Egyptian Culture and Traditions – All You Need to Know

Illuminate your understanding of Egyptian culture and traditions, where historical legacies intertwine with contemporary life.

November 24, 2023

Ancient Egyptian culture has left an indelible mark on the world, it’s something we can all agree on.

Its influence extends beyond architectural marvels and extends to religious beliefs, social structures, and artistic expressions. The wonders of the pyramids and the reverence for the Nile continue to inspire modern Egyptian culture to this day.

In contrast, contemporary Egyptian society, while deeply rooted in this rich historical legacy, is a melting pot of various influences. It has absorbed elements from Greek, Roman, Arab, and African cultures, resulting in a unique blend that characterizes modern Egypt.

As we explore Egyptian culture in this article, we will uncover how ancient customs have evolved and how they continue to influence the daily lives of Egyptians. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the culture of Egypt, a nation where the past and present coalesce in harmony.

Table of Contents

Cultural Concepts in Egypt

Wasta

Translating loosely to “influence,” it refers to the practice of using personal connections to achieve certain goals or solve problems. The term originates from the Arabic word “wasat,” which means “intermediary,” indicating the role of wasta as a mediator in various situations.

In Egypt, wasta plays a significant role in both professional and personal realms. It is often seen in the context of employment, where having a wasta can mean the difference between securing a job or being overlooked. It’s about leveraging social networks to gain access to opportunities, services, or resources that might otherwise be inaccessible.

While it is sometimes criticized for perpetuating inequality and bypassing merit-based systems, it’s also viewed as a necessary tool for navigating the complexities of life in Egypt.

Shatara

Shatara epitomizes the qualities of resourcefulness, cleverness, and street-smartness. The term “Shatara” is often used to describe someone who is adept at navigating complex situations with ingenuity.

In Egypt, being “shatir” (the adjective form of Shatara) is considered a commendable trait. It implies more than just intelligence; it encompasses a certain wit and the ability to think on one’s feet. This could involve anything from negotiating a good deal in the marketplace to resolving everyday problems in creative ways. I mean, I could have definitely used some Shatara in avoiding the scams in Luxor to be honest.

Shatara reflects a person’s ability to adapt to and thrive in the complexities of daily life in Egypt. The concept is particularly relevant in densely populated urban areas like Cairo, where life’s pace is fast, and the environment can be challenging.

A'ib

A’ib is a cultural concept embodying the notion of shame. The word “A’ib” literally translates to “shameful” in Arabic, and it plays a crucial role in dictating social behavior and maintaining moral standards within Egyptian society.

In Egypt, A’ib is a social tool used to enforce community norms and expectations. Behaviors that deviate from accepted social standards are often labeled as A’ib. This can range from dress code and public conduct to more complex issues like family honor and personal relationships.

For instance, discussing taboo topics openly or behaving in a manner that is considered disrespectful to elders can be seen as A’ib. The concept also extends to the public sphere, where maintaining a respectable demeanor is essential.

What is the Religion in Egypt?

Islam is the dominant religion in Egypt, the primary branch of Islam practiced is Sunni Islam. Approximately 85% to 90% of the Egyptian population are Muslim.

Christianity holds the position of the second largest religion in Egypt. The majority of Egyptian Christians are adherents of the Coptic Orthodox Church, which is one of the oldest Christian denominations in the world. Other Christian communities in Egypt include Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and various Protestant denominations. Christians constitute about 10% to 15% of the population in Egypt.

What are the Traditions in Egypt?

Al-Hakawati

Al-Hakawati, the traditional art of storytelling, is a practice that goes beyond entertainment. Historically, the Hakawati was an esteemed figure in Egyptian communities, captivating audiences in coffeehouses, public gatherings, and town squares.

These storytellers were masters of their craft, weaving tales that combined Egyptian mythology, history, moral lessons, and humor, often with a flair for drama!

Felucca

The felucca, with its distinctive design and reliance on wind power, has been a feature of Egyptian life for centuries, serving both practical and cultural purposes.

Feluccas are traditionally crafted from wood, and their construction is an art that requires skill and knowledge passed down through generations. These boats are characterized by their flat bottoms and large, triangular sails, making them well-suited for navigating the Nile’s currents and winds.

Used for various purposes such as transportation, fishing, and tourism, feluccas are a common sight on the Nile. In modern times, while motorized boats have become prevalent, feluccas remain popular, particularly among tourists seeking a traditional and serene way to experience the river.

If you find yourself around Cairo, there are several tours for Felucca rides that you can join.

Ahwa & Kanaka

Ahwa, the Egyptian coffeehouse, is a cornerstone of social life in Egypt. More than just a place to enjoy a beverage, the Ahwa is a cultural institution.

