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1
Chairman of SIS
The Egyptian team in FIFA WORLD
Diaa Rashwan CUP RUSSIA 2018 6
Editor-in-Chief
Abdelmoeti Abuzaid
Egypt National Football Team
8
Executive Editor
Nashwa Abdel Hamid
Coaching Staff of the Egypt National
Football Team officially qualified for
FIFA World Cup 2018 10
Layout & cover
Rania Samir Wishahy
Egyptian Football, regional &
16
global achievements
Ayat Mekky
2
Mo Salah
an ambitious story 24
Egyptians furious at Mo Salah injury
28
Egyptian referees in World Cup 30
Football facilities in Egypt 31
Egypt in the Olympic Egyptians are domina- Sports in Ancient Egypt
Games 32 ting squash 34 36
Egypt at a Glance 38
Egyptian Culture
Monuments & Tourism
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47
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Photo by: ANTHONY OSMOND - EVANS 4
Editorial
Egypt in World Cup:
Cultural & Sports Significance
The participation of the Egyptian national football team in FIFA World
Cup in Russia 2018 is such an important event both at the sports and
media level for Egypt, which qualified for the World Cup for the first
time in 28 years.
The Egyptian people pins hopes on the Pharaohs who still have their
chance to make a name in the global football showpiece, especially
that the team groups a number of internationally recognized players,
atop of whom comes Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah who almost
single-handedly booked the place in Russia for Egypt and who is having
the season of his career in Liverpool, with 44 goals in 51 games, and
the Ballon d’Or. In addition, Egypt has always been a dominant force
in African football throughout the years.
At the same time, the Russia 2018 World Cup is an international
gathering on the humane level for promoting dialogue and communication
among peoples and cultures. Therefore, The State Information Service,
an Egyptian media institution, presents the current issue of “Letter
from Cairo” to apprise the public of the Egyptian national football team,
sports in Egypt in addition to providing general information on different
aspects of the Egyptian life , past and present.
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6
Egypt succeeded in qualifying for the that qualified them for their third finals
2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia—the and first since 1990.
first time in 28 years—after a 2-1 victory The euphoria was intense since
over Congo. Egypt led its World Cup Arnold Bouka-Moutou had stunned
qualification Group E with 13 points, the hosts when equalising for Congo
beating Ghana, Uganda, and Congo. after 88 minutes. But the Egyptians’
They only scored eight goals in six World Cup hoodoo ended as Salah held
games. The Pharaohs have been seeded his nerve late on. His dramatic winner
in the tournament with host Russia, sparked wild scenes of celebration both
Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. Egypt are on and off the pitch, as several players
placed in Group A alongside the hosts and fans took to the field to celebrate
Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay. while supporters wept with joy in the
Egypt will play their first World Cup packed stands. The Liverpool star
Fixture on the 15th of June against had broken the deadlock just after the
arguably the toughest team in the group, hour on a tense night in Alexandria as
Uruguay. On the 19th they will play the he latched on to Mohamed El Nenny’s
hosts Russia, and will then finish their pass before poking home from close
group stage against Saudi Arabia on the range. But an energised stadium was
25th. flattened just minutes from full time
Egypt is the most successful national when Bouka-Moutou ghosted in at the
team on the African continent, having far post to slam a volley home past
won the Africa Cup of Nations multiple Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary.
times. It’s the third time for the North Hopes were raised as five minutes of
African country to participate in the stoppage time were indicated and in
World Cup; the last time Egypt played the penultimate of these, Egypt were
in 1990. The Pharaohs also reached the awarded a penalty. Salah coolly sent the
final of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Congo keeper the wrong way to spark
held in January in Gabon after seven a night of celebrations across Egypt
years of absence. The national team, and end the record seven-time African
led by Argentinian coach Héctor Cúper, champions’ poor World Cup record.
presented strong performances and The speedy Liverpool star is
secured the second place in the African undoubtedly Egypt’s talisman. Salah
tournament after losing to Cameroon netted a remarkable 71 per cent of
in the final match 2-0. A former coach the Pharaohs’ goals in Russia 2018
of Valencia and Internazionale, Cúper qualifying, scoring in every one of
took charge of Egypt in March 2015 and their third-roundvictories. In the three
led the Pharaohs to the 2017 CAF Africa decades since their last World Cup
Cup of Nations final. The Argentinian appearance, Egypt have won four Africa
then guided the North Africans to their Cup of Nations titles - in 1998, 2006,
first World Cup appearance since 1990, 2008 and 2010 - but never taken that
as they topped African zone Group E. form into World Cup qualifying.
Egypt became the second team from
Africa to book their place in Russia,
topping Group E with a game to spare,
to make their first appearance at the
tournament for 28 years. With nerves
of steel, Mohamed Salah stepped up
in the 94th minute for one of the most
important single kicks of a ball in
Egypt’s sporting history. From 12 yards,
he made no mistake. both goals in a win
7
8
9
Coaching Staff of the Egypt National Football
Team officially qualified for
FIFA World Cup 2018 edition in Russia
Current manager
Héctor Cúper
Assistant coach Goalkeeping coach
Osama Nabieh Ahmed Nagy
1st Assistant coach Team doctor
José Fantaguzzi
Mahmoud
Aboul Ela
Cúper’s achievements with the Pharaohs
Héctor Cúper was appointed Egypt’s manager on March 2, 2015 and since then has led
the Egyptian national team to regain their great reputation in African football. Cúper led
Egypt to qualify to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations after missing the last three tournaments,
taking Egypt to the tournament final, where they lost 2-1 to Cameroon. Cúper’s biggest
achievement with the national team was qualifying to the 2018 World Cup in Russia after
28 years of absence, as Egypt last played in the World Cup in 1990 in Italy.
1011
12
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15
Egyptian Football, regional & global achievements
Ancient Egyptians had known of the Egyptian Football Association
the game of football which was (EFA) laid down terms to accept the
recorded on the walls of the temples membership of clubs and organizations
and discovered by “Herodt” when he in the Egyptian Football Association
visited Egypt. Egyptians had played and formed a department to develop
football when they organized matches the constitution of the Cup of Egyptian
with the British occupation teams in Excellence and granting diploma to the
1882. They also organized matches winner of the Cup.
among students on March 7, 1914 by On May 21, 1923 the International
Al Ahly Sporting Club. These matches Federation of Football “FIFA” had
started from 1914 until 1932, it granted membership to the Egyptian
contributed in the spread of the game Football Association (EFA) during
in the rest of Egypt. Nevertheless, this a conference held in the city of
game championship had stopped in Lausanne, since then the Egyptian
1919 because of the revolution. Football Association (EFA) has enjoyed
The Egyptian football festivities full authority on all aspects locally,
were launched officially in late internationally, and in Olympiads.
