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Denial is a River in Egypt: How the Nile Became a Global Expression

March 2, 2025

Few places in the world are as deeply intertwined with a river as Egypt is with the Nile. For centuries, the Nile has been the lifeblood of Egyptian civilization, so much so that a common saying in Egyptian culture declares, “The river runs in Egyptians’ blood.” The Nile’s influence, however, extends far beyond Egypt’s borders. Over the years, it has permeated global culture, from literature and film to the digital age, where it continues to inspire and resonate in different ways. Historically, the Nile has been a staple in books and films, such as Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile, adapted into a classic film in 1978. Despite many Western depictions of the Nile at the time being stereotypical and orientalist, they still captured the imaginations of global audiences, cementing the Nile’s place as a cultural influence for future works. For instance, in the James Bond film, The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), the Nile is featured as a backdrop in several scenes, including one where Bond cruises down the river on a felucca, which is a traditional Egyptian boat that sails the Nile. Yet, in today’s world, the Nile’s…


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