A Paper Investigating the Constructions of Race in Egypt

Introduction: In this paper I will explore various constructions of race in Egypt, focusing on two of the major cities, Cairo and Alexandria. Although I intend to take into account Nubian, Berber and various Bedouin and other influences on modern concepts of race in Egyptian cities, I will not examine any of these groups as discrete "races." In addition, I will investigate whether race is fixed or fluid, and whether race as the term is understood in the United States is applicable in modern Egypt, giving special attention to the ongoing debate among American scholars as to the "race" of both ancient and modern Egyptians.

Background and History: The history of Egypt is one of migration and the attendant overlap and merging of various groups. Acting as a sort of bridge between Africa, the Middle East and other Mediterranean countries, the varied history of the peoples of Egypt is immediately apparent to any visitor to the country. Egypt's population consists of people of a vast array of different phenotypes, making it nearly impossible to describe the appearance of a "typical" Egyptian. In any examination of race in Egypt, however, it is necessary to address some of the ongoing conflicts surrounding the "race" of Egyptians, both ancient and modern.