration over unfavorable circumstances and experiences. Yet, we always remember and emphasize that Egypt is not merely its conditions or situations. It is certainly not just its stones and land. We cannot fully define Egypt, for it transcends any explanation or definition. It varies within each individual, yet it remains Egypt.
Thus, when I pose this timeless, eternal question about my love for Egypt to myself, I find myself immersed in a blend of emotions, which I thank God are all positive. I have never harbored anger toward it. Although I grieved its absence, I knew clearly that I did not wish for that separation, nor did Egypt wish for it.
Therefore, when I hear Egypt’s name, I always try to recall what first comes to my heart and mind. As I mentioned, these are numerous and varied, differing from person to person, and I believe they also evolve over time. Nostalgia for family and relatives comes first, followed by nostalgia for friends and acquaintances. But above all, there is nostalgia for the memories embodied by places, moments, people, ethics, customs, traditions, history, civilization, greatness, victory, pride, dignity, and honor. These are the most powerful, yearning, stirring, and beautiful meanings of nostalgia.
Great and kind Egypt, with its history, people, and good-natured citizens; Egypt of the pyramids and the Nile; Egypt of Sayyida Zainab, Hussein, and righteous saints; Egypt of mosques, churches, monasteries, and temples; Egypt of museums and antiquities; Egypt of Giza, Cairo, Shubra, Abdeen, and the Opera; Egypt of the Sa’idi people and farmers; Egypt of the coastal and Bedouine cultures; Egypt of Matruh and Alexandria; Egypt of the humble and the kind-hearted; Egypt of chivalry and generosity; Egypt of authenticity and manliness; Egypt where the people of al-Ful and al-Galaba gather together; Egypt at dawn, when everyone is up and about; Egypt of the farmer in his land and the worker in his factory; Egypt where the elder shows compassion to the younger, and the younger respects the elder; Egypt of ethics and religion; Egypt, where everything is sweet and beautiful; Egypt, where everything is authentic.
Egypt is vast and immense in my heart and mind. I love you, my homeland. I love you, Egypt.
