Criticism of prevailing religious and social conventions is still taboo in Arab discourse. But that urgently needs to change, so that we no longer judge people by their origins in future, but rather based on what they have achieved, says Egyptian writer Khaled al-Khamissi in his essay
Phil Butland and Helena Zohdi interview Hossam el-Hamalawy about the history of the Egyptian Left. Due to the length of the interview, it will be publishing it in several parts.
A journey of almost a century through the history of Egypt, from monarchy to republic, from British occupation to national independence and the nationalisation of the Suez Canal Company. And how to be an Egyptian, a Jew and a communist at the same time. ‘Does your homeland stick to the sole of your shoes when you leave?’ Albert Arié was thinking of Danton and the French Revolution which so enthused him at the Cairo Lycée when he turned down a deal with the police: give up your Egyptian (.)