Examines population, causes of poverty, politics, urban growth, economic inequity, employment, housing, role of the government, gender issues and savings.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 6 sources, 1999, $ 79.95
Abstract "Cairo, the largest city of the highly urbanized Arab world, faces most of the ills that characterize the new megacities of the so-called Third World. Despite its powerful and highly bureaucratic central government, which retains remnants of the attempt to socialize the state, Egypt is unable to provide more than a bare minimum of services for most of its people.
From the Paper "Cairo, the largest city of the highly urbanized Arab world, faces most of the ills that characterize the new megacities of the so-called Third World. Despite its powerful and highly bureaucratic central government, which retains remnants of the attempt to socialize the state, Egypt is unable to provide more than a bare minimum of services for most of its people. Low-income and very poor Cairenes are left, therefore, to work out their own strategies for coping with an oppressive, economically challenging environment. Viewed from the outside low-income Cairenes have been characterized as consumerist, spendthrift, blindly attached to rural tradition, and prone to create slums around themselves. Recent studies have shown, however, that the stereotypes inflicted on the vast majority of Cairo's people are a very poor fit. Instead this population has thrived in an ..."
Abstract This paper examines the novel "Midaq Alley" in light of the social reality that it depicts. The characters, Muslims in Cairo, and what they represent in terms of human needs, social class and economic status, are discussed.
From the Paper "The novel Midaq Alley by Naguib Mahfouz is a portrayal of several individuals living within a particular section of Cairo. Almost all of the characters are Muslim. Several are middle class but others, the most striking of the narrative, are quite poor and simply struggle to survive. Through creating such variety of characters from different social stratum, whom all meet in the context of the alley of the title, the author is able to construct a novel that both tells a tale and yet is also revelatory on a social and on a political level. The book has often been called "important" not just in terms of its humor and striking literary value, but because of the unsentimental social reality it depicts."
Tags: Muslim, poor, society, need, class, status, Egypt, motherhood, middle-class
Examines creation, history, geography, sociopolitical and economic factors, land use, design and urbanism theories related to this royal city built in the mid-14th Century B.C.
4,050 words (approx. 16.2 pages), 11 sources, 1999, $ 135.95
Abstract "The site of the city of Akhenaten, the only virtually complete ancient town to have survived from ancient Egypt, lies 160 miles south of Cairo, midway between the modern towns of Minya and Asyut (Weigall 92).
From the Paper "The site of the city of Akhenaten, the only virtually complete ancient town to have survived from ancient Egypt, lies 160 miles south of Cairo, midway between the modern towns of Minya and Asyut (Weigall 92). It is only at el-Amarna that a comprehensive range of official and residential buildings have been preserved, comprising the essential elements of an Egyptian royal city of the mid-fourteenth century BCE. This paper will look at how urbanism theories apply to the city of Amarna.
INTRODUCTION
The city of Amarna (or "Horizon of the Sun Disk") is located on the eastern side of the Nile in Middle Egypt, half way between Cairo and Luxor. The ancient city is formed by a bay of cliffs to the east and the Nile to the west, taking the shape of an archer's bow, with the Nile as the string and the city couched ..."
A review of the life and work of the eleventh-century Persian poet Nasir-i Khusraw with an emphasis on his role in Ismailism and the history of his work "Safarnama".
Abstract This paper examines the life of Nasir-i Khusraw, an eleventh-century Persian poet and writer on religious subjects, who also wrote an account of his seven years of travel to Palestine, Arabia and Egypt. It discusses how his poems and religious writings have remained influential, especially for adherents of Ismaili Islam in Central Asia and Iran. It reviews the account of his travels otherwise known as "Safarnama" and how it provides a coherent, first-hand picture of the sights of Jerusalem, Mecca, and Cairo as well as an insight into an eleventh-century personality. It also examines how scholars have begun to connect the circumstances of Nasir's long journey and his unusual itinerary with the fact of his, perhaps well-established, conversion to Ismaili beliefs.
