Egypt Essay, Research Paper
Introduction
Many people know about Egypt from the ancient times when there were pharaohs, queens, slaves, and pyramids. Since those days with all the pyramids, the various Gods they worshiped, and the pharaohs, times in the land of Egypt have changed. Their whole government system has changed, their religion is totally different, and women have more rights than they had back then.
Religion
Present day Egypt’s main religion is Islam. It is the second most widely practiced religion today. The faithfuls of Islam are known as Moslems. They believe in one God, called Allah. They believe that he is the creator of the universe and the judge of mankind. The words of Allah given to Mohammed can be found in the Koran. The Koran is a sacred scripture of Islam. Many Egyptians keep the Koran in their homes. When Moslems pray, they are suppose to stop, whatever they’re doing, take out their praying rug, face Mecca, and pray. They can be at a wedding, or shopping, or in the shower, but when it’s time to pray, they pray. They are suppose to pray five times a day to remind themselves of the central belief in their religion
Government
Egypt has been a republic since 1952, ruled by the president. The president in Egypt must be Egyptian, born of Egyptian parents, and at least 40 years old. The president is elected for a six year period, after that, he can serve additional terms. Since 1952, Egypt has only had four presidents because all of the others were emperors. Two of those four had remained in power until their deaths. Only one person can run for president, and must be nominated by at least
Economy
Farming is still the most important economy in Egypt. Oil has overtaken agriculture as Egypt’s main source of foreign earnings. The oil industry only employs a small number of Egyptians compared to farming. The price of oil can fluctuate drastically, leaving the economy liable to depression. Most land will give two crops a year. They grow barely, wheat, and beams in the summer, while in the winter, rice, corn, or sorghum grow. Egyptian clover, known berseem, grows throughout the year as animal feed.
Role of men and women.
Egyptian women have more legal equality than other Arabic countries. They don’t have to wear traditional Moslem clothing. They’re allowed to vote, attend school, own property, drive cars and enjoy the same privileges as men. However, by western standards, many Egyptian women still led restricted lives. In many families, the women’s position in the home is as restricted as it has always been. For example , it is unheard of for a girl to leave the protection of her family before she is married. After marriage, she is expected to be submissive to her husband. In ruler areas, a women can’t go out of the village unless to go to a market or a wedding. The men in Egypt are mostly carpenters or construction workers. They have more rights than the women in Egypt and can go wherever they want.