A Walk into Ancient Egypt
Culture – defined as the living or contemporary characteristics and values of a community as well as those that have survived from the past. It includes not only arts, literature, but also modes of life, the fundamental rights of the human being, value systems, traditions and beliefs
Culture & Traditions of Egypt
In every major city in Egypt, you will be able to find traditions that remained from the reign of the Pharaohs, and in most parts, you will find tribal customary that invaders of Egypt brought along with them. The Egyptians are generally religious people that have their religious principles inculcated in their daily lives. Each family member is responsible for the integrity and the behavior of their family, they create an environment that will is different from the many parts of the world outside Egypt. To the Egyptians, family ties are very much treasured and hence, they are very closely bonded to each other.
Having many people from different background of culture, Egypt has became a cosmopolitan country. Making Egypt's culture unique and special, the Egyptians kept intact their old cultural heritage and fused it together with the new, resulting in a modern cultural identity. They are very open and friendly with tourists to their country. If ever invited into an Egyptian's house, it would be an honor to the host's family.
In Egypt, it is a tradition for women to marry virgin, their virginity is considered by the men as the prove of good karma and of good morality. Women wear a scarf on their heads as a symbol of Muslim piety, their obedience and modesty. When entering a mosque in Egypt, you must take off your shoes and leave them at the entrance. Both the men and women must to be dressed covered not revealing much flesh.
The most important holiday in Egypt would be know as " Ramadan ", it is a religious holidays for Muslims that will a month. During this period, Egyptian Muslims will fast for a month and refrain from food and drinks for a couple of hours each day.
Ramadan in Egypt (Please watch the video for in-depth knowledge)
Indigenous people of Egypt
The Egyptians belong to a nation of ethnic group of Mediterranean North Africans. Their identity is closely tied to the Geography of Egypt, dominated by the lower Nile Valley; a small strip of cultivable land stretching from the First cataract to the Mediterranean and enclosed by the deserts both to the East and the West.
[ Cataracts are shallow stretches of river in the geography of Egypt, the First being in Modern Egypt and the rest are located in Sudan ]
The indigenous Egyptians were divided into the Upper Egyptians (Saʿīdī) The inhabitants of what is termed the middle Nile valley—roughly the area from Cairo to Aswān and the Lower Egyptians (baḥarwa)
The Saʿīdī are more culturally conservative but are ethnically similar to the baḥarwa.
In the extreme southern valley, The Nubians are culturally and ethnically different from the other Egyptians. The Nubians kinship stretched beyond the lineage; are divided into clans and border segments, different from the other Egyptians where members of the lineage are recognized as kin.
Groups/Clans Of Egypt
Of Arab and Amazigh (Berber) descent, the Saādī (not to be confused with the Saīdī, Upper Egyptians) and the Mūrābiīn. The Saādī regard themselves as descended from Banū Hilāl and Banū Sulaym, the great Arab tribes that migrated to North Africa in the 11th century. The majority and the most important group of the Saʿādī are the Awlād Alī group. The Mūrābiīn clans occupy a client status in relation to the Saādī and may be descendants of the original Amazigh inhabitants of the region. Originally herders and tent dwellers, the Bedouin of the Western Desert have become either seminomadic or totally sedentary. They are not localized by clan, and members of a single group may be widely dispersed.
Various Inhabitants of Egypt
Egypt has had many foreign inhabitants over their history. In the 1920s, the number of foreigners exceeded 200,000 with many communities. Biggest from the Greeks, Italians, British and the French but, since the independence of Egypt, the numbers of the foreign communities have greatly been reduced.
Language of Egypt
In modern Egypt, the official language is the Standard Arabic and this is used in most written media. Egyptian Arabic is commonly used and spoken in Cairo and occasionally written. However being a country with various Inhabitants, Egypt also practices English, French and German. English is commonly used in business and also for Education. In the Upper Nile Valley; Kom Ombo and Aswan, there are approximately 300,000 speakers of the Nubian Language, mainly the Nobiin but also he Kenuzi-Dongola.