1921; when the Egyptian Football On October 13, 1925, Sports Act was
Association was founded, headed by published as well as the law of the
Jaafar Pasha in 1921 as a result of the Egyptian Cup of Excellence. In 1957,
efforts made by Captain Hussein Hijazi the Egyptian Football Association
before 1920 Olympics. On October (EFA) joined Confederation of African
18, 1922 the senior management Football (CAF).
16Egypt & the World Cup
The Pharaohs were the first African nation to take part in the tournament,
as they competed in its second edition back in 1934, and have only contested
one of sport’s most prestigious prizes just twice, despite their dominance
in the continent. Their only other tournament came 56 years later, as they
qualified to play in the 1990 edition which was, much like their only other
appearance in the competition, played in Italy.
Egyptian National Team in World Cup, Italy 1934
1934 FIFA World Cup (Italy) The Pharaohs were one of 10 teams
making their first ever appearance in the
The inaugural World Cup, held
competition, where a straight knockout
in Uruguay, was not preceded by a
format was adopted instead of an initial
qualification process but this was
group stage. They sent a young squad to
not the case in 1934, as 36 countries
Italy, coached by Scot, James McRea,
had made themselves available to
and would make their debut against
participate in the tournament – 20
Hungary, who were also debutants in
more than what was then the required
the tournament. Egypt’s campaign was
number of participants, 16. African
short-lived, as they were eliminated in
nations slugged it out for with Asian
the first round, going down 4-2.
nations and Turkey for one slot in the
tournament, and it was Egypt who 1990 FIFA World Cup (Italy)
emerged victorious, becoming the first Egypt would not participate in the
country from the continent to take part 1938 edition, as there was no spot
in the competition. allocated for an African country and,
17after several unsuccessful attempts at Magdi Abdelghani saw them hold a side
qualification, they eventually found which consisted of the likes of Frank
success as they qualified for the 1990 Rijkaard, Marco van Basten and Ruud
FIFA World Cup played in Italy. Gullit to a one-all draw. That would be
Egypt had a bye in the preliminary their only goal of the tournament, as
stage of the World Cup Qualifiers, as they their next fixture was a rather frustrating
were one of the top eight ranked teams goalless draw against the Republic of
in the continent, according to FIFA. Ireland. They next played England in
They kicked off their campaign against what was a do-or-die encounter for
Liberia at Cairo Stadium in January both sides as, up to that point, none
1989, and emerged 2-0 winners, thanks of the matches played in Group F had
to goals from Mohamed Ala’a and managed to produce a winner. Things
Mohamed Ekad. This was followed by a would not go as planned for the north
1-1 draw away to Malawi, before another Africans, as a second half goal from an
stalemate in Nairobi against Kenya. The unlikely source in former Derby County
Pharaohs suffered their only defeat in and Liverpool defender, Mark Wright,
qualification in the away leg against was enough to see the Poms through,
Liberia, losing 1-0 before bouncing back meaning an end to the Pharoahs’ World
in their next fixture against Malawi, as Cup campaign.
they won with an identical score line. The Egyptians qualified for their
Their next fixture was against Kenya, first World Cup in 28 years in the most
and they booked their place in the final dramatic fashion thanks to Salah’s
round of the qualifiers with a 2-0 win. 94th-minute penalty to beat Congo back
They met Algeria in the final hurdle, in October 2017. The Liverpool flyer
where early goal from the legendary showed the kind of nerves of steel that
Hossam Hassan was enough to see could serve him well at the tournament
them through to their first World Cup by slotting what has been called ‘one of
finals in over 50 years. the most important single kicks of a ball
They entered the 1990 tournament in Egypt’s sporting history’. The national
in Italy alongside Cameroon as one of icon scored a remarkable 71% of Egypt’s
two African representatives, and kicked goals in the qualifying phase and scored
things off in a promising manner against in every one of the all-important African
the Netherlands, as a late penalty by qualifying third round matches.
Egyptian National
Team in World Cup,
Italy 1990
18Egyptian football at The Olympics
The first Egyptian national football team was constituted in 1920 to com-
pete in the 7th edition of the Summer Olympics in Belgium. It was the first
Arab-African team to take part in an Olympic team sport. All other teams
were from Europe with the exception of the Egyptian team.
Antwerp Paris Amsterdam
1920 1924 1928
The Egyptian Berlin London
national football 1936 1948
team participated
11 times in the
Olympics, an African Helsinki
record, in the 1952
years:
Rome Tokyo Los Angeles
During 1960 1964 1984
its participation in the
Olympics, Egyptian national
football team ranked 4th two
times, 8th three times and had Barcelona London
played 32 matches; won in 10, tied
in 4 and lost 18. Egypt’s top strikers in 1992 2012
the Olympics include: Mostafa Riad (8
goals), Mokhtar Al-Tatsh (4 goals), Sayyed
Al-Dazwy (4 goals), Ali Riad (4 goals), Raafat
Attia (3 goals) and Mohamed Salah. During its participation in the Olympics, Egyptian national
football team ranked 4th two times, 8th three times and had played 32 matches; won in 10, tied
in 4 and lost 18. Egypt’s top strikers in the Olympics include: Mostafa Riad (8 goals), Mokhtar
Al-Tatsh (4 goals), Sayyed Al-Dazwy (4 goals), Ali Riad (4 goals), Raafat Attia (3 goals) and
Mohamed Salah.
19Egyptian national football team at The Africa
Cup of Nations
won the tournament in Angola in
2010, with a third consecutive Africa
Cup of Nations title. They were the
first African and Middle Eastern team
to qualify for the World Cup in 1934.
Egypt is the most successful nation
in the cup’s history, winning the
tournament a record of seven times
(including when Egypt was known as
the United Arab Republic between
1958 and 1961). Three different
trophies have been awarded during
the tournament’s history, with Ghana
and Cameroon winning the first two
The first Egyptian national football versions to keep after each of them won
team was formed in 1920 to compete a tournament three times. The current
in the Summer Olympics in Belgium. trophy was first awarded in 2002 and
The opening match of their campaign with Egypt winning it indefinitely after
was a loss against the Italians. They winning their unprecedented third
have won it a record seven times in consecutive title in 2010. Egypt hosted
1957, 1959, 1086, 1998, 2006, 2008 this Championship four times (1959-
and 2010. They triumphed at the 1974- 1986-2006). No other nation
inaugural event in 1957 – although in the history of the tournaments was
Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia were the able to break the record Egypt has of
only nations that took part. They last seven title wins so far.
