Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Egyptian Cuisine



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Food

In Egypt, vegetables and crops are the larger portion of the meals. Meat exist is some dishes, yet, it is not preferred.

Like many people here, (me especially) like bread. It is usually a side of any dish and taste really well with many meals. For Egyptians, they feel the same.

Beans are also a big part of the Egyptian diet. Americans also appreciate different types of beans in a stew or soup or even by themselves but it is considered a side dish whereas Egyptians may eat it alone.

Types of Food


Mulukhiyya is a a green soup made from a leaf called jute which is chopped up finely and mixed in with chicken or even rabbit, an animal that is often eaten by Egyptians.











Another famous dish is called Kusha
ri which sounds sort of delicious. It consist of macaroni, rice, chickpeas and a spicy tomato sauce. Mmmmmmm....

Monday, April 6, 2009

Egyptian TV and Actors

What kind of shows are aired on Egytpian Television?


Seraa Ala El Remal or Wars on sand is a series of Arabic drama. Another show is called Ala Tool Al Ayam which is also a series but more of a romantic drama. A lot of show aired on Egyptian television consist of series and dramas.


What actors play on these shows? Do they also perform in the U.S.?


One of the biggest actors in Egypt is Ahmed Ramzy. Ramzy is one of the oldest but well known for his performances in movies and various shows. Although Ramzy has appeared in over 250 films, he has yet to take a role in the U.S.


Do women play the same roles as men in the acting business?


Yes they do. Not as many performances have been accredited to some women actresses, but one woman by the name of Mona Zaki played in nearly 10 series and 20 movies. She is still a big actress in Egypt and has been featured in a few American films as well.

Egyptian Media


Does Egypt have the same media as the U.S.?




Actually yes, but not the same mgazines and shows we have. For instance, there is a magazine called Egypt Today which covers mainly Egyptian affairs. This can be related to the U.S paper called USA Today. Not only is this magazine the oldest form of publication in Englishn since 1979, but it is the primary magazine in Egypt for public affairs.




How is it sold?




Just like any magazine here in the U.S, Egypt Today is sold on news stands and by subscription. It can be found at a local store or just about anywhere you would normally find a paper or magazine.






Sunday, April 5, 2009

Ancient Technology

Many basic machines we use oday are credited to the ancient inventions by the Egyptians. These inventions are known as the ramp and lever. Rope trusses, and wheel are also an invention Egyptians created.


Other advances in Egypt include mathematics, astronomy and medicine. The type of math is geometry which was used to preserve the layout and ownership of farmland which was flooded by the Nile river.


Paper which came from papyrus at one point is an invention from the Egyptians.

Egyptian Clothing and accessories


What type of clothing do Egyptians wear?

Primarily, Egyptians were known to wear tunics and robes amongst both genders. First men wore a loin cloth, shenti, which is a type of scarf and and belt that holds it together. Around 1420 BC, a light tunic and blouse with sleeves became the attire for men.

Did women wear the same?

No, female clothing is different. Although their style has barely changed, the draped look is what makes their clothimg unique. Various cuts of the drapes makes any tunic look totally different from the next.

What were these tunics made of, animal skin?

Not exactly. Because animal skin was supposed to be royal, it was uncommon to see it. When the rich wore it, it usually was made into coats. The average wore linen and wool.

What about hair styles?

Actually, men and women wore their hair in different styles. Wigs were commonly seen on the heads of men and women. Unfortunately, once again, only the wealthy were seen wearing these styles.

Did they wear fancy jewelry made out of gold too?

Well jewelry was known to be worn in excess, but not so much gold for the working class. Instead, they wore simple glass and many bracelets. The upper class wore all types of stone and turquoise.

What else did Egyptians like that we do today?

Almost every woman loves perfume. No matter what nationality, perfume is every girl's fav. Anyone wore perfume despite their class. It was expensive, but it was commonly sold. Even tattoos were a big thing as they are today. Although their tats weren't permanent, henna ink was used for the lower class to express themselves on their skin. Even cosmetics were used with women. Various minerals were used to preserve and compact the make-up for eye shadow and types of concealer.


Music culture

What type of music Egyptians like?



Well the first known form of music has been credited to a god named Thoth. The first known existence of instruments is dated back to the predynastic period and the old kingdom. These instruments included harps, clarinets and flutes. Percussion insrtumemts also played a part in the Egyptian music culture. During the middle kingdom lyres and lutes, other instruments were added to the orchestra. Cymbals, which is still used today also is part of music and dance.



So what what is the kind of music Egyptians are known to listen to today?



Egyptian folk music and Sufi is the closest sound to contemporary music today. The music can be classified as a mixture of Arabic, Turkish and Western influences. Because Arabic music is said to have begun in Syria during the 7th century, much of Egyptian music is credited to Arabic.



What other kinds of music does Egyptians like to hear?



Pop culture has become important to the younger generations in Egypt. Eversince the 1970's, this type of music is known to be primarily played at weddings and other festivities. Lately since the 20th century, Egyptian music has become a way to communicate social and class issues with its listeners.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lfcwqb3QFDQ