Opinion

Egypt: More than Just a Refuge for Syrians

Egypt: More than Just a Refuge for Syrians

Credit: Plan International
Credit: Plan International

No doubt, the rather unstable situation in Egypt since 2013 has had its consequences on Syrians living there. Historically, the relationship between Egyptians and Syrians has been special. Not so far from now, about half a century ago, Syria and Egypt were combined as one republic. Egypt, at the time and for many years, attracted many Syrian and Arab artists hoping to achieve fame and success in the Egyptian cinema industry.

More recently, Syrians stood in solidarity with the Egyptian people during protests against former President Hosni Mubarak in 2011. The Syrians, seemingly inspired by the Tunisian and Egyptian revolutions, stood up against the Assad regime in March 2011.

Unlike other Arab revolutions, the Syrian revolution turned bloody, pushing millions of Syrians to flee their homes looking for a safe haven in countries like Egypt.

Today, as you walk along Cairo’s streets, you will often meet people from different continents: Europe, Asia, Africa, and even the Americas. While its ‘golden years’ may be far gone, Cairo is still an international city with fairly high cultural diversity. This could enable Syrians to easily integrate in the Egyptian community, particularly given that the Arabic language is native to both Syrians and Egyptians, thus minimizing any communication barriers.

Accordingly, Egyptians have continued to stand with their Syrians abroad. Lately, this was reflected in Egypt and across the world through the campaign #AleppoIsBurning which revealed massacres occurring in Aleppo in the North of Syria. A number of demonstrations were also organized across universities in Egypt to show sympathy with the Syrians. The solidarity also extended to prominent Egyptians who expressed their support on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

However, not all voices were supportive. Some social media users mocked what was happening in Syria. This reflected how some Egyptians view Syrians and the fissure among Egyptians on political issues and topics.

On the other side, many sounds, especially, some actors had an opposite perspective, furthermore, some of them have tried to mock at what happened in Syria, and use social media and channel to express their laughing. For sure, it had its negative impact on either Syrians or Egyptians. This disparity partly reflects the fissure among Egyptians about political issues, because it does not stop here, but it also extend to some local political issues. Things were different several years ago, with many openly supporting the Syrian revolution. The ‘new’ three-starred flag of Syria appeared in many corners of Cairo and especially in Tahrir Square where these Egyptian revolution kicked off. There were also numerous demonstrations organized by Syrians and supporters to express their frustrations with the Assad regime.

Currently, up to 100,000 Syrians live in Egypt. If you walk on the streets of 6th October City, located near Cairo, you can sometimes feel like you have been transported to Syria because of the number of Syrian restaurants, cafes, and stores. Syrians quickly became part of the Egyptian community. This means that any changes that will happen in Egypt will undoubtedly impact Syrians and the Syrian crisis, making it important that both Syrians and Egyptians are aware of this fact.

In addition, the Syrian civil war has had consequences on the countries that have taken in refugees. Syrians should therefore be grateful to their hosts and continue to actively be part of the new communities where they have settled. These welcoming communities  should also recognize that those who are vulnerable have already been burdened enough – creating a sense of harmony is the best path. This can be done by periodic meetings between community leaders who aim to tackle challenges, including economic and social problems. At a time where millions have been forced to flee their homes, building new bridges and connecting people becomes necessary.

An Open Letter from an Egyptian with an Eating Disorder
Satirical Art Seems to Vanish in Egypt as 'Year of Youth' Marred by Detention Cases

Subscribe to our newsletter


Opinion
@EyadSamman85

Eyad Samman, a Syrian activist, writer and blogger, participated in many activities and events to support youth and development in communities especially the Syrian. Eyad has launched many projects that support the inter dialogue between communities in cooperating with many NGOs in Turkey (TOG). Eyad has also, worked for Anna Lindh Foundation in Alexandria-Egypt, working for an initiative of "Citizens for Syria" that strengthens the concept of citizenship among Syrian groups. In 2013, Eyad founded an electronic magazine (Our Streets magazine) which addresses the political and social issues for Syrian youth inside Syria and abroad. In addition, Eyad contributed in activating the role of alternative media through establishing channels on social media that present different sides of the political and social life without the traditional restrictions. Academically, Eyad has a Master in Finance from Arabic Academy, and is now preparing to study a Master of International Development.

More in Opinion

Protecting The African Heartbeat: Why Africans Need to Prioritise Cardiovascular Health

Dr. Lilian Kanaan29 September 2023

Can the ‘Infant Industry’ Protection Argument Help Egypt Overcome its Economic Crisis?

Omar Auf2 September 2023

A Fading Home: Alexandria’s Urban Dilemma Through a Resident’s Eyes

Farah Aly25 August 2023

Celebrating the Legacy of Trailblazing Arab Science Journalist Mohammed Yahia

Aya Nader16 August 2023

How Morocco’s Women’s World Cup Football Team Redefined Winning

Mirna Khaled Sayed9 August 2023

Maintaining ‘Egyptian-ness’ Outside Egypt: How Can Museums Help?

Chau Chak Wing Museum Egyptian community initiative5 August 2023

Egypt’s Identity Lies Beyond History’s Pages

Farah Aly28 July 2023

English: A Barometer of Intelligence and Class in the Middle East?

Dina Khadr27 July 2023