Egypt’s winning team, Angola 2010
20Egypt in FIFA 1981, and in Argentina 2001 where the
Egyptian national team came in third
Confederations Cup place and won the bronze medal.
CAF Champions League
Egypt’s Al Ahly is the most successful
club in the competition’s history,
having won the tournament eight times.
Egyptian clubs have accumulated the
highest number of victories, winning
the title 14 times.
Egypt’s Ismaily won it in 1969.
Particularly dominant have been the
two Egyptian giants and Cairo-based
arch-rivals, Al Ahly and Zamalek. The
Egypt have appeared in two of the nine Cairo ‘Red Devils’ (Al Ahly) have won it
FIFA Confederations Cups contested, a record eight occasions – in 1982, 1987,
the team was eliminated on both 2001, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2012 and
times during the group stage. Egypt’s 2013; while the Cairo ‘White Knights’
first Confederations Cup appearance (Zamalek) have taken the honours on
was in 1999 as a result of winning the five occasions - 1984, 1986, 1993, 1996
Africa Cup of Nations in 1998. The and 2002.
second appearance was in 2009 as the
Africa Cup of Nations winners in 2008. African Cup Winners’ Cup
During the second appearance, the team Al Ahly has won a record 4 African
achieved their first win over Italy 1–0 in Cup Winners’ Cup titles in 1984, 1985,
the second round of the group stage. 1986 and 1993. The Arab Contractors
has won 3 titles in 1982, 1983 and 1996
World Military Cup while Zamalek one time in 2000.
The Egyptian military team had
participated in the World Military Cup, CAF Confederation Cup
attained a major achievement in the Al Ahly won a CAF Confederation
World Military Soccer Championship, Cup title once in 2014.
for five times (1993 - 1999 - 2001 –
2005- 2007). FIFA Club World Cup
Al Ahly has participated in FIFA
World Youth Cup Club World Cup three times in 2005,
Egypt participated in the World Youth 2006 qnd 2008. It won the bronze
Cup, championships in Australia, medal in the 2006
2122
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Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah Record-breaking Mohamed Salah continues his impressive start to his won the 2017/18 Premier League career at Anfield by receiving the golden boot with a 32-goal haul for BBC African Footballer of the Year Liverpool. The Egyptian became the award for 2017. The 25-year-old highest scorer in a 38-game Premier has also swept the Premier League League season. In total, Salah scored Player of the Season, the Football against 17 different opponents - Writers’ Association’s Footballer of no player has scored against more the Year, the Professional Football during the Premier League era. Association’s Players’ Player of the Mohamed Salah has been named Year, the Arab Player of the Year and Liverpool’s Player of the Season the African Footballer of the Year and Players’ Player of the Season awards in 2017/18. Salah also helped at the club’s awards. The 25-year- Egypt to qualify for the World Cup old was voted by the fans on the for the first time since 1990. With 44 club’s website and his teammates. goals and 14 assists in 52 games for Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has club and country, Salah has placed won the Football Writers’ Footballer himself among the world’s elite of the Year. The Egyptian has forwards. enjoyed an incredible debut season 26
at Anfield, scoring 44 times in
all competitions. He was named
PFA Player of the Year last
month and has now scooped
another individual prize from
the FWA. Salah and Manchester
City’s Kevin De Bruyne had been
frontrunners for the award but
the Egyptian has pipped him by
less than 20 votes. Salah joined
Liverpool from Roma in a £34m
deal last summer and his goals
have taken Liverpool to the
semi-finals of the Champions
League. Salah is only the second
non-European player to scoop
the FWA prize after former
Liverpool striker Luis Suarez -
and the first African winner.
27Egyptians
furious at
Mo Salah
injury
Mohamed Salah’s
Champions League final
ended in heartbreak on
May 25, as the Liverpool
forward suffered a game-
ending injury in the first-
half against Real Madrid.
Salah landed awkwardly on
his shoulder after a challenge
from Real captain Sergio
Ramos, with the Spanish
defender appearing to keep
hold of the Egyptian’s arm as
they tumbled to the ground.
It was later announced that
the 25-year-old had suffered a
dislocated shoulder.
28The Egyptian international was father’s prayer for his son to recover
assessed by Liverpool’s medical team quickly,» the president noted, adding
on the pitch and deemed not fit to that Salah «is an example to follow for
continue. He then travelled to a local youths in Egypt and all over the World.»
hospital in Kiev before regrouping with Salah, who scored 44 goals in all
the squad after the 3-1 defeat. However, competitions for Liverpool this season,
the Egyptian Football Association later took a tumble following a tackle from
tweeted that they had been informed Real captain Sergio Ramos, requiring
Salah had sustained “a sprain the treatment on the pitch before continuing
shoulder ligaments”, raising hopes he to play moments later. However, Salah
could yet travel to Russia. Liverpool then crumbled to the ground for a
forward Mohamed Salah feels confident second time and was seen crying, forcing
he will overcome his shoulder injury him to leave the field and be replaced by
in time to play for Egypt at the 2018 Liverpool’s England international Adam
Soccer World Cup. «It was a very Lallana. Scans revealed that the 25-year-
tough night, but I’m a fighter,» he old, who will carry Egypt’s hopes at
wrote, adding «Despite the odds, I’m next month’s World Cup in Russia,
confident that I’ll be in Russia to make will need three weeks of treatment to
you all proud. Your love and support recover from his shoulder injury and
will give me the strength I need.» will be available for the World Cup.
President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi called
Liverpool’s Egyptian winger Mohamed
Salah after his injury during the
Champions League final against Real
Madrid. «I communicated with Egypt’s
loyal son and my son Mohamed Salah
to check on his health after his injury,»
Egypt’s president said on his Twitter
account. «As I predicted, I found him a
hero who is stronger than the injury and
enthusiastic to resume on the road to
championship and distinction,» El-Sisi
added. «I told him that he has become
an Egyptian icon and I am praying a
29Egyptian referees in World Cup
Jihad Greicha
Mostafa Kamel Mahmoud
Egyptian referee Gehad Grisha has
been selected by FIFA to officiate at the
2018 World Cup finals in Russia, the
world football governing body announced
on its official website. Among a list of 36
referees and 63 assistants representing
46 countries, Grisha has been the only
Egyptian to feature in the FIFA list. Essam
Abdel-Fattah was selected to officiate at Essam Abdel Fattah
the quadrennial tournament. Egyptian
officials Ali Kandil, Mostafa Kamel
Mahmoud and Gamal El-Ghandour
had also refereed at previous World
Cups. Mona Atallah, Egypt’s first female
men’s football referee, participated in
the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Chile
in 2008, the first youth Olympics in
Singapore in 2010, the FIFA U-20 World
Cup in Guinea 2016, the North Africa
Gamal Al-Ghandour
Championship and the Women’s African
Nations Championship.
