Home Arrow FAQs Arrow As a foreigner living in Egypt, what did you find most shocking about the culture?

As a foreigner living in Egypt, what did you find most shocking about the culture?

Hospitality and warmth

Out of all the surprises that living in Egypt can bring, one can definitely propose the unforeseen hospitality and hospitableness of people. Egyptians are also the most generous of people and nothing is too much to their cordiality. It is also normal that people will immediately welcome you into their homes to have some food or have a cup of tea where you will actually feel welcome and welcomed by people in a way that is very difficult to achieve in a lot of other countries. It is something that has been greatly privileged in me to witness this hospitality and which is one of the main reasons why I fell at home in Egypt even within a brief amount of time.

Cultural norms vary between urban areas like Cairo and more conservative rural towns in Upper Egypt or the Delta region.

Sexual harassment: A disturbing reality

Yet, that is not all nice in Egyptian culture. The first thing which shocks me most about living here is the high levels of sexual harassment particularly towards a foreign female. Approximately a significant percentage of Egyptian women, both locals and foreigners, experience sexual harassment in some form on a frequent basis. This may be as simple as awkward glares and catcalling and as severe as other harassment through touch and other means. It is not an uncommon case, but it is normal everyday life among most women.

What is especially disturbing is how, in some cases, this harassment is downplayed or normalized in everyday life. However, it is important to note that many people and organizations in Egypt are actively working to challenge and address this issue. Some women have reported that certain men behave in ways that suggest unfamiliarity with interacting respectfully with women, especially foreigners. The constant staring and sounds like 'psssssst' from men on the street can feel invasive and uncomfortable, making it difficult to feel at ease. The harassment can occur regardless of how a woman dresses, although wearing more traditional or modest clothing like a hijab may reduce certain types of unwanted attention.

The thing that I came across as especially surprising is the absence of responsibility. When I discussed this issue with some locals, I often heard explanations such as sexual frustration, poverty, or 'boys will be boys.' However, many Egyptians, including activists and some men, strongly condemn such behavior and work toward change. These kinds of rationalizations are just a way of downplaying the issue. In spite of the efforts that Egypt is undertaking to deal with this problem, women still face it on a daily basis.

In recent years, Egypt has criminalized sexual harassment and introduced hotlines and awareness campaigns, such as HarassMap, to address the issue and support victims.

Gender roles and social norms

The second thing about the culture that it was necessary to get acquainted with was the heavy existence of the traditional gender roles. It is important to be modest especially when it comes to clothing and especially women. You will find masses of women wearing the hijab or covering themselves completely such as wearing an abayah, in the streets. Nevertheless, these traditions may be considered strange or foreign to someone, but these are inherent to the life of Egyptian people. One needs to learn and adhere to these norms, not only as a foreigner, but the most important rule is respecting it. There is more flexibility in dress codes in cities like Cairo, but in rural or more conservative regions, women are expected to dress more modestly.

The pace of life

The slower pace in Egypt was also one of the more pleasant surprises especially when compared to the hectic capabilities of the western nations. Time can be perceived as something fluid as it is not rigid. This is demonstrated in the fact that Egyptians give more emphasis to relationships rather than sticking to schedules. It serves as a nice slow down, particularly of lifestyles that are accustomed to being fast paced and work focused. The community, friendliness, camaraderie is felt in everything, be it the market place or classroom.

Living in Egypt also introduced me to a strong sense of community and family-centric life that felt deeply rooted and supportive — something I found both heartwarming and culturally enriching.

Traffic and transportation

The other thing which shocked me was the hectic traffic in Cairo. So many cars, no adequate lanes and only unpredictable drivers might drive anyone crazy, even a person who is used to the traffic in the country with better order. Public transportation such as the microbus, and metro and finding seats could get really hectic and rides might be unpleasant, particularly during rush hours thus rail transportation may not be considered as the best nor the convenient means of transportation. The traffic, air pollution and the roads may make the day to day commute difficult.

Conclusion

It has been a contrasting experience living in Egypt, especially in Cairo. The hospitality and kind attitude of the people are unreal, but when it comes to sexual harassment and extreme social norms, one can easily get lost. The relaxed lifestyle, gender ambiguity, and traffic can only be described as some of the most distinctive aspects of Egypt. Nevertheless, I have developed a liking towards the country, its beauty, people and its history. Anyone who plans to live in Egypt, these details on the cultural shocks will have a better idea on how to deal with the complexity of life in Egypt.

Finally, even though there are certain dimensions of Egyptian culture that might be challenging to adjust to, the hospitality and overall amazing combination between ancient culture and modern lifestyle, the experience of holidays is both trying and fulfilling.

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