Egypts cultural diversity has been changing constantly over the years, and as each year

passes the country comes closer to becoming a monolithic culture. The threat against cultural
diversity has existed ever since the beginning of Egypts history. When people think of Egypt
images of pyramids, mummies, and pharaohs usually come to mind. However, Egypts culture
has drastically changed from that period of time in its history. This is just one example to show
how much cultural change the country has gone through. Throughout Egyptian history, the
people of Egypt have been conquered by other cultures that ultimately influenced and changed
the culture of Egypt, but mostly due to religious influence (Colorado State University, n.d.).
These new people came into the country and introduced new ways of life and new religious
beliefs. On the contrary, this didnt create cultural diversity; they took the place of the existing
culture and religious beliefs that were in place at the time. Because of this, Egypt was always
under the threat of cultural diversity becoming extinct.
As I mentioned before, Egypt was more culturally diverse in the past. According to Holt,
foreign invaders and immigrantsPersians, Romans, Greeks, Crusaders, Turks, and
Circassianslong ago left behind a more heterogeneous mixture of physical types (2015). Now,
however, the country consists of almost all Arab Egyptians (Central Intelligence Agency, 2014).
On the other hand, a more significant threat to the cultural diversity of Egypt has been religion
and religious powers ruling the country. Recently, Egypt has been experiencing political
upheavals that could possibly allow the Muslim Brotherhood to seize power and establish an
Islamic state. They have also highlighted recent attacks on Egyptian Christians by Muslim
extremists, arguing that the Christian position will probably further deteriorate under a new
regime (Lewis, 2011). This political unrest in the country has caused serious loss of cultural
diversity. Currently, 90 percent of the country is Muslim while the other 10 percent are

Christians, and soon the country could consist of all Muslim people if political issues continue
(Central Intelligence Agency, 2014). Also, the Shiite people were known to be prosecuted
under the Mubarak regime, who was a political dictator in Egypt (Lewis, 2011). Lewis states
that A 2004 news report claimed that three Shiite dissidents were held by security forces for
eight months and were only released after they promised to convert to Sunni Islam (2011).
These demographics and evidence show the type of loss in the cultural diversity of the country.
Due to this loss in cultural diversity, efforts have been made to preserve cultures in Egypt.
The Support to Cultural Diversity and Creativity in Egypt project, funded by EuropeAid, is set
to provide better grounds for the development of the cultural sector in Egypt and the promotion
of cultural diversity in Egypt (Devex, 2014). A few of the main goals of this project are to
contribute to provide increased access to culture all over Egypt, support artistic and cultural
education, and to protect and promote the diversity of the cultural expressions at local, national
and international levels (University of Cagliari, n.d.). As Devex mentions, cultural diversity is a
tool for development, especially in developing countries, which is one of the many benefits with
having a culturally diverse society (2014).
Although there has been a loss of cultural diversity in Egypt, there are provisions in place
to preserve and promote cultural diversity within the country. The country was a lot more diverse
back in ancient history, and the conquering of other cultures seems to be what started the loss of
cultural diversity within the country. Cultural diversity has many advantages and benefits, so it is
good to see that Egypt has been making progress in promoting cultural diversity in the country.

References
Central Intelligence Agency. (2014). The world factbook. Retrieved from https://www.cia.gov/
library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/eg.html
Colorado State University. (n.d.). Timeline of Egyptian history & culture. Retrieved from
http://www.cemml.colostate.edu/cultural/09476/egypt02-01enl.html
Devex. (2014). Support to cultural diversity and creativity in Egypt. Retrieved from
https://www.devex.com/projects/grants/support-to-cultural-diversity-and-creativity-inegypt/3950
Holt, P. (2015). Egypt. Encyclopdia Britannica. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/
EBchecked/topic/180382/Egypt/43454/Plant-and-animal-life#toc43464
Lewis, M. (2011). Egypts religious diversity and its forgotten Shiites. GeoCurrents. Retrieved
from http://www.geocurrents.info/cultural-geography/egypts-religious-diversity-and-itsforgotten-shiites
University of Cagliari. (n.d.). EU: The support of cultural diversity and creativity in Egypt
programme. Retrieved from http://www.unica.it/pub/6/show.jsp?id=25599&iso=
708&is=6