Historical Language of Egypt
Also know as Copto-Egyptian, this language consists of ancient Egyptian and Coptic. They form a separate branch among the family of Afro-Asiatic Languages. Among the first written languages, the Hieroglyphic inscriptions preserved on monuments and sheets of papyrus. The only extant descendant of Egyptian, is the liturgical language of today's Coptic Orthodox Church. Under the reign of the Greek empire, the "Koiné" dialect of the Greek language was once important in Hellenistic Alexandria. The "Koiné" was used in Philosophy and Science and was later studied by Arabic scholars.
Education in Egypt
Egypt has the largest education system in the Middle east and North America (MENA). In the recent years the Government has prioritized education and has done great efforts since the 1990s. Ranked the 123 in the Human Development Index (HDI) and 7th in the 10 HDI countries of Middle East and North America. With help from multilateral organizations and the World Bank, Egypt has aims to increase access in early childhood education and also the inclusion of ICT at all levels of education, focusing at the tertiary level.
Education in Egypt is consist of three levels; the basic education stage for 4-14 years ( Kindergarten for the first two years followed by primary school for six years and preparatory school for three years. ) Secondary school stage is for years 15-17 eventually by the tertiary level of education. Education has been made compulsory for nine academic years between 6-14 years. To make education increase in accordance to the HDI, all levels of education are free in any government run schools.
Types of schools in Egypt
- Arabic School ( Government run, taught in Arabic primarily )
- Experimental Language schools ( Government run, taught in English primarily )
- Ordinary School ( Private, looking into students' needs )
- Language School ( Private, taught in English with better facilities )
- Religious School ( Private )
- International School ( Private, Degrees earned gets official endorsement from Ministry of Education )
Leisure Programmes/ Festivals
Egypt is known as the cradle of many tales and has been also famous for its festivals and religious events. The festivals in Egypt have religious significance from the era of the Pharaohs.
Major Festivals of Egypt
Prophet Mohammed's Birth anniversary
Birth-date of the founder of Islam. Egypt being approximately inhabited by 93% of Muslims, the day is most celebrated with parades and rituals associated to this festival.
Christmas
The Coptic Christians contribute to approximately 7% of the entire population. Held on 7th January, Coptic Christmas is celebrated as the birthday of Christ. People enjoy a mass gathering at midnight and enjoy a traditional cuisine.
In every major city in Egypt, you will be able to find traditions that remained from the reign of the Pharaohs, and in most parts, you will find tribal customary that invaders of Egypt brought along with them. The Egyptians are generally religious people that have their religious principles inculcated in their daily lives. Each family member is responsible for the integrity and the behavior of their family, they create an environment that will is different from the many parts of the world outside Egypt. To the Egyptians, family ties are very much treasured and hence, they are very closely bonded to each other.
Having many people from different background of culture, Egypt has became a cosmopolitan country. Making Egypt's culture unique and special, the Egyptians kept intact their old cultural heritage and fused it together with the new, resulting in a modern cultural identity. They are very open and friendly with tourists to their country. If ever invited into an Egyptian's house, it would be an honor to the host's family.
In Egypt, it is a tradition for women to marry virgin, their virginity is considered by the men as the prove of good karma and of good morality. Women wear a scarf on their heads as a symbol of Muslim piety, their obedience and modesty. When entering a mosque in Egypt, you must take off your shoes and leave them at the entrance. Both the men and women must to be dressed covered not revealing much flesh.
The most important holiday in Egypt would be know as " Ramadan ", it is a religious holidays for Muslims that will a month. During this period, Egyptian Muslims will fast for a month and refrain from food and drinks for a couple of hours each day.
Ramadan in Egypt (Please watch the video for in-depth knowledge)
Indigenous people of Egypt
The Egyptians belong to a nation of ethnic group of Mediterranean North Africans. Their identity is closely tied to the Geography of Egypt, dominated by the lower Nile Valley; a small strip of cultivable land stretching from the First cataract to the Mediterranean and enclosed by the deserts both to the East and the West.
[ Cataracts are shallow stretches of river in the geography of Egypt, the First being in Modern Egypt and the rest are located in Sudan ]
The indigenous Egyptians were divided into the Upper Egyptians (Saʿīdī) The inhabitants of what is termed the middle Nile valley—roughly the area from Cairo to Aswān and the Lower Egyptians (baḥarwa)
The Saʿīdī are more culturally conservative but are ethnically similar to the baḥarwa.