From the Paper "The principal English translations of the Safarnama are those by Le Strange (1893), who translated only the portions pertaining to Nasir's travels in Syria and Palestine, and Thackston (1986) who translated the entire account. Le Strange mentions that the description of Jerusalem had been translated by Fuller in 1873, but notes that "for archaeological purposes . . . this translation is almost useless." Le Strange's purpose in translating Nasir's account was archaeological and the Palestine Pilgrims' Text Society focused on the region known as the Holy Land."
Abstract This paper stresses that, even though Western artists are looking for new ideas when they seek Oriental input, they can only interrupt the Orient through their own Western culture. The author explains that French painter Eugene Delacroix' "Death of Sardanapalus" and Austrian artist Leopold Carl Muller's ?The Market in Cairo? are examples of orientalism in Western art. The author states that the Beatles, seeking the teachings of India's gurus, brought orientalism into modern pop culture.
From the Paper "The Western World that Delacroix knew lay on the brink of the Victorian age. Painted in 1827, the Death of Sardanapalus speaks to a people already grown accustomed to the strictures of middle-class morality. As older and wilder days ended, North Americans and Europeans were already entering into a new era of strong religious devotion, clean living, and sexual repression. The wanton abandoning of oneself to pleasure like Sardanapalus seemed to be something that was still possible only within the hidden corridors of the seraglio, a place where leering, bearded despots sought freely to satisfy their carnal lusts. The fact that Sardanapalus's world is about to be consumed in fire is but a fitting moral judgment. Though he can gape at the writhing, sensuous forms of the King's doomed attendants, the European or North American man can only dream of what he cannot have ? the pleasures of the flesh are condemned hellfire."
Abstract Discusses Naguib Mahfouz's book, which is set in Cairo in the early 20th century. Examines the impact of Western influence from the British Empire, the Muslim order of Sufis, symbols of knowledge, women of the period, and changes in Egypt's complex society.
From the Paper "Prepare for a long life of learning. You shall learn step-by-step until you become a civilized human being." (25) So the Father in this story admonishes his son and as the tales are woven we begin to see a portrait of Egyptian life in intimate detail ..."
Abstract Discusses the evolution of Mosque architecture in Fatimid Cairo and early North Africa. Describes the mosque as a place for regular, communal prayers, instruction, and observation of Islamic rituals.
From the Paper "The evolution of the architecture of the mosque can be understood as representing the evolution if many of the central tenets of Islam itself, though all mosques (regardless of their location ..."
Abstract This paper describes the character of Hamida, the main protagonist in Naguib Mahfouz's novel, "Midaq Alley", and the life she leads in order to escape the poverty from which she comes.
From the Paper "Hamida is a very interesting and unique character. Her passion to attempt to escape the dregs of an impoverished lifestyle through the seamy world of prostitution is a behavior which is probably not unlike the actions of scores of young girls in third world countries all over the planet. And on the surface, when a woman tries to escape poverty by turning to street walking, she is really trading one evil for another. But because of her particular Arab cultural and physical environment, Hamida was inclined to do some radical, daring and even dangerous things, all of which helps author Mahfouz weave his web of dramatic and colorful events for her and her interacting characters."
Traces the decline of the Egyptian Ptolemaic Dynasty from its position as one of the greatest powers in the world to its eventual defeat at the hands of Caesar Augustus and the take-over of Egypt by Rome.
Abstract This paper argues that the incapacity to govern among many of the Ptolemies led to internal strife and the loss of the respect of other world powers for Egypt, which, in turn, set the stage for the Ptolemaic Dynasty's downfall at the hands of the Romans. The paper discusses the notably incompetent Egyptian pharaohs and illustrates how their actions led to their empire's demise.
