Average Egyptians take pride in their pharaonic history, but there's also a disconnect, because the tradition of the Islamic past is stronger and more immediate. This is captured perfectly by the design of Egypt's currency. Every denomination follows the same pattern: On one side of a bill, words are in Arabic, and there's an image of some famous Egyptian mosque. The other side pairs English text with a pharaonic statue or monument. The implication is clear: the ancients belong to foreigners, and Islam belongs to us.
Many Egyptians feel a deep sense of pride in their ancient pharaonic heritage; however, this pride is often overshadowed by a stronger connection to their Islamic history. This duality reflects a cultural tension in how history is perceived and celebrated in modern Egypt.
This distinction is vividly illustrated by the design of Egyptian currency. Each bill displays Arabic text and an image of a prominent mosque on one side, while the opposite side features English text alongside representations of pharaonic monuments. This design choice highlights the notion that ancient Egyptian heritage is valued but viewed as belonging more to outsiders, whereas Islamic traditions are seen as integral to national identity.
