What's it like to be Coptic Christian in Egypt?
As a religious minority in a Muslim-majority nation, Coptic Christians often navigate societal pressures and challenges. While officially recognized and able to practice their faith, they sometimes encounter subtle discrimination or restrictions in public life. The history and life on a daily basis of Copts in Egypt is overcome with a protracted yearning for survival, dignity, and freedom of religion in a society in which they are religious members of a minority.
Historical background: Centuries of challenges
The origins of the oppression of Copts can be traced back to the Arab invasion of Egypt in the 7th century. In the first period of Arab rule, initially, things appeared to be in control for Coptic Christians. Though the situation changed when the Caliph Omar came to power – restrictions tightened up. Copts had to pay more taxes than Muslims, were limited to build or repair churches and could only take up specific kinds of jobs because of their status of “dhimmis” (non-Muslim subjects of Islamic rule). From this time on, there was an exponential decrease in the Coptic share of the population, resulting in a Muslim majority in Egypt. Over the years, many Copts either converted or left and only those who were really committed remained firm in their religious belief.
This situation continued for centuries with spates of relative calm interspersed by continuity of social and political restraints. Under British colonial rule, things improved a little, but total equality was never attained. Egyptians of any religion desired the right of self-governance, though Copts still had systemic issues to deal with.
Modern history: From Nasser to Mubarak
The mid-20th century brought some shifts. The government under the Presidents Gamal Abdel Nasser contained the Muslim Brotherhood– an Islamist organisation, thus, controlling anti-Coptic violence up to a certain level.Under President Anwar Sadat, the Muslim Brotherhood was allowed to reemerge in limited public discourse, which coincided with rising Islamist sentiment and some increase in sectarian tension. During Hosni Mubarak’s rule, religious extremism and violence attacks on the Coptic communities continued to rise. Nevertheless, a lot of Copts managed to suffer in silence, waiting for the better times.
The 2011 revolution and its aftermath
The Egyptian Revolution, 2011, had raised challenges for a secular and egalitarian Egypt. Some of the Copts were convinced that democratic elections would stop their oppression. But the election of an Islamist and a member of the Muslim brotherhood, Mohamed Morsi, smashed these hopes. During Mohamed Morsi’s presidency, concerns were raised within the Coptic community regarding representation and protection of minority rights, especially as the 2012 constitution was perceived as favoring Islamic principles.
Morsi’s subsequent overthrow by the military led to violent reactions. Islamist mobs accused Copts of having a hand in his ousting and set afire more than dozens of churches and ramped up hate campaigns on social media. The time was getting dangerously bad for Copts.
Ongoing violence and fear
Since the fall of Morsi terrorist attacks on the Copts have taken a steep rise. Churches and community centers have been a target of bombing and shootings resulting in hundreds of lives lost. The worst attack in 2017 was on Palm Sunday when suicide bombers killed 45 people in Tanta and Alexandria- including two of the author’s cousins. Narratives on violence and persecution are not scarce: Coptic old women have been dragged in the streets in an act of public humiliation while families live in constant fear.
The emotional toll and faith
The never-ending grief and violence take a toll on Coptic Christians of Egypt. Many are overwhelmed by the slow pace of social change and hostility that they experience. However, their faith helps them. The Coptic community finds hope in the belief in a God who sacrificed everything for them so as to have the courage to endure hardships and be able to get through tough times.
Conclusion
The state of being a Coptic Christian in Egypt is thus the combination of the status of resilience, the status of faith, and discreet hope. It is a life formed by centuries of historical struggles, a life which continues to struggle and faces moments of fear but also moments of relentless devotion. In the midst of discrimination, violence, and marginalization that Coptic Christians in Egypt have to endure, they are a valuable part of the country’s cultural and religious mosaic, and continue to cling to the identity and faith while the chips are down.
In recent years, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has taken visible steps to support the Coptic community. He was the first Egyptian president to attend Christmas Mass, has promoted church construction and legalization, and spoken out publicly against sectarian violence. While challenges remain, these developments mark a shift in state-level efforts toward religious inclusion.
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