An Egyptian celebration
Greg Collins, Collegian Columnist
Issue date: 2/12/08 Section: Editorial / Opinion
Our shouts reverberated throughout the bustling streets of Cairo as the 15 of us American students, along with five or so Egyptians, shouted "Arbah wahid" continuously on one special night last week.
The words "Arbah wahid" translate to "four and one," the score of the soccer game between Egypt and Cote D'Ivoire in the ongoing African Cup, the most famous soccer tournament throughout the entire continent.
When Egypt won this semifinal game last Friday night, all of Cairo literally exploded like a firecracker. I was in a friend's apartment when the game ended, and immediately after its culmination, Egyptians flooded the streets of Cairo, chanting "Arbah wahid."
Cars sped throughout the streets, their horns beeping incessantly. Countless locals waved huge Egyptian black, white and red flags on the sidewalks, in moving cars and outside their apartments. Our group eventually ended up in a public area under a bridge near the Nile River.
Here was the most incredible part of our night. At least 300 Egyptians (along with American students scattered throughout the crowd) were chanting "Misr" in unison. Large groups encircled Egyptians who were hoisted up on the shoulders of their friends, waving flags and leading more cheers in colloquial Arabic.
A few friends and I moved ourselves right into the thick of the crowd. Egyptians, recognizing the presence of foreigners, grabbed our arms and started dancing with us in a circle. Keep in mind that this occurred as innumerable cars and passengers continued to drive by the area, beeping, yelling and waving their own flags without stopping.
Cairo is inhabited by almost 20 million Egyptians, so imagine 40 million eyes glued to television sets in "sheesha" shops throughout the city, silence permeating every crevice at one moment. And then the next moment, an explosion erupts whose intensity would put any UMass riot to shame. This was one of those singular moments that define your study abroad experience.
The words "Arbah wahid" translate to "four and one," the score of the soccer game between Egypt and Cote D'Ivoire in the ongoing African Cup, the most famous soccer tournament throughout the entire continent.
When Egypt won this semifinal game last Friday night, all of Cairo literally exploded like a firecracker. I was in a friend's apartment when the game ended, and immediately after its culmination, Egyptians flooded the streets of Cairo, chanting "Arbah wahid."
Cars sped throughout the streets, their horns beeping incessantly. Countless locals waved huge Egyptian black, white and red flags on the sidewalks, in moving cars and outside their apartments. Our group eventually ended up in a public area under a bridge near the Nile River.
Here was the most incredible part of our night. At least 300 Egyptians (along with American students scattered throughout the crowd) were chanting "Misr" in unison. Large groups encircled Egyptians who were hoisted up on the shoulders of their friends, waving flags and leading more cheers in colloquial Arabic.
A few friends and I moved ourselves right into the thick of the crowd. Egyptians, recognizing the presence of foreigners, grabbed our arms and started dancing with us in a circle. Keep in mind that this occurred as innumerable cars and passengers continued to drive by the area, beeping, yelling and waving their own flags without stopping.
Cairo is inhabited by almost 20 million Egyptians, so imagine 40 million eyes glued to television sets in "sheesha" shops throughout the city, silence permeating every crevice at one moment. And then the next moment, an explosion erupts whose intensity would put any UMass riot to shame. This was one of those singular moments that define your study abroad experience.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Thomas Collins
Thomas Collins
posted 2/13/08 @ 7:10 PM EST
The columnist's description of the celebration is an uplifting reminder of how spectator sports can provide a stimulus to communal celebration. I would note the irony, however, that the columnist and other foreign students in Egypt no doubt depend in large part on Mubarak's "oppressive regime" to protect them from some of "the people, whose spirit" may run to activities other than communal celebration. (Continued…)
Post a Comment