SearchMy accountHelpBasket0 items

The Egyptian DreamEgyptian National Identity and Uprisings

By Noha Mellor

Format

£19.99

In stock

About this book

Explores the struggle to define Egyptian national identity post-independence

  • Considers the social context that caused and continues to stir the conflict in Egypt
  • Offers a fresh perspective on Egyptian society and its multiple layers
  • Focuses on the role of language and education in enforcing the status quo
  • Includes case studies illustrating the development of nationalist discourse in Egypt

The story of Egyptian identity from the beginning of the 20th 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.

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.
Table of contents

Preface
Introduction: Weak state – weak society

  1. Mother Egypt: the gift of the Nile
  2. Ibn al-balad: the true son of Egypt
  3. Misri Effendi - The squeezed middle-class
  4. The ‘As if’ State
  5. Tools of mass persuasion
  6. Language of division or unity?
  7. The intellectuals’ identity crisis
  8. When Egyptians revolt

Conclusion
References

About the author

Noha Mellor

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