A Glimpse into Egypt’s Ancient Past
By: Judith Uttendorfer
Co-Senior English Editor
That Saturday night was a magical one. There was an atmosphere in the air as if the whole country was holding its breath. And I, as a German, can say that if friends and family in Egypt gather around the screen, prepared with snacks long before the event starts, then there is likely to be an important event.
The Golden Parade, transporting 22 mummies from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square to the new National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, showed Egypt’s beauty that I fell in love with all over again. It showed Egypt to its citizens and an international audience—an Egypt which I believe had been long forgotten.
When I walk around Cairo, on my way to university or running errands, I tend to forget that a German living in Egypt is not the most common thing. I tend to forget that in an hour’s drive, I can reach the Pyramids and within an one-hour flight I can reach the Valley of Kings in Luxor.
Living in a country permanently, whether as a foreigner or a citizen, can easily blind to its beautiful historic sites that tourists seem to have an eye for. On Saturday, the virtual trip through Egypt’s ancient monuments made me remember how the country that I chose as my home far from home is truly mystic.
Awe-inspiring music played by an orchestra created an atmosphere of peace, strength and reminiscence all at the same time, leaving me speechless and wishing I could have listened to this performance right there next to the president and all the prominent officials and ministers.
Taking everything into consideration, it was the women taking over major roles, that made me most proud. Riham Abdelhakim, Amira Selim and Nesma Mahgoub with their voices, Radwa Elbeheiry at the percussion and Salma Sorour playing a solo on the violin—they created unforgettable musical moments that I continue to go back to.
Many of my German friends are scared of Egypt and didn’t visit me once in two years because of false media representation and stereotyping.
I am now able to go and say: “Look, this is what I’ve been trying to explain to you. This is what Egypt is really about: Pride, warmth, ancient history, and yes also very strong women.”
What the parade achieved was to bring Egypt together. It created a sense of unity and belonging, tied together by its ancient and modern heritage. For some, the Golden Parade might be an event of a country celebrating its history but for Egyptians it has a more personal, profound and long-lasting effect.