From the Paper "In the third century BC, the Ptolemaic Empire was a vast and far-reaching kingdom, including territories in Cyrenaica, the eastern Mediterranean coast up to Tripolis, the island of Cyprus, and various other islands in the north Mediterranean (Bowman 28). However, from 96 BC onwards, the rule of the Ptolemies no longer extended overseas except in Cyprus. The Ptolemies became kings in name only, as the real power over the land and the people lay with Rome (Bowman 33). What caused the Ptolemaic Dynasty to decline from its position as one of the greatest kingdoms of the Hellenistic world and become a mere line of Roman puppets with no real power in the first century BC? Many different factors no doubt contributed to this, but the demise was principally a result of the shortcomings and incompetencies of the Ptolemaic rulers themselves. Decisive events during the reigns of some of the rulers illustrate poor judgment, ineffectual leadership, and a fatal reliance on Roman assistance. The incapable governance of the Ptolemies and the consequent internal strife of the kingdom led to increased vulnerability to and reliance on Rome and provided the appropriate climate for an eventual Roman take-over."
Abstract This paper explains that people think of Woody Allen's roles in his movies as a true extension of himself---a 5'6", 120 pound New York City "nebbish", a Jewish term that is softer than "loser" but refers to someone insignificant. It describes Woody Allen as a cult before his time. The author groups Allen's films into categories such as "City Stories" like "Manhattan" and "Annie Hall", the "Reaching for Effect" films (usually financial disappointments) like "Shadows and Fog" and "A Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy", the "Satires" like "Bananas"and "What's Up, Tiger Lily", the highly persona films like "Manhattan Murder Mystery" and "Stardust Ballroom" and the truly weird unclassifiable movies like "Purple Rose of Cairo" and especially "Zelig". The paper relates that, throughout his films, Allen's leitmotif are insecurity in the midst of plenty, unhappiness within joy, indecisiveness in a time of clear direction and estrangement without really undoing the knot that bind lovers, husbands and wives, or good friends together.
From the Paper "The more introspective Allen becomes, whether in the few interviews he gives (often to foreign film buffs, rather than American sycophants), the more one sees that he is serious about comedy, and comedic about serious subjects. It seems easy for someone as both clever and creative (again, the two do not always mesh) to laugh at anything funny. But, Allen is one of those who differentiates between something comedic and something comic: the first is like falling on a banana peel, while the truly comic is seeing someone about to step on that peel. So, Allen is not a slapstick-oriented writer or director."
Abstract In looking back on twentieth century world history, the novels "Darkness at Noon" by Arthur Koestler and "Midaq Alley" by Naguib Mahfouz are magnificent conveyors of the era's distinctive characteristics. The paper shows that there is an inherent similarity between these two stories of dehumanization and dejection, despite the notable difference in the settings. The paper shows that the parallels between the two novels are especially strong in that they both deal with the torment suffered by mankind as a result of war, betrayal and corruption.
From the Paper "The frustration depicted in Darkness at Noon can also be felt in Midaq Alley. The piety of Radwan Husseini, whom the inhabitants seek out for spiritual advice and comfort, is the only outlet available to relieve their unrelenting stress and confusion. Despite the fact that Husseini is the alley's most "positive thinking" inhabitant, he too has felt the sting of disappointment and anger over the loss of his children. Yet he has turned his back on bitterness, choosing instead to find faith and solace by continually seeking to uncover the true meaning of life."
Abstract This paper studies the impact of Gamal Abdel Nasser's leadership in Egypt on the country's economic policy. The paper begins with a brief review of Nasser's rise to power in the 1950s. Next, the paper turns to an assessment of Nasser's various economic policies, including land redistribution, construction of the Aswan Dan and nationalization of the Suez Canal. The paper concludes that Nasser was responsible for redesigning the economic policy of a nation that had endured decades of imperialist rule.