30Port Said Stadium Cairo International Stadium
Borg el-Arab Stadium
Football facilities in Egypt
Cairo International Stadium is an known for its tremendous atmosphere
Olympic-standard, multi-use stadium and its very large capacity. This was
with an all-seated capacity of 75,000. never more evident than during the
It is the Arab World’s second largest 2006 African cup of Nations, which were
next to Borg El-Arab Stadium with an held in Egypt. Cairo Stadium is a strong
all-seated capacity of 86,000. It is the symbol of Egyptian football. Nearly all
foremost Olympic-standard facility of the most important Egyptian matches
befitting the role of Cairo, Egypt as the are held there.
center of events in the region. It is also The Borg el-Arab Stadium was
the 69th largest stadium in the world. commissioned in 2006 in the
Located in Nasr City; a suburb north Mediterranean Sea resort of Borg el
east of Cairo, it was completed in 1960, Arab; 25 km west of Alexandria, Egypt.
and was inaugurated by late president It is the largest stadium in Egypt and
Gamal Abdel Nasser on 23 July that the second largest in Africa (after FNB
year, the eighth anniversary of the Stadium in Johannesburg) with a
Egyptian Revolution of 1952. In 2005 capacity of 86,000. It is also the 27th
in preparation for the 2006 African largest stadium in the world, and the
Cup of Nations it underwent a major 9th largest association football stadium
renovation, and was brought up to 21st in the world. It is built over 145 feddans.
century world standard along with all Other stadiums with international
its multi-game Olympic facilities. The standards include Al-Salam Stadium,
Stadium is located about 10 km west of Arab Contractors, PetroSport, Al-Sekka
Cairo International Airport and about 10 Al-Hadid, Port Said, Suez, Aswan,
km (30 min) from downtown Cairo. It is Ismailia and Air Defense stadiums.
31Egypt in the Olympic Games
Egypt first participated in the Olympic Games in 1912, and has sent
athletes to compete in most editions of the Summer Olympic Games
since then. Egyptian athletes have won a total of 32 medals, with
weightlifting as the top medal-producing sport. The National Olympic
Committee for Egypt is the Egyptian Olympic Committee, and was
created in 1910.
Egypt has won gold medals 7 times as follows:
Karam Gaber : Ibrahim Moustafa
(Greco-Roman wrestling, Athens ) (wrestling, Amsterdam )
2004 1928
1928 El Sayed Nosseir
(weightlifting, Amsterdam)
1948 1928
Mohamed Fayyad Khedr El-Touny
1948 1936 (weightlifting, Amsterdam )
(weightlifting, London )
Ibrahim Shams Anwar Msbah
(weightlifting, London ) (weightlifting, Berlin )
32Egypt has won silver medals 10 times as follows:
Karam Gaber
(Greco-Roman wrestling London ) Farid Simaika
Alaaeldin Abouelkassem (diving, Amsterdam )
(Fencing, London )
2012 1928
Saleh Soliman
Mohamed Ali Reda 1936
(boxing, Athens )
2004 (weightlifting, Berlin )
1948 1948 Mahmoud Hassan
(Greco-Roamn weightlifting,
Mohamed Rashwan London )
( Judo, Los Angelse )
1960 1948
Attia Hamouda
Mohamed Othman (Greco- (weightlifting, London)
Roamn weightlifting, Rome )
Egypt has won silver medals 10 times as follows:
Hedaya Malak
(Taekwondo, Rio de Janeiro )
Mohamed Ehab Farid Simaika
(Weightlifting, Rio de Janeiro ) (diving, Amsterdam )
Sarah Ahmed
(Weightlifting, Rio de Janeiro )
2016 1928
Hesham Mesbah Ibrahim Wassef
(Judo, Beijing) 2008 1936 (weightlifting, Berlin)
2004 1948 Ibrahim Orabi
Tamer Bayoumi
(Taekwondo, Athens ) (Greco-Roamn weightlifting, London)
Ahmed Ismail
(Boxing, Athens ) 1960 1952 Ibrahim Shams
(weightlifting, London )
Abdel Moneim Al-Gendy Abdel Aal Rashed
(Boxing, Rome) (Greco-Roman wrestling, Helsinki )
33Egyp
tians
are d
omin
ating
squas
h
Egyptian squash players are dominating the sport globally,
with coaches and their opponents saying their tight-knit
community and freer training techniques have given them a
competitive edge. Six of the world’s top 10 male players are
Egyptian, while four Egyptian women are in the women’s top 10.
34In 1933 the great Egyptian player Series titles of both of their careers.
F.D. Amr Bey, won the first of his five The PSA World Series Squash Finals is
British Open Championships, then the end of season championship of the
seen as the World Championships. PSA World Tour of male professional
Amr Bey is widely considered as the squash players and of the WSA World
first truly dominant squash player in Tour of female professional squash
the history of sports and also the best players. Egyptian duo Ramy Ashour
squash creation of Egypt. His first win and Nour El-Sherbini won the 2017
in the British Open men’s title came as China Squash Open after beating
he defeated Don Butcher in 1933 who compatriots Ali Farag and Nouran
won the title previous two years. He Gohar respectively. The tournament
won the British Open men’s title for six took place in Shanghai, China from 31
consecutive times from 1933 to 1938. August to 3 September.
Amr also has a place in the Guinness The Egyptian squash team won
Book of World Records for winning the the World Squash Championship title
British Amateur Championship 6 times in 2017 after defeating their English
from 1931 to 1937. He was honored as counterpart 2-0 in the final round of
the pioneer leader in the “golden age the tournament in Marseille, France.
of sports in Egypt” and nicknamed The national team won the title for the
“Human Streak of Lightning.” King fourth time in its history after having
Farouk awarded him a Pasha Title. He achieved it three times in the years
received the World Squash Awards’ 1999, 2009, and 2011, while losing the
Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. last title of 2013 to the English team.