In the extreme southern valley, The Nubians are culturally and ethnically different from the other Egyptians. The Nubians kinship stretched beyond the lineage; are divided into clans and border segments, different from the other Egyptians where members of the lineage are recognized as kin.
Groups/Clans Of Egypt
Of Arab and Amazigh (Berber) descent, the Saādī (not to be confused with the Saīdī, Upper Egyptians) and the Mūrābiīn. The Saādī regard themselves as descended from Banū Hilāl and Banū Sulaym, the great Arab tribes that migrated to North Africa in the 11th century. The majority and the most important group of the Saʿādī are the Awlād Alī group. The Mūrābiīn clans occupy a client status in relation to the Saādī and may be descendants of the original Amazigh inhabitants of the region. Originally herders and tent dwellers, the Bedouin of the Western Desert have become either seminomadic or totally sedentary. They are not localized by clan, and members of a single group may be widely dispersed.
Various Inhabitants of Egypt
Egypt has had many foreign inhabitants over their history. In the 1920s, the number of foreigners exceeded 200,000 with many communities. Biggest from the Greeks, Italians, British and the French but, since the independence of Egypt, the numbers of the foreign communities have greatly been reduced.
Language of Egypt
In modern Egypt, the official language is the Standard Arabic and this is used in most written media. Egyptian Arabic is commonly used and spoken in Cairo and occasionally written. However being a country with various Inhabitants, Egypt also practices English, French and German. English is commonly used in business and also for Education. In the Upper Nile Valley; Kom Ombo and Aswan, there are approximately 300,000 speakers of the Nubian Language, mainly the Nobiin but also he Kenuzi-Dongola.
Historical Language of Egypt
Also know as Copto-Egyptian, this language consists of ancient Egyptian and Coptic. They form a separate branch among the family of Afro-Asiatic Languages. Among the first written languages, the Hieroglyphic inscriptions preserved on monuments and sheets of papyrus. The only extant descendant of Egyptian, is the liturgical language of today's Coptic Orthodox Church. Under the reign of the Greek empire, the "Koiné" dialect of the Greek language was once important in Hellenistic Alexandria. The "Koiné" was used in Philosophy and Science and was later studied by Arabic scholars.
Education in Egypt
Egypt has the largest education system in the Middle east and North America (MENA). In the recent years the Government has prioritized education and has done great efforts since the 1990s. Ranked the 123 in the Human Development Index (HDI) and 7th in the 10 HDI countries of Middle East and North America. With help from multilateral organizations and the World Bank, Egypt has aims to increase access in early childhood education and also the inclusion of ICT at all levels of education, focusing at the tertiary level.
Education in Egypt is consist of three levels; the basic education stage for 4-14 years ( Kindergarten for the first two years followed by primary school for six years and preparatory school for three years. ) Secondary school stage is for years 15-17 eventually by the tertiary level of education. Education has been made compulsory for nine academic years between 6-14 years. To make education increase in accordance to the HDI, all levels of education are free in any government run schools.
Types of schools in Egypt
- Arabic School ( Government run, taught in Arabic primarily )
- Experimental Language schools ( Government run, taught in English primarily )
- Ordinary School ( Private, looking into students' needs )
- Language School ( Private, taught in English with better facilities )
- Religious School ( Private )
- International School ( Private, Degrees earned gets official endorsement from Ministry of Education )
Leisure Programmes/ Festivals
Egypt is known as the cradle of many tales and has been also famous for its festivals and religious events. The festivals in Egypt have religious significance from the era of the Pharaohs.
Major Festivals of Egypt
Prophet Mohammed's Birth anniversary
Birth-date of the founder of Islam. Egypt being approximately inhabited by 93% of Muslims, the day is most celebrated with parades and rituals associated to this festival.
Christmas
The Coptic Christians contribute to approximately 7% of the entire population. Held on 7th January, Coptic Christmas is celebrated as the birthday of Christ. People enjoy a mass gathering at midnight and enjoy a traditional cuisine.
Pharaonic Wedding
The symbol of ancient civilization of Egypt and is celebrated in the month of November. It is auspicious known as a day for marriages. Couples would visit the Karnak Temple to get married there.
