Egypt Quote by John R. Bradley
““Egypt nevertheless remained socially liberal until the 1970s, when Nasser’s successor, Anwar Al-Sadat, brought the rank-and-file of the Muslim Brotherhood back from exile (they had mostly decamped to Saudi Arabia) and used them to counter the influence of the leftists, who had organized in protest at Nasser’s increasingly despotic rule. During that decade, and throughout the 1980s, Islamic fundamentalism therefore grew in influence in Egypt, and “belly-dancing nightclubs were torched and dancers were barred from television.”36 Today, dancers are free to perform in Cairo’s city center, but they must cover their navels or risk fines or arrest.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Egypt in the Age of Nasser, John R. Bradley, 2000
Egypt's cultural liberalism waned as political shifts empowered religious conservatism, restricting artistic expression.
In simple terms: Political change limited artistic freedom.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how politics can curb cultural expression.
Themes
politics
culture
freedom
conservatism
Mood
critical
historical
Type
analytical
informative
When to use this quote
- media regulation
- public performances
- legal restrictions
- social norms
Key Concepts
state control
religious influence
Questions to Reflect On
- How did the 1970s political climate reshape Egyptian arts?
- What role do religious groups play in cultural policy?
A Different Perspective
Cultural suppression often coexists with political stability.
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