A fascinating and highly original contribution to the study of Egypt’s religious folklore. First published in Cairo during World War II, The Moulids of Egypt is a study of moulids, the popular Egyptian religious festivals celebrated by both Muslims and Christians in the first half of the twentieth century. The book talks in detail about the secular side of moulids, where sports, games, theatres, dancing, and laughter were as much part of the festivals as the religious processions and the whirling of dervishes. Some of the rites and customs analyzed here date from as far back as the Pharaonic period, but the moulids are gradually dying out; many of the 126 festivals described in Moulids of Egypt have since faded away, making the book of lasting interest.

Provides practical advice on planning a trip to Egypt; describes points of interest in each section of the country; and includes information on restaurants, nightspots, shops, and lodging.

For centuries Sufism—Islamic mysticism—held a major place in Islamic spirituality, intellectual life, and popular religion. While many scholars have commented on Sufism's decline, few have delved deeply into present-day Egyptian Sufism or considered it as a system in its own right. Drawing on her detailed fieldwork and a variety of little known literary sources, Valerie J. Hoffman presents Sufism as it exists in Egypt today, in the vivid experiences of its adherents. With an array of conclusions that overturn widely held beliefs about modern Sufis, Hoffman argues that the apparent assimilation of Egyptian Sufism masks a thriving movement hidden from the Western world. From her experiences as a quasi disciple of a Sufi master, she offers new insights into the movement's evolution, the vital role of women in Sufism, and Sufi perspectives on gender and sexuality.

Inside Egypt was banned by the Egyptian governmentin 2008, the first time a book on Egyptian politics had been banned in the country in decades. This updated edition reveals why Egypt was vulnerable to a popular uprising and how it could lead to an Iranian-style theocracy in a country once noted for its plurality and tolerance.

Including case studies from Dakar, Addis Ababa, Cape Town, Kisangani, Jos, Zaria, Cairo and Marrakesh, this text presents the complex social dynamics of human survival in African cities today.

The new full-colour Rough Guide to Egypt is the definitive guide to this amazing country, whose ancient civilization still fascinates today. But there's more to Egypt than just pyramids and temples. The Red Sea offers some of the world's finest diving, a few hours by air from Europe. There are awesome dunes and lush oases to explore in its deserts, and fantastic bazaars and mosques in the capital, Cairo. Detailed accounts of every attraction, along with crystal-clear maps and plans, make it easy to access anything from remote oases to nightlife that only locals know. You'll find lavish photography and colour maps throughout, along with insider tips on how to get the best out of Luxor's temples or Sinai's beach resorts. At every point, the Rough Guide steers you to the best hotels, cafés, restaurants and shops across every price range, giving you balanced reviews and honest, first-hand opinions. Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to Egypt. Now available in ePub format.