Abu El Haggag Moulid
This festival is dedicated to the patron saint of Luxor-Abu el Hagga, many activities would be held together with this day; Horse-racing, Dance, Music and Drum playing, highlighting the elements of Egyptian Festivals.
Wafaa Al Nil
Dedicated to the symbol of Egypt- the Nile River, This festivals presents scenarios painting competitions, poetry sessions, seminar and music concerts. This is among one of the ancient festivals in Egypt.
Egyptian Festival Ritual - Pharaonic Wedding
Uniqueness of Egypt
One of the 7 wonders of the world, The pyramids are only found in Egypt. Built in ancient Egypt, these wonderful historical monuments are the houses of who whom once rule Egypt; the Pharaohs. The Egyptians believe in journey beginning in the afterlife, Pharaohs order the builders/slaves to construct the pyramids to house their accommodation when they pass on.
These pyramids are a proof to the ancient architectural skills that is built with cutting edge intelligence of ancient Egypt. The ancient written language of Egypt has also been a mystery to many and uniquely only in Egypt; Hieroglyphic inscriptions. These languages are possibly the reasons to why tourism to Egypt has been increasing momentarily across the years.
What could be unique in Egypt? In my point of view, I felt that Egypt is quite similar to Singapore. It is pretty unusual in the ancient times to have many different groups or culture of different social backgrounds to inhabit in a land. Plus, Egypt has been in the reign or ruling of many different countries. Thus, Egypt is considered to be uniquely rich in culture or language. The practices held in Egypt is relatively different from similar practices held across the whole. Christmas for instance is held on 7th January instead of the regular 25th December. I would say not many Muslim countries could accept the presence of Pork and alcohol or other Sins to the Islamic religion in their territory. However, the Egyptians don't boycott alcohol or pork in their land instead, they gracefully leave such sensitive habits to the visitors or people of different religion to be at liberty to use them but, with the their limits of not abusing them as it could be rude on their beliefs.
Discover Egypt!
Do Make your way down to Egypt have explore your own discovery to the wonders of hidden ancient Civilization fused the modern culture and countless undiscovered knowledge.
Abu El Haggag Moulid
This festival is dedicated to the patron saint of Luxor-Abu el Hagga, many activities would be held together with this day; Horse-racing, Dance, Music and Drum playing, highlighting the elements of Egyptian Festivals.
Wafaa Al Nil
Dedicated to the symbol of Egypt- the Nile River, This festivals presents scenarios painting competitions, poetry sessions, seminar and music concerts. This is among one of the ancient festivals in Egypt.
Egyptian Festival Ritual - Pharaonic Wedding
Uniqueness of Egypt
One of the 7 wonders of the world, The pyramids are only found in Egypt. Built in ancient Egypt, these wonderful historical monuments are the houses of who whom once rule Egypt; the Pharaohs. The Egyptians believe in journey beginning in the afterlife, Pharaohs order the builders/slaves to construct the pyramids to house their accommodation when they pass on.
What could be unique in Egypt? In my point of view, I felt that Egypt is quite similar to Singapore. It is pretty unusual in the ancient times to have many different groups or culture of different social backgrounds to inhabit in a land. Plus, Egypt has been in the reign or ruling of many different countries. Thus, Egypt is considered to be uniquely rich in culture or language. The practices held in Egypt is relatively different from similar practices held across the whole. Christmas for instance is held on 7th January instead of the regular 25th December. I would say not many Muslim countries could accept the presence of Pork and alcohol or other Sins to the Islamic religion in their territory. However, the Egyptians don't boycott alcohol or pork in their land instead, they gracefully leave such sensitive habits to the visitors or people of different religion to be at liberty to use them but, with the their limits of not abusing them as it could be rude on their beliefs.
Discover Egypt!
Do Make your way down to Egypt have explore your own discovery to the wonders of hidden ancient Civilization fused the modern culture and countless undiscovered knowledge.
