The Egyptian Dream: Egyptian National Identity and Uprisings

by Noha Mellor

Overview

The story of Egyptian identity from the beginning of the twentieth century is one constructed by statesmen, intellectuals and Islamic thinkers. This book argues that the current fragmentation of Egypt's political scene reflects the increasing social division in a country where 'the people' are demanding a redefinition of their national identity. Scrutinising the society behind the uprisings that began in 2011 and their diverse economic, ideological and sectorial demands, it also looks at the desperate state's attempt to construct a unified Egyptian identity – an attempt which has resulted in further splitting Egyptian society.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781474403191
Publisher:	Edinburgh University Press
Publication date:	11/12/2015
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.40(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Noha Mellor is Professor of Media at Bedfordshire University. She is the author of The Making of Arab News (2005), Modern Arab Journalism (Edinburgh UniversityPress, 2007), Arab Journalists in Transnational Media (2011) and Arab Media (2011).

Table of Contents

PrefaceIntroduction: Weak state – weak society1. Mother Egypt: the gift of the Nile2. Ibn al-balad: the true son of Egypt3. Misri Effendi - The squeezed middle-class4. The ‘As if’ State5. Tools of mass persuasion6. Language of division or unity? 7. The intellectuals’ identity crisis8. When Egyptians revoltConclusionReferences

What People are Saying About This

United States Naval Academy Deborah Wheeler

This text is alone in its class, given its rich analysis of multiple facets of identity in Egypt. With a primary focus on intellectuals and revolutionary tendencies in Egyptian culture, Mellor explores the cognitive and cultural underpinnings of the recent uprisings. Her book is mandatory reading for any scholar, activist or policy maker who wonders why the heroic events of Tahrir Square did not produce more freedom, dignity and democracy. Instead Mellor illustrates the emergence of new forms of patriotism and "Egyptian-ness" as citizens wait for the Egyptian Dream to materialise.

Editorial Reviews

This text is alone in its class, given its rich analysis of multiple facets of identity in Egypt. With a primary focus on intellectuals and revolutionary tendencies in Egyptian culture, Mellor explores the cognitive and cultural underpinnings of the recent uprisings. Her book is mandatory reading for any scholar, activist or policy maker who wonders why the heroic events of Tahrir Square did not produce more freedom, dignity and democracy. Instead Mellor illustrates the emergence of new forms of patriotism and "Egyptian-ness" as citizens wait for the Egyptian Dream to materialise.

United States Naval Academy Deborah Wheeler