I Am the Egyptian, Generous in Both Elements

Written by Dr. Hamada Alantably

I am an Egyptian, like millions of Egyptians who followed with immense pride, honor, and overwhelming joy as our country dazzled the world. The Golden Parade transporting the mummies of Egypt’s ancient kings and queens was the talk of the world and the focal point of all eyes. How beautiful our country is! If only we can always preserve this joyful image. How happy I felt seeing every Arab speaking with pride about a majestic and magnificent spectacle created by Egypt. How proud I was as the entire world chanted “Egypt.” How wonderful it was to see the Egyptian President welcoming the mummies of Egypt’s kings and queens at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, and how brilliant the Minister of Antiquities was as he explained the museum’s contents to the President and the world.

Every single detail of the celebration was magnificent—the artists, the orchestra, the singers, the music, the direction, and the children whose eyes sparkled with pride, dignity, and dreams of a better tomorrow. Everything was simply wonderful! Beautiful Egypt, radiant Egypt, and the Egyptian people whenever they create and innovate.

Just a short while ago, we witnessed another masterpiece of creativity crafted by engineers and workers facing a crisis the whole world was waiting to see how Egypt would handle, on a stage called the Suez Canal—the lifeline of the world. At that time, we showed the world that the canal is a vital artery of life, that Egypt is the pivot of the world, and that without it, global trade grinds to a halt. At the same time, we showcased the brilliance and capability of the Egyptian engineer, and the answer was always Egypt and the Egyptians: the symbol of every achievement and miracle.

And just yesterday, the world stood to watch Egypt create once again, with the stage set at the Museum of Civilization, Tahrir Square, and the streets of Egypt. Yes, I am an Egyptian, proud of my country. Egyptians are a unique fabric of humanity that will never be repeated. You will not find any people in the world who love their country like the Egyptians do. Do we get upset with our country? Yes. But we cannot bear to have anyone else criticize it. If it needs us, you will find us ready to sacrifice our lives for it. It is a makeup that only Egyptians can truly understand. You might find me criticizing it tomorrow, and taking immense pride in it by nightfall. That is just who we are—Egyptians embody everything and its exact opposite, much like the songs from the movie Aasal Eswed (Dark Honey) that express our soul. We are everything and its opposite. We are the Egyptians.

Egypt is the mother of the world and capable of holding its own. Egypt is the first and most important of everything in this world, and we will forever teach the world the meaning of civilization, refinement, beauty, and humanity. Egypt came first, and then history followed.

I say it with all pride:

I am the Egyptian, generous in both elements,

Who built glory between the two Pyramids.

My ancestors created wondrous science,

And the course of the Nile in the fertile valley.

They have thousands of years upon this earth,

And the universe shall pass away while they remain.

By Dr. Hamada Alantably