When one lives in a place long enough, they often, develop an uncanny familiarity with that place and its people. Over time, one gets acquainted with the very sense and feel of the place, almost like filling an empty space with bits and pieces of reflections, thoughts and ideas they collect each and every day. One designs a mental landscape of where they live, coloring each day with the hues from the social palette they find around them. In order to associate or attach oneself to a new setting, one tries to attune to the very pulse of that place- capture the essence. I believe it is an integral part of adapting to a new place, as every human being has a need to belong. Thus, we always carry a part of every place we have known with us when we move on. It is not necessary for a place to define you as a whole but every place you have lived in, will always contribute in some way towards a part of your identity.

Cairo, for me, always bore this very grotesque charm- mesmerizing and disappointing all at once. While on one hand, you are left to marvel at the pristine cultural realm that envelops the entire city, on the other hand you see how the very opulent and abundant past of the fertile Nile valley has given way to much penury and stigmatization. The city, however, seemed to embrace all its advancement and decadence without a moment’s pause. The growing chaos resulting from the rapid developments, that like any other place catered to a select few, was accepted and acknowledged in the spirit of the welcome Egyptian hospitality. People clasped on to their cultural heritage and placed a lot of importance to social and moral values, even in the wake of the evident flux of modern Egypt.

Marx once said:
“Society is forever in a state of flux.” This was reaffirmed by what I saw unfold in front on my very eyes on January 25th 2011. A repressed society where the majority rights are usurped by a few in power, would muster the courage to retaliate sooner or later. In Egypt, the entire world witnessed the humble, peace-loving, almost nonchalant Egyptians take charge of their lives and throw out one of the most powerful dictators of recent times- Hosni Mubarak. However, even as the protests initially started, little had I expected that I was about to witness what would culminate as one of the most remarkable episodes of modern history. I guess, like me, many more would have never imagined that the Egyptians would show the endurance and tenacity that would eventually bring an end to a monopoly government.

The question, I found myself asking over and over again is what does it take for a person to reach the brink of their limit? Oppression and compliance is not something new to Egypt and many of its neighbours. This baggage of unquestioned obedience and subjugation is something that the Egyptians carried on as part of their cultural heritage right since the Pharaonic era. The Pharaohs were kings who assumed a “godly” status among their masses and were worshipped and respected by their people. In the modern times, the strict and disciplined military leadership was what the mass yielded to. People grew accustomed to the autocratic rule, turning Hosni Mubarak from a president to a legacy. It is hardly a wonder then his thirty years ubiquitous rule made him believe that he was invincible.

The crucial mistake in Mubarak’s judgment or rather the lack of judgment was that he underestimated his people. He forgot the potential of his people and with that also failed to realize that no society can be static. Every society is essentially dynamic changes continuously. Thus, one cannot permanently measure society and its people against a given yardstick and believe it to be absolute. Using his tactics of complete power and control, he pushed his people to a point of sheer rebellion. Frustrated by the years of oppression and their lack of fundamental rights, they stood together in millions against the man who enjoyed total control over them for thirty years. The outcome was not as important to them as the message they will no longer tolerate Hosni Mubarak. And, after weeks of continuous and impenetrable protest, they finally tasted victory.

For weeks people have speculated over the fate of Egypt, often, diluting the very essence of the entire revolution. This was not a politically motivated protest; it was a people’s movement. Millions who decided to take control of their future and who decided to stand up against the injustice meted out them for decades. I am not sure how productive this victory will be for the future of Egypt. Transition to democracy is not something that can be achieved quickly or easily, especially, when they are challenged right now with strict and orderly military leadership. However, no matter how uncertain the future might be for Egypt, one cannot undermine the achievement of its people. They displayed a test of immense courage and determination and emerged victorious.

On a personal note, I firmly believe that it takes little initiative coupled with just a bit of courage to change the world. It may take time for the change to eventually happen, but if we stay determined to not compromise with our freedom and fundamental rights, we can see the change we want in our society. For history proves it, every change in society has been produced with that zeal for revolution. And now, as I approach the end of my stay in Egypt, I will walk away from here with a part of the revolutionary Egyptian spirit.