It’s a gathering place where people come together to socialize, discuss politics, play board games like backgammon or dominoes, and watch the world go by. Back in the days, these coffeehouses have been predominantly male domains, serving as informal meeting spots for friends and neighbors. The atmosphere in an Ahwa is typically lively, with animated conversations and often the sound of shisha (water pipes) bubbling in the background.

Kanaka is the traditional pot used for brewing coffee. The Kanaka is usually made of metal, often brass or copper, and has a distinctive long handle and a pouring lip. The process of making coffee in a Kanaka is an art form, involving carefully measured coffee grounds, water, and often sugar, brought to a boil over a heat source. The result is a strong, richly flavored coffee with a layer of foam on top and grounds settled at the bottom of the cup.

Serving coffee from a Kanaka is a sign of hospitality and is often an integral part of social gatherings, whether in homes or at the Ahwa.

Henna

Henna is a deeply rooted tradition serving as both an artistic expression and a symbol of good fortune and health. Henna is made from the dried, powdered leaves of the Lawsonia inermis plant. When mixed with liquids like water or lemon juice, it forms a paste that is used to create temporary, intricate designs on the skin.

Henna has been used in Egypt for thousands of years, with evidence of its use dating back to the Pharaonic era. Initially, it was valued for its cooling properties in the hot Egyptian climate and for its natural dye, which colors the skin a reddish-brown.

In Egyptian weddings, the application of henna is a key ritual. The night before the wedding, a “Henna Night” is often held, where intricate designs are applied to the bride’s hands and feet, symbolizing joy, beauty, and a transition to a new phase of life. These designs carry symbolic meanings, with different patterns representing different blessings and hopes for the future. (See also: the holy Sak Yant Tattoos)

Egyptian Traditional Dance

Raqs Sharqi: Belly dance, known in Arabic as “Raqs Sharqi,” is perhaps the most internationally recognized form of Egyptian dance. It’s characterized by fluid, intricate movements of the torso, hips, and arms. Originally a folk dance, it has evolved over the centuries and is now often associated with performances in urban settings, such as nightclubs and during celebrations.

Saidi Dance: Originating from the Sa’id region in Upper Egypt, this dance is known for its energetic movements and often involves the use of props like sticks (Tahtib) or candelabras balanced on the head.
Tanwra Dance: Deriving from Sufi traditions, the Tanoura dance is a form of whirling dance, similar to the Turkish Sufi dance. It’s performed primarily by men and is characterized by spinning for long periods, creating a visually mesmerizing effect with their colorful, circular skirts.

Egyptian Traditional Music

The foundation of Egyptian music lies in the Maqam system, which comprises a set of scales and modes. Each Maqam evokes different emotions and is used to create various moods in the music. This system is integral to many traditional Arabic music forms and is a key feature in Egyptian music.

Traditional Instruments:

Oud: A pear-shaped, lute-like string instrument. Its deep, resonant sound is a staple in both classical and folk music.
Ney: A long, end-blown flute, the ney is known for its haunting, ethereal sound. It’s often used in classical and spiritual music.
Qanun: A large zither played on the lap, the qanun features a series of strings that produce a bright, intricate sound, essential in classical ensembles.
Tabla and Riq: Traditional percussion instruments like the tabla (a goblet drum) and the riq (a type of tambourine) provide the rhythmic backbone of Egyptian music.

Musical Genres:

Tarab: Tarab refers to a form of music that emphasizes emotional and expressive singing, often featuring extended improvisations. It’s a genre that aims to induce a state of musical ecstasy in the listener.
Coptic Hymns: In the Coptic Christian tradition, hymns are an important part of the liturgy. These hymns are characterized by ancient melodies and are often sung in Coptic language.
Zaar Music: Associated with the Zaar ritual, this music has a trance-inducing quality and is characterized by rhythmic drumming and chanting, used in healing ceremonies.

What to Eat in Egypt

When visiting Egypt, there’s a wealth of delicious and unique dishes to try:

Koshari: A popular street food and the national dish of Egypt, Koshari combines rice, lentils, chickpeas, and pasta, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. The one I had in Alexandria was one of the best ones, all thanks to the direction of some locals.
Ta’meya (Egyptian Falafel): Unlike the traditional chickpea falafel, the Egyptian version, known as Ta’meya, is made from fava beans and is usually greener and lighter. It’s typically served in pita bread with salad and tahini sauce.
Molokhia: A traditional soup made from the leaves of the jute plant. It’s cooked with garlic and coriander, often served with chicken or rabbit, and eaten with bread or rice.
Shawarma: Although found throughout the Middle East, Egyptian Shawarma has its own unique flavor. It’s made with marinated beef or chicken, slow-cooked on a rotating spit, and served in pita bread with vegetables and sauce.
Hawawshi: A delicious Egyptian meat pie, Hawawshi is pita bread stuffed with a mixture of ground meat, onions, peppers, and spices, then baked or grilled.
Basbousa: For dessert, try Basbousa, a sweet semolina cake, soaked in syrup and often garnished with nuts.
Umm Ali: Another popular dessert, Umm Ali is a type of bread pudding made with pastry or bread pieces, milk, sugar, and nuts, often served warm.