Disneyization of Society in Egypt
With much studies done in-depth to modern Egypt with contextual knowledge reference from Ancient Egypt, I felt that Egypt has been Disneyfied over the years. The presence of hotel Le Méridien a member of international brand of hotels; Starwood hotels, is a form of Egypt opening to Globalization and also acknowledging the Disney in every country. Egypt has taken great efforts in globalizing the country, to be a tourism destination spot. The government recognized the importance of accommodations, accessibility, ancillary services and attractions. Therefore, hotels, resorts and shopping centers have been introduced into the cities of Egypt. For instance, Cairo has been listed as the most number of malls in Egypt. Opening to cater to more niche tourist, Cairo Festival center is under construction. Cities like Alexandria and Sharm El-Sheikh have also had their shopping malls and centers to cater to both the locals and tourists.
With the increase in shopping malls and modernization of Egypt, Cachet brands have been introduced and also seemingly a demand for them. This is a form of globalization changing the lifestyles of Egyptians.
"CAIRO - The owners of Cairo's City Stars mall like to compare it to a Pharaonic temple, and its cavernous halls and acres of cream marble might have stirred jealousy in the most luxuriant of Egypt's ancient rulers.
Many brands on display -- such as Zara, Hush Puppies or Etam -- may seem drearily familiar to a Western eye, but the vast shopping centre drew bigger crowds than the Pyramids of Giza in the year after it opened, underlining Egypt's growing reputation as a frontier retail market with major potential."
Taken from : http://arabia.msn.com/Business/Market/AF/2010/December/3224623.aspx
In Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, the realization of service has reached a growing tendency for front-line service work being viewed as a performance. A hotel service college has be built and equipped with facilities to cater to the demands in tourism numbers. The government have modernized Egypt in her major cities not leaving out the essence of the Egyptian culture.Generally the Egyptians have a remarkable hospitality towards visitors so Disneyization hasn't done much to change the perception of the employees having to display certain emotions to convey impressions as though working in a theatrical event. Instead, it has just emphasized further on the fact that hospitality is a vital role to the growing economy. I would say that Disneyization is a factor to further promote hospitality in the country. This is thus, a positive outcome of globalization through Disneyization and not a negative factor.
Changes brought about by the growth of tourism in Egypt
I personally feel that Egypt has been hit by Globalization with the 4 shifts of which;
Financial Deregulation has brought about a foreign exchange of currencies through the increase in Tourism
numbers from countries carrying different monetary values. Technological change & innovation has been introduced to Egypt, Telecommunications have been made a commodity to the Egyptians that can afford it. In conjunction, Via Technological change & innovation; it brings about the shift in Cost & Time of moving commodities. Modes of Transports have improved from Camels to Cars, Make-shift boats to Cruises and Also the introduction of Airplanes in order to enter/exit the country.Not forgetting the Media & Communications shift; Egypt has modernized with luxury hotels and Malls catering to various communication means and also the advertisement through the Television is a form of Media to communicate.
Host Reaction to Tourism
-Revitalization (Preserve, display and boast cultural resources to tourist)
-Adoption (Adopt visitors norms and culture)
These both reactions have taken place simultaneously. The Egyptians are generally very Patriotic people and they are also known for not having to leave their land forever at least, knowing to return home one day. The ancient cultures and traditions are still preserved till modern today. Eg; The Pharaonic wedding, Monuments like the Great Pyramids and beliefs are still held on. However, with the influx of tourism into the country, the locals or rather the Egyptians have began to accept the western culture and also their norms.
Impacts of Tourism to the Land
No mistakes in bringing Tourism as a Force for Peace. Through the tourists coming into Egypt and the Egyptians going out of Egypt, it brings people into contact with each other. In the light of Education, this allows understanding between people and cultures as a form of cultural exchange. By doing so, there is an increase in mutual sympathy and understanding to prevent the increase of Prejudice.
Facilities developed for tourism have brought about positive socio-cultural impacts to the residents of Egypt. Shopping malls, improved transport method, Festival centers have all been to a benefit to the local residents. For instance, Festival Centers have preserved and kept the ancient traditions alive. With tourists constantly visiting the Ancient land of Egypt, the Egyptians have stimulated pride in their local and natural heritage. This has thus enforced the importance of Cultural heritage and traditions inculcated into the next generations of Egypt. The residents of the land have also benefited environmentally as the efforts taken in keep the environment clean have also kept the land of the Egyptians clean. Jobs have been generated through tourism as Tourism is a human intensive industry. Tourist would prefer to have the locals to guide them around or to be taught of the local traditions. This a avenue of revenue to the locals by providing another source of revenue.
