Upper Egyptians and Gunshots: Customs a sign of vulgarity?

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Diverse cultures in the different corners of Egypt convey the various views of life and many attitudes of the Egyptians. The right way to look upon these numerous tribes is not through their decisions or daily routines, but through their background. They may be different politically, but culturally, it would be almost as though they were one unity, just with different names. Although they are all descendants from ancestors originating from the Arabian Peninsula, Sei’dis, the line is drawn as to whether they are of higher nobility standards, descendents of Prophet Muhammed or not. For example, the fellaheen, a smaller group of people are not viewed of Arab origin as their ancestors are said to have converted to Islam after the Muslim led wars. Furthermore, there exist residues from Libya and Sudan who found a better life in Upper Egypt. That explains the tribal manner by which Se’dis live today. The tribal lifestyle resembles that of Feudalism as the power goes back to one man and he is viewed as the sagest, most powerful man in the community. Hence, their priorities begin with control, manhood and boldness. Upper Egypt stands out by not only its unusual lifestyle, but its inhabitant’s morals and powerful sense of patriarchy which is displayed in their behavior from their use of weaponry to their opinions on relationships. An example of how power is conveyed in Upper Egypt is the use of gunshots in celebrations. What most would see as an act of vulgarity and ignorance creates the feeling of amusement and festiveness among the Upper Egyptians. Oddly, Upper Egyptian wedding rituals consist of men and women being separated in two different partitions where each can celebrate by their own preferences. There would be thousand... ... middle of paper ... ...ypt” TheEgyptianGazetteOnline. The Egyptian Gazette, 14 Apr. 2011. Web. 13 Dec. 2011. • Hopkins, Nicholas S. , Reem Saad. Upper Egypt: Identity and Change. 2004. Web • Beck, Sanderson. “ Egypt, Sudan and Libya 1700-1950” San.bec. Sanderson Beck. 2010. Web. 13 Dec. 2011 • “The Hawwara, Ashraf, and Ja'afrah Bedouins in Upper Egypt.” Your Egypt. PhpBBGroup, 6 Aug. 2004. Web. 13 Dec. 2011 • Morgan, Patty Jones. “Weddings in Egypt.” Saudiaramcoworld.com Aramco Services Company, Oct. 1995. Web. 13 Dec. 2011 • Doma, Abdelrahman. Interview. 1. Feb. 2012 • “The Danish Egyptian dialogue Institute” article. “Tribes and Elections in Upper Egypt.” Hiwar Magazine. Jan. 2012. • Islamization watch. Islamization watch.blogspot.com. Web. 17 April. 2010 • Briggs, John, Joanne Sharp, Nabila Hamed, Hoda Yacoub. The Geographical Journal. London: Blackwell Publishing, 2003. Print

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