What is Egyptian Language like?

The Egyptian language landscape is diverse, primarily dominated by Arabic in its two forms: Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and Egyptian Arabic, also known as Masri. Modern Standard Arabic is the official state language and is used across formal domains such as education, media, and government documentation. It’s a standardized form of Arabic, consistent throughout the Arab world, and closely related to Classical Arabic, the language of the Quran.

Egyptian Arabic, on the other hand, is the colloquial language spoken by the vast majority of Egyptians. It’s estimated that over 90% of Egypt’s population, which exceeds 100 million, speak Egyptian Arabic as their first language. This dialect is significantly different from MSA in terms of pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. It has also absorbed words and influences from other languages, including Coptic, the language of ancient Egypt, and from colonial languages like French and English.

In addition to Arabic, English is widely taught in schools and is commonly spoken by educated Egyptians, especially in urban areas and sectors like tourism. French also has some presence, though to a lesser extent than English.

Coptic, an ancient language of Egypt, continues to be used in the liturgical context by the Coptic Orthodox Church but is no longer spoken in daily life. Its use today is mostly confined to religious ceremonies and is understood by a small percentage of the population, primarily those within the Coptic community.

Useful Arabic Phrases for Travel

Arabic	English
Ahlan	Hello
Ma'a al-salama	Goodbye
Min fadlak for addressing a male, Min fadlik for a female	Please
Shukran katir	Thank you
Aiwa	Yes
La	No
Alma'dira	Excuse me
Bikam da?	How much is this?
Tatakallam inglizi?	Do you speak English?
Ana mish fahim	I don’t understand
Fein el hammam?	Where is the bathroom?

Traditional Festivals in Egypt

Here are a few traditional festivals celebrated in Egypt:

Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr: Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, is observed by the majority Muslim population in Egypt. The end of Ramadan is marked by Eid al-Fitr, a festive celebration characterized by communal prayers, feasting, and giving to the needy.
Eid al-Adha: Another significant Islamic festival, Eid al-Adha, commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
Sham El-Nessim: An ancient Egyptian festival, Sham El-Nessim is celebrated on the day after the Eastern Christian Easter. Despite its Christian calendar alignment, it is enjoyed by Egyptians of all faiths as a national holiday.
Moulid El-Nabi: This festival celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. It’s marked by religious activities, storytelling, and the distribution of sweets and traditional foods.
Siwa Date Festival: In the Siwa Oasis, the annual date harvest is celebrated with a festival. This event focuses on the Siwan culture, with traditional music, dance, and a showcase of local handicrafts.
Coptic Christmas: Celebrated on January 7th, Coptic Christmas is an important festival for Egypt’s Christian community. It’s observed with special church services, family gatherings, and traditional meals.

Customs in Egypt

In Egypt, the marriage process traditionally begins with a “Nekah” ceremony, a formal marriage contract signed in the presence of an Islamic cleric and witnesses. This ceremony is a legally and religiously binding agreement and is central to Egyptian matrimonial customs.

Bread (“Aish”) holds a special place in Egyptian culture, often considered sacred. If a piece of bread falls on the ground, it is common to see someone pick it up, kiss it, and place it at a higher and respectful place.

On the seventh day after a baby’s birth, a celebration called “Sebou'” is held. This involves various rituals like whispering the call to prayer in the baby’s ear, and placing objects like a pen, a book, or money in front of the baby to symbolize their future path.

The custom of carrying a “Subha” (a string of beads) is common in Egypt, used for keeping count while reciting prayers or as a means to relax and meditate.

“Baksheesh” is a common practice in Egypt, involving giving small tips for services or as a gesture of goodwill. It’s more than just tipping though; it’s a deeply rooted part of the social culture.

Particularly in rural areas, coffee can play a role in conflict resolution. When resolving disputes, a coffee ceremony might be held where the parties involved come together to discuss and resolve their issues over coffee. Accepting a cup of coffee symbolizes a willingness to reconcile and move forward.

Plan Your Trip to Egypt | Best Travel Resources

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