However, Tourism have also brought along some negative factors. With the exchange of foreign norms and culture everyday, the locals may experience a dilution in their native culture. Egypt or Egyptians may have been to adapted to the tourist demands that they leave out the demand to preserve their own culture. For instance; the commodity of Food and Beverages, to cater to the foreigners, restaurants with diversified authentic delicacies may leave a permanent preference to locals. Dressing could be of an important determinant on commodification affecting Egypt. Personally I feel that Physical influences like the Resource use conflict may cause a deterioration in Culture. Eg; Farming certain crops may be the traditions or cultural food of Egypt but due to Adaptions of Tourist demands where farming areas may have to be sacrificed for hotels to rise. Ethical issues will come into play as children may see the value of working and may lose interest in education.
Conclusion
All in all, I feel that Tourism is the main culprit of Commodification. Tourism has began back from thousands of years ago, in Egypt, possibly since the time of the nomads that travel from and around the Desert. Without the presence of Tourism with assumptions that people never ever traveled, there wouldn't be a exchange in foreign cultures or mutual understanding. Through Tourism, Globalization has started to take place in many countries. In Egypt, through Tourism, there is an exchange in knowledge from people to people.
Understanding the demand of Tourism, Globalization starts to take place. Using the 4 shifts in Globalization as a gauge, Financial deregulation brought in foreign currencies and the index of higher currencies have led to Egypt catering to visitors just to improve their economy. Cost & time of moving commodities have been improved through Tourism, Commodifying the Egyptians traditional way of getting across the desert with the modernized vehicles. Technological change & innovations showed the Egyptians another profitable avenue to earning money and that leads to a dilution of their cultural practice. For example, the locals stop farming or crossing the desert traditionally with the commodified means of transport and of income.
However, I wouldn't agree fully that Tourism is solely the culprit of commodifying cultures and tradition. Tourism being a double-edged sword, it has both preserved the ancient monuments and also diluted the ancient culture of Egypt. Tourism has brought both positive and negative impacts to Egypt. I would agree to a certain extent that tourism played a major role in commodifying cultures and traditions but, in order for that to take place, we need to take the parties involved in tourism into consideration. The Host and the Guest, The government and the Local and The local and the visitors.
"CAIRO - The owners of Cairo's City Stars mall like to compare it to a Pharaonic temple, and its cavernous halls and acres of cream marble might have stirred jealousy in the most luxuriant of Egypt's ancient rulers.
Many brands on display -- such as Zara, Hush Puppies or Etam -- may seem drearily familiar to a Western eye, but the vast shopping centre drew bigger crowds than the Pyramids of Giza in the year after it opened, underlining Egypt's growing reputation as a frontier retail market with major potential."
Taken from : http://arabia.msn.com/Business/Market/AF/2010/December/3224623.aspx
In Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, the realization of service has reached a growing tendency for front-line service work being viewed as a performance. A hotel service college has be built and equipped with facilities to cater to the demands in tourism numbers. The government have modernized Egypt in her major cities not leaving out the essence of the Egyptian culture.Generally the Egyptians have a remarkable hospitality towards visitors so Disneyization hasn't done much to change the perception of the employees having to display certain emotions to convey impressions as though working in a theatrical event. Instead, it has just emphasized further on the fact that hospitality is a vital role to the growing economy. I would say that Disneyization is a factor to further promote hospitality in the country. This is thus, a positive outcome of globalization through Disneyization and not a negative factor.
Changes brought about by the growth of tourism in Egypt
I personally feel that Egypt has been hit by Globalization with the 4 shifts of which;
Financial Deregulation has brought about a foreign exchange of currencies through the increase in Tourism
numbers from countries carrying different monetary values. Technological change & innovation has been introduced to Egypt, Telecommunications have been made a commodity to the Egyptians that can afford it. In conjunction, Via Technological change & innovation; it brings about the shift in Cost & Time of moving commodities. Modes of Transports have improved from Camels to Cars, Make-shift boats to Cruises and Also the introduction of Airplanes in order to enter/exit the country.Not forgetting the Media & Communications shift; Egypt has modernized with luxury hotels and Malls catering to various communication means and also the advertisement through the Television is a form of Media to communicate.
