Egypt: Beyond politics

The Hill, by Hannah Burns

I have just returned from an indescribable week in Egypt. Having made almost ten business trips over the past three years to Cairo, this week, in between meetings, I managed to explore pockets of Egyptian culture around the city that were filled with remarkably talented artisans and designers, whose sophisticated creations the world is unaware.

The week also marked the first time I stepped outside city limits – one afternoon to Fayoum, home of the famous pottery school, and to Luxor the next day – and experienced the extraordinary Egyptian landscape and the splendor of the country’s ancient past. I have left Egypt in awe of a country with unrivaled beauty and talent, and a culture so rich and glorious that it has not only withstood 7,000 years of natural and unnatural disruptions, but, in fact, thrives today.

Indeed, the disruptions persist. Egypt continues to face severe economic challenges that the Government is determined to overcome. It has implemented necessary and important reforms and legislation that will touch the entire population with the goal of maximizing financial inclusion.

While the effects of these measures are not popular as their benefits will take a bit of time to be felt, financial inclusion is the key to the country’s economic sustainability. But Egypt has turned the corner. The week also witnessed the tragic and devastating terrorist blast on the grounds of St. Mark’s Cathedral in Cairo. Unfortunately, these events have become part of life in Europe, the U.S. and all parts of the world. No country is immune.

What I came to realize this past week is that Egypt’s culture withstands and transcends disruptions whether driven by politics, economics, hatred or envy. The burst of contemporary talent that spans textiles, glass, jewelry, fashion, ceramics and pottery, home design, accessories and all forms of craftsmanship that I saw this trip is clear evidence. The energy is infectious. More so is the warmth of the Egyptians, whether a street worker in Cairo, who greets me in the early morning on my walk to work, or the boundless generosity of my new Egyptian friends and “family,” or the staff at my hotel across from the zoo who sees to my every need.

I am neither famous, nor a celebrity, nor anyone special. Everywhere I go, I am treated with graciousness and consideration that has become practically non-existent in most parts of the world. Last week, an artisan, who designs intricately hand-carved alabaster and metal candleholders and other objects, patiently stayed open one evening for over two hours while I was stuck in traffic. An unexpected detour through the ceramics district the same night landed me in a tile maker’s shop where I was greeted with the same kindness and pride of work. At the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, one of the workers who meticulously picks up every scrap of careless tourists’ litter, offered me tea and found a piece of discarded cardboard to cover the dusty ledge before I sat down. And I was protected. At the gates of one of the temples, my Egyptian traveling companion was detained and grilled to make sure he was not taking financial advantage of a lone female tourist. At the airport, I didn’t have to ask for help with my over-sized suitcase − it just appeared.

As we taxied down the runway, I was sad to leave Egypt, as I always am. But I am fortunate that my work will bring me back. I have yet to visit the pristine beaches of the North Coast, have my aches and pains relieved in the sands of Siwa, and take the boat up the Nile from Luxor to Aswan. The beauty is endless and Egypt beckons.

Hannah Burns, president of MRC LLC, a consulting firm in New York, advises private and not-for-profit organizations in Egypt