Learn all about Revolution Day, which falls on July 23
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| Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class — Holidays in Egypt Series at ArabicPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Egyptian holidays and observances. I’m John, and you're listening to Lesson 15, Revolution Day July 23. In Egyptian Arabic, it’s called [عيد الثورة (ʿīd el-tūrh)]. |
| In this lesson, we are going to talk about Revolution Day, or the July 23 Revolution of 1952. Each year, on July 23, Egypt celebrates the revolution that liberated Egypt from the monarchy. |
| Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question— |
| Do you know what was the biggest achievement of the revolution that made the Egyptian people happy? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening. |
| "Revolution" in Egyptian Arabic is [ ثورة (ṯawrah)], and the July 23 Revolution is considered one of the most important political events in Egyptian history. This revolution didn't only lead to a political change in Egypt, but it also led to a social, cultural, economic, and scientific change. After the Revolution, Egypt became a republic, or [جمهوريه (ǧumhūreyyah)], under the leadership of the first president of Egypt, Major General Muhammad Naguib, after it had been a monarchy, or [الملكية (el-malakeyyah)], under King Farouk, who was forced to abdicate the throne and was deported to Italy. |
| After the revolution, Egypt began to enjoy free public education at the primary level as well as free higher education. The July 23 Revolution achieved equality among Egyptian people and abolished the class system. The Revolution had a positive impact on the cultural level through the establishment of cultural centers. One of the first and most important achievements of the Revolution was the eradication of the British colonialism after an occupation that lasted more than 44 years. |
| Egypt has celebrated Revolution Day to this day. This day is a public holiday in government departments. Since the Revolution and up until today, Egypt has celebrated this day through patriotic songs performed by old singers, such as Abdel-Halim Hafez, in the Revolution's operetta and many other songs. The Egyptian television stations present movies about the period of the Revolution and its achievements on Revolution Day. |
| Because of the popularity of the late president Gamal Abdel-Nasser or [جمال عبد الناصر (ǧamal- ʿabd al-nāṣir)] and the love of people for him, Egyptians began to call the Revolution "Gamal's Revolution" and they gave him the credit for the Revolution, even though he wasn't the only one who started it. |
| And now I'll give you the answer to the earlier quiz. |
| Do you know what was the biggest achievement of the revolution that made the Egyptian people happy? |
| The biggest achievement of the revolution was the nationalization of the Suez Canal, which came to be owned by the nation and the Egyptian people after it had been under the control of the occupation. |
| So listeners, how was this lesson? What is the national event that you cherish the most in your country? Let us know in the comments and we’ll see you next time! Bye! إلى اللقاء (ʾilā al-liqaāʾ)! |
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