Egypt: Culture and History

Pharaohs, the Sphinx, Cleopatra and the pyramids are the popular images Egypt evokes. Few countries have a more storied past. Called “The Gift of the Nile” it has played a pivotal role in the cultural, religious, economic and political life of the Middle East. This program explores aspects of the country’s long history from Coptic Christianity and Islam  to Nasser and Sadat. There is a discussion of Jewish life in Egypt. Also features the music of Om Kalsoum, (and a brief bio of her remarkable career) Hamza el-Din, and excerpts from the Coptic liturgy.

Produced and hosted by David Barsamian as part of his Ganges to the Nile series.