Egypt Beyond the Stereotype; Debunking Common Misconceptions about Egypt

While Egypt is known to be one of the most visited countries by tourists all over the world, still there are many misconceptions about everywhere, some believe that Egyptians still live in the desert and go to work riding their camels, while others believe that doing some stuff may get you cursed by the pharaohs. In today’s blog, we will discuss some misconceptions about Egypt and throw light on the facts about these misconceptions.

First, Some misconceptions about the ancient Egyptian and pharaonic life;

1.  Ancient Egyptians Built the Pyramids Using Slave Labor

Contrary to popular belief, the pyramids were not built by slaves. Based on archeological evidence, the workers that built the Pyramids were undoubtedly skilled laborers and craftsmen who were proud of their work. They were probably farmers who labored on the pyramids while their fields were flooded every year by the Nile river. These laborers had a high social standing because they were well-paid, well-respected, and even buried in tombs close to the pyramids.

2.  Egyptians Wrote in Hieroglyphs for Everyday Communication

While hieroglyphs are the most famous ancient Egyptian writing system, they were mainly used for monumental inscriptions and religious texts. But when it comes to everyday writing, ancient Egyptians used a cursive script called hieratic and later, they used an even more simplified form called demotic. Hieroglyphs were complex and time-consuming to use for the everyday life writings.

3.  Cleopatra Was Egyptian

Although it is commonly assumed that Cleopatra, the last reigning queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, was Egyptian, it is actually not true. She governed Egypt for a period of 21 years. She belonged to the Greek Macedonian family known as the Ptolemaic dynasty. Nevertheless, she presented herself as the goddess Isis' reincarnation, was the first in her family to acquire the language, and embraced many aspects of Egyptian culture.

4.  Egyptians Were Obsessed with Death

While we can validate such a belief that the ancient Egyptians dedicated their time and effort towards the afterlife, this doesn't mean they were obsessed with death. On the contrary, they had a profound love for life and believed in enjoying it to the fullest. Their elaborate burial practices and mummification were rooted in their belief in eternal life and the desire to continue enjoying the pleasures of life in the afterworld.

5.  Camels Were the Primary Mode of Transport in Ancient Egypt

While camels are often associated with Egypt in the popular imagination, they weren't introduced to the region until foreign conquerors (Assyrians, Persians, Alexander the Great) brought the camel on a greater scale to Egypt (525-343 BC). In ancient times, Egyptians primarily used donkeys for land transport and boats for travel along the Nile. Horses were introduced during the Second Intermediate Period (c. 1650-1550 BCE) but were mainly used for warfare and by the elite.

The misconceptions about Egypt aren’t all about the ancient Egyptians, they extend to this day modern Egyptian life, here are some modern misconceptions about Egypt and Egyptians;

6.  Egypt is All Desert

One of the most common misconceptions about Egypt is that it is completely covered in desert. Although a sizable section of Egypt's territory is desert, Egypt still features an array of landscapes.  The Nile Delta, a beautiful, fertile region in the north, is prospering with agriculture. Beautiful beaches and thriving marine habitats can be found in coastal regions of the Mediterranean and Red Sea. The Western Desert is dotted by oases, which offer green spaces among the dunes. Snow even reaches the pinnacle of Saint Catherine's Monastery in Egypt. Thus, Egypt's geography is a marvelous mix of everything.

7.  All Women in Egypt must Wear Head Covers “Hijabs”

Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country, but women aren't obligated to wear hijabs. You'll see women in hijabs, niqabs (face cover), and others without. It’s all about the basic personal preference of women and their beliefs. It's important to note that Egypt also has a significant Coptic Christian population, adding to its cultural diversity. Also Non Egyptian women are not obligated to cover their hair in Egypt. In Egypt, Women’s way of dressing is up to their personal preferences. 

8.  Egypt is Unsafe for Tourists

Media portrays Egypt often as a dangerous destination, but this is largely exaggerated. Like any other country in the world, Egypt has areas that require caution, but popular tourist sites are well-protected and safe for visitors.

Thus, remember to see beyond the clichés the next time you consider Egypt. Think of the scientists conducting cutting-edge research in Alexandria, the farmers caring for their crops in the Nile Delta, and the craftspeople preserving traditional arts and crafts in Cairo's old city. Recall that Egypt, akin to any other country, is a dynamic, ever-evolving organism that maintains a strong connection to its rich past