Host Reaction to Tourism
-Revitalization (Preserve, display and boast cultural resources to tourist)
-Adoption (Adopt visitors norms and culture)
These both reactions have taken place simultaneously. The Egyptians are generally very Patriotic people and they are also known for not having to leave their land forever at least, knowing to return home one day. The ancient cultures and traditions are still preserved till modern today. Eg; The Pharaonic wedding, Monuments like the Great Pyramids and beliefs are still held on. However, with the influx of tourism into the country, the locals or rather the Egyptians have began to accept the western culture and also their norms.
Impacts of Tourism to the Land
No mistakes in bringing Tourism as a Force for Peace. Through the tourists coming into Egypt and the Egyptians going out of Egypt, it brings people into contact with each other. In the light of Education, this allows understanding between people and cultures as a form of cultural exchange. By doing so, there is an increase in mutual sympathy and understanding to prevent the increase of Prejudice.
Facilities developed for tourism have brought about positive socio-cultural impacts to the residents of Egypt. Shopping malls, improved transport method, Festival centers have all been to a benefit to the local residents. For instance, Festival Centers have preserved and kept the ancient traditions alive. With tourists constantly visiting the Ancient land of Egypt, the Egyptians have stimulated pride in their local and natural heritage. This has thus enforced the importance of Cultural heritage and traditions inculcated into the next generations of Egypt. The residents of the land have also benefited environmentally as the efforts taken in keep the environment clean have also kept the land of the Egyptians clean. Jobs have been generated through tourism as Tourism is a human intensive industry. Tourist would prefer to have the locals to guide them around or to be taught of the local traditions. This a avenue of revenue to the locals by providing another source of revenue.
However, Tourism have also brought along some negative factors. With the exchange of foreign norms and culture everyday, the locals may experience a dilution in their native culture. Egypt or Egyptians may have been to adapted to the tourist demands that they leave out the demand to preserve their own culture. For instance; the commodity of Food and Beverages, to cater to the foreigners, restaurants with diversified authentic delicacies may leave a permanent preference to locals. Dressing could be of an important determinant on commodification affecting Egypt. Personally I feel that Physical influences like the Resource use conflict may cause a deterioration in Culture. Eg; Farming certain crops may be the traditions or cultural food of Egypt but due to Adaptions of Tourist demands where farming areas may have to be sacrificed for hotels to rise. Ethical issues will come into play as children may see the value of working and may lose interest in education.
Conclusion
All in all, I feel that Tourism is the main culprit of Commodification. Tourism has began back from thousands of years ago, in Egypt, possibly since the time of the nomads that travel from and around the Desert. Without the presence of Tourism with assumptions that people never ever traveled, there wouldn't be a exchange in foreign cultures or mutual understanding. Through Tourism, Globalization has started to take place in many countries. In Egypt, through Tourism, there is an exchange in knowledge from people to people.
Understanding the demand of Tourism, Globalization starts to take place. Using the 4 shifts in Globalization as a gauge, Financial deregulation brought in foreign currencies and the index of higher currencies have led to Egypt catering to visitors just to improve their economy. Cost & time of moving commodities have been improved through Tourism, Commodifying the Egyptians traditional way of getting across the desert with the modernized vehicles. Technological change & innovations showed the Egyptians another profitable avenue to earning money and that leads to a dilution of their cultural practice. For example, the locals stop farming or crossing the desert traditionally with the commodified means of transport and of income.
However, I wouldn't agree fully that Tourism is solely the culprit of commodifying cultures and tradition. Tourism being a double-edged sword, it has both preserved the ancient monuments and also diluted the ancient culture of Egypt. Tourism has brought both positive and negative impacts to Egypt. I would agree to a certain extent that tourism played a major role in commodifying cultures and traditions but, in order for that to take place, we need to take the parties involved in tourism into consideration. The Host and the Guest, The government and the Local and The local and the visitors.
The End
1:43 AM