He died in 1972. He was followed in Egyptian champion Hania Al-Hamami
his achievement by Mahmoud Abdel also claimed the biggest title of her
Karim owho won the title four times career and her first title since 2015, as
from 1947 to 1950. He started his she was crowned winner of the Slaight
squash journey as a ball boy at Gezira Music Granite Open after her opponent
Sporting Club in Egypt.
and compatriot, world number 65
In the 1990s, squash icon Ahmed
Yathreb Adel, was forced to withdraw
Barada’s won Al-Ahram International
from the tournament due to injury.
Championship, which from 1996
Mohamed El-Shorbagy and
to 2001 was held with the stunning
Raneem Al-Welily clinched the men’s
backdrop of the Giza pyramids. He
and women’s PSA World Squash
reached the final in 1996, and took
Championships titles for the first time
the title in 1998. Barada retired at
in 2017. El-Shorbagy made history
24, but his successes inspired others,
with his brother, Marwan El-Shorbagy,
including four-time World Champion
Amr Shabana, the first Egyptian to as the first siblings to reach a PSA
reach No. 1 in 2006. World Championships final. Mohamed
Egyptian couple Ali Farag and Nour defeated his brother Marwan 11-5,
El Tayeb wrote their names into the 9-11, 11-7, 9-11, 11-6 in the final of
history books as they triumphed at the 2017 PSA Men’s Squash World
the 2017 US Open to become the first Championship held in Manchester.
married couple in sporting history ever In the women’s final, world number
to win the same major sports title on two Raneem ended compatriot and
the same day. The duo—who married in world No. 1 Nour El Sherbini’s two-year
2016—defied the odds to defeat higher reign as world champion with a 3-11,
seeded and higher ranking opposition 12-10, 11-7, 11-5 win, to seal a world
to secure the titles, the first PSA World title after losing in 2014 and 2016.
35Sports in Ancient Egypt
Photo by: ANTHONY OSMOND - EVANS
Many of today’s sports were Ancient Egyptians practiced field
practiced by the Ancient Egyptians, and track sports such as the high jump.
who set the rules and regulations for Two players sat opposite each other
them. Inscriptions on monuments with legs stretched, with one player’s
indicate that they practiced wrestling, feet on top of the toes of the other. If
weightlifting, long jump, swimming, the third player managed to jump over
rowing, shooting, fishing and athletics, that barrier, the two sitting players
as well as various kinds of ball games. placed their palms on top of their feet
Ancient Egyptian kings, princes and to heighten the barrier which the third
statesmen were keen on attending sports player had to jump across without
competitions, which they encouraged touching. This game is still practiced in
and provided with the necessary the Egyptian countryside and is called
equipment. Drawings on pharaonic “goose steps”.
monuments tell us that several
thousand years ago, the Egyptians had Fishing was one of the sports
laid down basic rules for games, chosen practiced by kings, princes and
a neutral referee, a uniform for players, commoners. There are many drawings
and a means of announcing the winners of scenes of fishing as a hobby on the
by awarding them different collars. Saqqara tombs of the Old Kingdom as
Both winner and loser were met with much as there are on the New Kingdom
ovation, the first for his superiority and monuments. The Egyptian Museum
the latter for his sporting spirit. in Cairo comprises numerous kinds of
36fishing rods and hooks of various
shapes, which indicate the advance
of such a sport in ancient Egypt.
Using hunting dogs, spears, bows
and the like, Ancient Egyptians
hunted big cats, hoofed mammals,
birds and elephants.
Fencing is a purely Egyptian
sport. Inscriptions show two
players holding weapons and
wearing masks like the masks used
for fencing nowadays. Rowing was
one of the sports that required most
physical strength on the part of the
ancient Egyptian. Plates recorded
team-rowing in which the players
depended on harmonizing their
rowing according to the directives
of their leader who held the rudder.
The leader also controlled their
movement through a high-pitched
systematic call to unify the moment
when oars touched the surface of
the water and that helped to push
the boat forward more steadily
and swiftly - a method still being
adopted in rowing nowadays.
37Photo by: Ahmed Al-Maghraby
Egypt at a Glance
Location & Area Longitude of Egypt: 30 00 East of
Egypt is located in the heart of the Greenwich
world. It is the point of convergence The Arab Republic of Egypt is located
of the three old continents Africa, in the north-eastern corner of Africa
Asia and Europe. It also overlooks the and south-western Asia. The total area
Mediterranean and Red Sea along with of the Arab Republic of Egypt reaches
the two Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba. On its nearly 1.002.000 m². Administratively,
lands the Suez Canal, one of the most Egypt is divided into 27 governorates.
important international waterways, is Each of the governorates is subdivided
running. The River Nile, the lifeline for into urban and rural areas.
Egyptians, also flows throughout its Topography
territory. The Nile enjoys a special status Egypt is 50 feet below sea level. The
in the hearts of the Egyptian people. highest point is Catharine Mountain
Geographic coordinates that is 8,668 feet high. The lowest point
Latitude of Egypt: 2700 North of the is Qattara Depression and is 436 feet
Equator below sea level.
38winter from November to April, and
a hot summer from May to October.
Temperature average is between 11 and
24 in January, and between 21 and 42
in July and August.
Language
The official language of Egypt is
Arabic. A few foreign dialects are also
spoken in Egypt and these include
English and French.
National Day
Egypt National day, also known as
Revolution Day, commemorates the
1952 Revolution and the establishment
of a republic government in the country.
It is celebrated every July 23rd .
Currency
The Egyptian pound is the currency
of Egypt. In 2018, one Dollar has
Egypt is divided into four major equaled average: £17.60
parts: The Nile Valley and Delta, The Egyptian flag
Western Desert, The Eastern Desert The flag of Egypt is a tricolor
and The Sinai Peninsula. Both the
Nile Valley and the Delta occupy about
33,000 km2, accounting to less than
4% of the total area of the country.
