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Egyptian Culture
Family Life
Family life is very important to Egyptians. The Egyptian concept of family includes in-laws, uncles, aunts, grandparents, nephews, nieces, and cousins. Although extended family ties are strong, 80-90 percent of Egyptian households are comprised of nuclear families. Usually the father has the most power in the household. Egyptians often spoil their children and a large family is considered a blessing from God. However, in recent decades, the average family size has decreased from 6 to 3 children per family.
Beliefs
Religion plays a central role in most Egyptians' lives. 90 percent of the Egyptian population is Muslim, and Islam is the state religion of Egypt. The Egyptian constitution requires any new legislation to agree with Islamic law. However, the constitution also guarantees freedom of religion. The majority of Egyptian Muslims are Sunni, but the way that people interpret their faith often depends on their social class. Egypt is famous for its many festivals and religious carnivals, especially during Ramadan. 10 percent of the population is Christian. Most of these Christians belong to the Coptic faith. January 7, the day that Coptics celebrate Christmas, is a national holiday in Egypt. Very devout Coptics fast by refraining from eating any animal products for 210 days each year!
Language
Egypt's dominant languages are Arabic (the official language), French, and English. Arabic writing uses 28 letters and is read from right to left and from the top to the bottom of the page. Arabic is the language of the Qur'an, Islam's holy book. Egyptians also like to learn different languages so they can communicate with people who come from all over the world to visit..
Dress
People wear the traditional dress of galabiyya, or long flowing robes, as well as western style clothes, including jeans and sneakers. Because the climate is so warm, Egyptians wear loose fitting cotton clothing. There is no dress code for women, but most wear conservative clothing. They don't often wear tight shirts or short-sleeves. Skirts usually cover the knee. Many Muslim women wear hijab, the head scarf, but others do not.
Food
Egyptians have many different delicious dishes, which are prepared with a lot of spices, nuts, and seeds. Some of the great Egyptian food includes: kushri (spicy pasta, rice, and lentils); fata’ir (a crepe with raisins, honey, powdered sugar, etc.); kofta and kebab (a way of preparing meat); shawarma (roasted meat or chicken); lentil soup; and gibna bayda (white cheese) and gibna rumi (yellow or Greek cheese). Ful medames is the Egyptian name for mashed fava beans, which is the unofficial national dish of Egypt. Many people have religious restrictions on what they eat. For example, Muslims do not drink alcohol and they fast during Ramadan.
Recreation
When it comes to sports, soccer is very important. The Egyptian national soccer team is well-known throughout the Arab world. Boys love to play soccer, while girls prefer sports like swimming and tennis. Many Egyptians go on vacation near the Mediterranean Sea. Ther are many resorts in that area. Also, Egyptian kids enjoy going to amusement parks just like Americans kids do. Egyptians love to socialize. They go to the bazaar, an outdoor market, or restaurants and coffehouses to meet their friends. Pop music is really popular among young people, while folk music is played at weddings and other celebrations. Many movies are made in Egypt, and Cairo is even called "the Hollywood of the Middle East."