Outline
Introduction
Economic Policy
Land Redistribution
Aswan Dam
Suez Canal
Economic Conclusions
From the Paper "To understand the impact that Nasser had in the economic arena, it is essential to briefly discuss his past and rise to power. Nasser was born in Banny Mor Asyout, Egypt. He eventually moved to Cairo, as a result of his father's job as Inspector in Minister of Post. In Cairo he eventually earned his high school diploma, during which time he partook in several demonstrations against British occupation of his homeland. In 1937 Nasser joined military school, "he graduated on 1938 to join the third platoon in Asyout where he met Anwar El Sadat, and Zakaria Mohyi El Deen who later joined him in the "Free Officers" organization."
Abstract This paper explains that Egypt has one of the most egregious records in the world concerning the rights of homosexuals because (1) homosexuality is taboo culturally, socially and politically, (2) gay men are demonized both by the press and public and, (3) for over fifty years, the legislation has made male homosexual conduct criminal. The author points out that a survey of American adults shows that the majority of Americans today attribute homosexuality to genetics and are supportive of extending rights for domestic partnerships and marriage to homosexuals; nonetheless, twenty-two states still have laws which criminalize homosexual behavior between two consenting adults, even when done in private. The paper relates that Netherlands was the first country in the world to recognize full marriage rights for homosexuals because the Dutch argue that people are going to do what they want to do no matter what the law is, so they might as well legalize homosexuality so it can be discussed out in the open and regulated.
Table of Contents
Egypt's Political Stance
The Cairo 52
America's Political Stance
The Netherlands Political Stance
Conclusion
From the Paper "The law condoning homosexual marriage passed in the lower house with a 109-33 vote and in the upper house with a 49-26 majority; the law went into effect April 1, 2001. When the first homosexual marriages were underway the Vatican denounced what was happening as a "grave danger" but the mayor of Amsterdam responded by saying, "we have gained insight that an institution as important as marriage should be open to everyone." Homosexuals now have marriage rights that are equivalent to that of heterosexuals except that homosexual couples may not adopt children from other countries because of their sensitivities."
Abstract This paper consists of two separate, if connected, four page treatments of the effects of globalization on gender and the role of women in development. The first essay examines the re-veiling process that is occurring in Cairo as Muslim women there are beginning to put back on their veils in order to safeguard traditional rights in the face of modernization. The second essay discusses the ways in which globalization has gendered the world economy by creating a demand for wage workers in positions traditionally reserved for women.
From the Paper "What approach (GAD or WCD) would apply better to Homa Hoodfar's analysis of the veil in Egypt? In other words, what approach do you think is implicitly informing Hoodfar's analysis of the veil? Homa Hoodfar makes an insightful analysis of the ideological construction of the veil in Egyptian society. However, that analysis itself is informed by critical ideology. Hoodfar can no more easily sever herself from academic ideology than the veiled women in Egypt can from the culture that fosters the use of the veil. Though she does not specifically state her argument in terms of a theoretical stance, it is apparent from Hoodfar's work that she is certainly informed by the Women, Culture, and Development (WCD) approach."
A book review of "Why CEOs Fail: The 11 Behaviors that can Derail your Climb to the Top - and How to Manage Them" by David L. Dotlich and Peter C. Cairo.
Abstract The paper examines "Why CEOs Fail", which outlines key behaviors that can derail a leader's success, how to identify these behaviors in oneself and advice on how to manage them. The paper relates that the book is concise and well-written and the individual chapters dealing with each behavior make it a quick source for consultation for the business person with little time to spare.
From the Paper "The authors' starting point for this book was their observation that more and more CEO's are failing. Indeed, Dotlich and Cairo point out that CEOs have left the lists of "most admired" and ended up on the lists of those "least trusted" (Dotlich and Cairo, dust jacket). This is because many CEOs reach admirable heights in their careers, only to quickly crash and burn - often generating spectacular publicity as they do so. Obviously, no one wants this in their future, and Dotlich and Cairo show how to avoid it. Their advice is also pertinent to those below the level of CEO, but who are nevertheless in leadership positions."