The Western Desert occupies an area
of about 671,000 km2. The Eastern
Desert occupies about a quarter of the
total area of Egypt, (some 225,000
km2). The Sinai Peninsula occupies
about 61,000 km2. consisting of the three equal horizontal
Climate red, white, and black bands with a
Egypt’s climate is influenced by golden hawk in the middle.
many factors, the most important of The Capital
which are the location, the landscape, Cairo is the capital of Egypt, the
the general pressure system and the cradle of civilization and the beacon
law-pressure areas. They all contributed of religion. Established more than a
to dividing Egypt into distinguished thousand years ago, Cairo is Egypt’s
climatic regions. Egypt lies in the dry capital city and also the most populous
arid region except for the northern city in Africa and the Arab World with
region which enjoys a Mediterranean about 10 million residents. The city is
climate. It is hot and dry in summer and located in Lower Egypt which is a section
moderate in winter with little rain which of Egypt encompassing the fertile Nile
increases on the coast. Egypt has only delta and the land between Upper
two prominent seasons: a moderate Egypt and the northern Mediterranean
39coast. Cairo is at a distance of 165 km Sea with the Gulf of Suez. Officially
to the south of the Mediterranean opened in November 1869, the Suez
coast. It lies 120 km to the west of the Canal is one of the most heavily used
Suez Canal. The city is based along the shipping routes in the world, witnessing
banks of the world’s longest river, the the passage of thousands of vessels
Nile River. The city proper lies on the every year. The canal, which separates
Nile’s eastern bank and the metropolis Asia from the African continent, offers a
spreads out in all directions. At its heart shortest maritime route between Europe
is iconic Tahrir Square and the vast and the regions that share a border
Egyptian Museum, a trove of antiquities with the Indian Ocean and the Western
including royal mummies and gilded Pacific Ocean. The journey from Europe
King Tutankhamun artifacts. Nearby, through the Mediterranean Sea and the
Giza is the site of the iconic pyramids Red Sea, transiting through the Suez
and Great Sphinx, dating to the 26th Canal, cuts around 7,000 kilometers
century BC. Other attractions include off the journey compared to the one
Coptic Museum, Islamic Museum, Al carried out through the South Atlantic
Azhar Mosque, Cairo Citadel, Khan and southern Indian oceans. In 2015,
el-Khalili, Sultan Hassan Mosque and Egypt completed a major expansion of
Babylon Fort. the Suez Canal that saw the deepening
Main cities of the parts of the canal and the
Main cities include Cairo, Giza, construction of a second 35km-long
Alexandria, Port Said, Al-Mahalla Al- shipping lane along part of the main
Kobra, Luxor, Al-Mansoura, Tanta, waterway. The expansion allowed the
Al-Zagazig, Assuit, Al-Minya, Aswan, canal to accommodate two-way traffic
Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Marsa along part of the route and also the
Matrouh and Marsa Alam. transiting of larger vessels. In December
2017, the world’s largest container ship,
The Suez Canal the 400-meter long OOCL Hong Kong,
The 120 miles-long Suez Canal is an passed through the Suez Canal carrying
artificial sea-level waterway located in 21,400 containers. Witnessing around
Egypt and connects the Mediterranean 8-12 percent of global sea-borne trade
40annually, the canal plays a significant in 1867, Egypt became a nominally
role in the growth of Egypt’s economy. autonomous tributary state called the
The Suez Canal generated revenue of Khedivate of Egypt. However, Khedivate
$5.3 billion in 2017. Egypt fell under British control in 1882
Population following the Anglo-Egyptian War. After
The current population of Egypt is the end of World War I and following
104,200,000 according to 2017 census. the Egyptian revolution of 1919, the
Kingdom of Egypt was established.
History While a de jure independent state,
Ancient Egyptian civilization the United Kingdom retained control
coalesced around 3150 BC with the over foreign affairs, defense, and other
political unification of Upper and Lower matters. British occupation lasted
Egypt under the first pharaoh of the until 1954, with the Anglo-Egyptian
First Dynasty, Narmer. Predominately agreement of 1954.
native Egyptian rule lasted until the The modern Republic of Egypt was
conquest by the Achaemenid Empire founded in 1953, and with the complete
in the sixth century BC. In 332 BC, withdrawal of British forces from the
Macedonian ruler Alexander the Great Suez Canal in 1956, it marked the first
conquered Egypt as he toppled the time in 2300 years that Egypt was both
Achaemenids and established the fully independent and ruled by native
Hellenistic Ptolemaic Kingdom, whose Egyptians. President Gamal Abdel
first ruler was one of Alexander’s former Nasser (president from 1956 to 1970)
generals, Ptolemy I Soter. The Ptolemies introduced many reforms and created
had to fight native rebellions and were the short-lived United Arab Republic
involved in foreign and civil wars that with Syria. His terms also saw the
led to the decline of the kingdom and Six-Day War and the creation of the
its final annexation by Rome. The international Non-Aligned Movement.
death of Cleopatra ended the nominal His successor, Anwar Sadat (president
independence of Egypt resulting in from 1970 to 1981) changed Egypt’s
Egypt becoming one of the provinces trajectory, re-instituting a multi-party
of the Roman Empire. Roman rule in system, and launching the openness
Egypt (including Byzantine) lasted from economic policy. He led Egypt in the
30 BC to 641 AD, with a brief interlude War of 1973 to regain Egypt’s Sinai
of control by the Sasanian Empire Peninsula, which Israel had occupied
between 619–629, known as Sasanian since the Six-Day War of 1967.
Egypt. After the Muslim conquest of President Hosni Mubarak took
Egypt, parts of Egypt became provinces office in 1981 after his predecessor,
of successive Caliphates and other Anwar Sadat, is assassinated. Following
Muslim dynasties: Rashidun Caliphate Mubarak’s resignation on 11 February
(632-661), Umayyad Caliphate (661– 2011 in the Egyptian Revolution of
750), Abbasid Caliphate (750–909), 2011, the office was vacant, with the
Fatimid Caliphate (909–1171), Ayyubid functions of head of state and head of
Sultanate (1171–1260), and the Mamluk government being discharged by the
Sultanate (1250–1517). In 1517, Ottoman Chairman of the Supreme Council
sultan Selim I captured Cairo, absorbing of the Armed Forces, Field Marshal
Egypt into the Ottoman Empire. Mohamed Hussein Tantawi. Mohamed
Egypt remained entirely Ottoman Morsi took office on 30 June 2012. On
until 1867, except during French 3 July 2013, following massive protests
occupation from 1798 to 1801. Starting calling for his resignation, he was
41succeeded by Adly Mansour, the head document was drafted and it paved the
of the Supreme Constitutional Court way for the 1923 constitution.
of Egypt, as Acting President. Mansour After the outbreak of the June
was sworn into office in front of the 30 Revolution in 2013, there was a
Supreme Constitutional Court on 4 July need for outlining a new constitution
2013. Current President Abdel Fattah to complete building a modern and
El-Sisi took office on 8 June 2014. democratic state of Egypt, maintain
During his term, Egypt embarked on a public freedoms and safeguard the
mega development process that gained homeland against any threats that
momentum through the establishment would jeopardize its national unity.
of giant national projects in the The Egyptian constitution proclaims
agricultural, industrial and construction the Arab Republic of Egypt to be a
fields. He was reelected for a second democratic state. It recognizes public
term in office in the presidential that and private ownership and guarantees
took part in March 2018. the equality of all Egyptians before the
Political System law.
Egypt knew modern polity The Executive Authority
(constitution, government, parliament, The President
administrative authorities) more than The President of the Republic is the
150 years. head of State and the head of executive
Constitution power. He shall care for the interests of
Egypt is known for having one of the the people, safeguard the independence
earliest administrative and legislative of the nation and the territorial integrity
codes in history. Egypt’s constitutional and safety of its lands, abide by the
experience started under Mohammed provisions of the Constitution, and
Ali Pasha in the 19th century. The assume his authorities as prescribed
bylaws of 1866 were a step towards therein. The President of the Republic
devolving governance in Egypt away shall be elected for a period of four
from the hands of a single ruler. In 1882 calendar years through a direct and
under Khedive Tawfik, a constitutional secret ballot, commencing from the day
The Supreme Constitutional Court
42following the termination of the term of
his predecessor. The current President
is Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi who assumed
office 8 June 2014 and was reelected
for a second term commencing June 8,
2018.
The Government
The government is the supreme
executive and administrative body
The Egyptian Parliament
of the State, and consists of the
Prime Minister, his/her deputies , the approval of the 2014 Constitution,
the Ministers, and their deputies. Egypt now has a unicameral parliament,
The Prime Minister shall head the House of Representatives. Egypt’s
government, oversee its work, and new parliament, which opened 10
direct the performance of its functions. January, is the most empowered and
The President of the Republic assigns a diverse parliamentary body in Egyptian
Prime Minister to form the government history. For example, women made
and present his program to the House extraordinary gains and now hold 89
of Representatives. If his government seats in the House of Representatives,
does not obtain the confidence of the making the highest percentage of
majority of the members of the House female representation (14.9 percent) in
of Representatives within no more 30 parliament’s 150-year history. The same
days, the President appoints a Prime is also true about Christians whose
Minister based on the nomination of number now stands at 39 (6.5 percent)
the party or the coalition that holds while the number of political parties
a plurality of seats in the House of represented in parliament rose to 19,
Representatives. with 245 MPs (41.1 per cent).
The Legislative Authority The Judiciary Authority
The Parliament (House of The judiciary is independent. It
Representatives) is vested in the courts of justice of
Egypt knew parliamentary life different types and degrees, which issue
150 years ago. Most historians agree their judgments in accordance with
that the first assembly that can be the law. Its powers are defined by law.
compared to a Western parliament was It comprises The Public Prosecution,
established in 1866 by Khedive Ismail The State Council and The Supreme
(1863-1879). Along such period, Egypt’s Constitutional Court. All judicial bodies
parliamentary history witnessed administer their own affairs. Each
various evolutions and names to its has an independent budget, whose
parliamentary councils, starting from the items are all discussed by the House
High Council, the Consultation Council, of Representatives. After approving
the Advisory Council of Laws, then each budget, it is incorporated in the
adopting the two‐council system (senate state budget as a single figure, and their
and representatives) upon adopting opinion is consulted on the draft laws
1923 Constitution, then returning to governing their affairs.
the one‐council system upon July 23,
1952 Revolution. As of 1979, the two‐ Political Parties
council system was adopted. Following Emergence of the political parties
43in Egypt in the 19th century was a
reflection of social, economic and
cultural interactions as well as certain
historical, national and political
circumstances, leading to the creation
and development of modern institutions
of government administration and
society in Egypt such as the parliament,
the cabinet, political parties, syndicates,
etc. The National Party was the first
party formed in 1907 by political leader
Mostafa Kamel.
According to Article 74 of the 2014
Constitution, Citizens have the right
to form political parties by notification
as regulated by the law. No political
activity may be exercised or political
parties formed on the basis of religion,
or discrimination based on sex, origin,
sect or geographic location, nor may President Sisi at UN General Assembly
any activity be practiced that is hostile
to democracy, secretive, or which Bilateral relations between Egypt
possesses a military or quasi-military and the Arab and African countries
nature. Parties may only dissolved by are also promoted through holding
a judicial ruling.There are nowadays consultations, and widening the scope
more than 100 parties in Egypt. of cooperation in all fields, as well as
Egyptian foreign Policy exchanging expertise and visits in the
Foreign policy is considered an different areas. The Ministry is also
essential component of Egyptian committed to boosting Egypt’s strategic
policy. It seeks to achieve its objectives, relationships with the various countries
particularly in terms of foreign and with regional blocs to support
diplomatic action and protecting sustainable development efforts in
interests of the Egyptian State and the the service of the Egyptian strategic
Egyptian citizens abroad. The Foreign interests on regional and international
Ministry also seeks to consolidate levels. the Ministry plays an important
Egypt’s bilateral and multilateral and effective role within the UN and its
relations, to serve the Egyptian public specialized agencies, as well as in the
policy objectives by strengthening various international organizations to
traditional friendly relations with all foster peace, security, and economic
countries, as well as laying foundations development.
for new relations, so as to activate Egyptian Economy
Egypt’s role on the international The Egyptian economy is one of the
arena and serve Egyptian interests most diversified promising economies
worldwide. Traditional relations on the in both the Middle East and Africa.
Arab and African levels are maintained The Egyptian economy appears to be in
through interaction within regional good shape approaching the end of this
organizations; such as the League of fiscal year. In April, foreign reserves hit
Arab States and the African Union. a record high, and Egypt successfully
44Natural gas field Cairo University
held its first euro-denominated public and social justice, and reviving the role
debt issuance. Since the government of Egypt in regional leadership. SDS
embarked on its IMF-backed structural represents a roadmap for maximizing
reform program in November 2016, competitive advantage to achieve the
foreign reserves have been on an dreams and aspirations of Egyptians in
upward trend. This trend continued in a dignified and decent life.
April as investors banked on the reform Education
progress that has seen the pound freely Egypt’s education sector is the
floated and the twin deficits trimmed. focus point of much attention. Egypt’s
In the same month, business conditions public education system is the largest
in the non-oil private sector improved in terms of student populations in the
for the first time since last November on Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
the back of higher new business orders According to the Egyptian constitution,
and stable output. Meanwhile, in late the government is required to spend at
April, a second production unit came least 3 percent of the Gross National
online at the offshore Zohr gas field. Product (GNP) on healthcare and at
The new unit will double the field’s least 4 percent of the GNP on education
output capacity, bringing Egypt a step every year, increasing allocations
closer to ending its dependency on LNG gradually to comply with international
imports. Growth should accelerate this standards. The World Bank’s (WB)
year and next. Investment will support Executive Council has unanimously
the economy, boosted by an improved agreed to support the implementation
regulatory environment—thanks in of the comprehensive national strategy
large part to several recent measures, for the development of pre-university
such as new investment, bankruptcy education in Egypt with US$500
and industrial licensing laws. GDP is million. The Egyptian government has
expected to expand 4.8% in FY 2018, up identified higher education as a priority,
0.1 percentage points from last April’s and is enacting a series of programs
forecast, and 5.0% in FY 2019. designed to make universities in Egypt
Inspired by the ancient Egyptian more internationally competitive. Egypt
Civilization, linking the present to currently has 24 public universities
future, the Sustainable Development (with about two million students) and 26
Strategy (SDS): Egypt Vision 2030 private universities (60,000 students).
represents a foothold on the way towards As well as five institutions featured in
inclusive development. Thus cultivating the QS World University Rankings®
a prosperity path through, economic 2016/17, Egypt has 15 representatives
45in the QS University Rankings: Arab hold ministerial posts in successive
Region 2016, including eight within the governments. The current government
top 50. Egypt’s public universities and has 6 female ministers, representing
educational institutes received around 20% of the ministerial post. There are
2.5 million enrolled students during the 89 MPs in the House of Representatives,
academic year of 2017-2018. 14 of which by appointment and the rest
Women and Childhood were elected. A woman was appointed
Egypt achieved important progress governor and 6 women were appointed
in child wellbeing and rights over the deputies for the State Cases Authority
past two decades, including a strong for the first time. Furthermore, the
reduction of child and maternal number of female judges reached 66.
mortality, high rates of immunization Dr. Fayza Abu el-Naga was appointed
coverage and almost universal access to Special Adviser to the President for
basic education. National Security since November 2014.
In light of the great importance the Article 80 of the Constitution
State attaches to the empowerment of stipulates that Children have the right
women in different fields, Article 11 of to be named and possess identification
the Constitution states that the state papers, have access to free compulsory
commits to achieving equality between vaccinations, health and family care or an
women and men in all civil, political, alternative, basic nutrition, safe shelter,
economic, social, and cultural rights in religious education, and emotional
accordance with the provisions of this and cognitive development. The state
Constitution. guarantees the rights of children who
Through the history, the role of women have disabilities, and ensures their
in Egypt has changed dramatically. In rehabilitation and incorporation into
the archaeological records preserved society. The state shall care for children
from the ancient times, Egyptian and protect them from all forms of
women were considered nearly equal violence, abuse, mistreatment and
to men. In the 1950s Egyptian women commercial and sexual exploitation.
attained all political rights starting with
the right to hold public and senior post,
and was recognized as a productive
force on an equal footing with men.
Such development was crowned with
the appointment of the first female
minister for social affairs in 1962. Since
then, Egyptian women continued to
46Egyptian Cultural Landmarks
The Culture of Egypt has the Opera House was completed in
five thousand years of recorded six months, in the center of Cairo. The
history. Ancient Egypt was Khedivial Opera House was the first
among the earliest civilizations. on the African continent to perform
For millennia, Egypt maintained world famous operas and symphonic
a strikingly complex and stable masterpieces. Today, many aspects
culture that had a profound of Egypt’s ancient culture exist in
influence on later cultures of interaction with newer elements,
Europe, the Middle East and including the influence of modern
Africa. After the Pharonic era, Western culture, itself with roots
Egypt itself came in Ancient Egypt. With its ancient
under the influence history, cosmopolitanism, strong
of Hellenism, for a Islamic traditions, modern pan-
time Christianity, and Arab political and intellectual
later, Arab and Islamic history and relative freedom, Egypt
culture. Designed by is the cultural capital of Arab world.
Italian architects The Arab television and cinema is
Avoscani and Rossi, dominated by the Egyptian television
and film industry, as is popular
Arabic music. Egypt has also been
a fount of Arabic literature having
produced some of the greatest 20th
century Arab writers from Taha
Hussein and Tawfiq Al Hakim to
Nobel prize-winner novelist
Naguib
Mahfouz.
47Cairo Opera House formed in 1966. It was affiliated with the
In 1869 Khedive Ismail gave High Institute of Ballet, the Company
instructions to build an Opera House members were trained by experts. The
on the occasion of the inauguration of Company’s first performance was “The
the Suez Canal. It was called Khedivial Fountain of Bakchisary” directed by
(Royal) Opera House, which was Leonid Labrovsky (then Director of
constructed in only six months to Bolshoi Theatre). With that beginning,
the design of two Italian architects, the company went on to enrich itself with
Avoscani and Rossi. Before the building the great ballet classics as Giselle, Nut
was complete, the Khedive started to Cracker, Bekhita and Swan Lake. Later,
prepare a great performance for his the Company introduced contemporary
project that should reflect glimpses of ballet by Egyptians, such as El-Somoud
Ancient Egyptian history. He selected (Steadfastness) by Abdel-Moneim
Mariette Pasha to prepare a story about Kamel; depicting the Egyptian people’s
the Egyptian history that could form stand in the wake of the 1967 war. There
the nucleus of the poem play. Mariette is also the new version of El-Somoud,
Pasha commissioned the Italian poem following the October 1973 victory,
Gialanzoni to write the libretto, and Gamal Abdel-Rahim’s “Isis & Osiris” in
the musician Verdi was commissioned 1984, Attia Sharara’s “Egyptian Steps”,
by the Khedive to compose the music. the “Temple Music” by Entesar Abd-
The result was the famous opera, Aida, Elfattah and Choreography by Youssri
with its patriotic subject and passionate Selim, Omar Khairat’s “The Nile”, Gilga
song and superb music, a masterpiece Mesch’s “Fire Felt into the Heart”. Not
from the hands of these three geniuses. to forget “Rhythm of Generations” and
However, Aida had not been ready by “Three Nights”.
the inauguration of the Opera House.
Therefore, another masterpiece by Theatre in Egypt
Verdi; Rigoletto was performed on Ancient Egyptians were the first
the occasion. Opera Aida itself was civilization to ever perform shows
performed two years later. The Opera publicly. With no special venues built
House was the first in Africa, where for plays, ancient Egyptians performed
famous world Opera and symphonic shows for the general public on the
masterpieces were performed. streets. According to centuries-old
sources, dating to the Middle Kingdom,
Egyptian Ballet the Ramesseum Dramatic Papyrus
The Cairo Opera Ballet Company was accurately documents the diversity of
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