The Sphinx and the Awakenings of Egypt

Keywords: Egypt, Sphinx, Nahdat Misr, Neo-Pharaonic Style, Maḥmūd Muḫtār, Banksy, Arab Spring

Abstract

The article discusses some interesting themes of using the image of the Egyptian sphinx in contemporary contexts: the Egypt Awakened (Nahdat Misr) monument in Cairo, symbolizing modern Egypt, and the use of the sphinx motif as an aspect of social protests; the so-called Arab Spring and the political upheaval in Egypt of 2010–2012.

Author Biography

Leszek Zinkow, Instytut Kultur Śródziemnomorskich i Orientalnych Polskiej Akademii Nauk

His research interests include comparative culture studies, especially the reception of the heritage of the ancient Middle East (mainly Egypt and its historical, mythological narratives and symbolism). Also deals with travel accounts to oriental destinations (editions of texts), the history of museums and collecting, in addition to the history of contemporary culture, the history and practice of the media, the social history of science, transfers, and cultural innovation. He also works at the John Paul II Pontifical University. Member of the International Association of Egyptologists (Mainz), Polish Society of Cultural Studies and the Commission of Classical Philology at the Polish Academy of Sciences (Krakow).

References

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Published
2022-06-29
How to Cite
[1]
Zinkow, L. 2022. The Sphinx and the Awakenings of Egypt. Perspectives on Culture. 37, 2 (Jun. 2022), 49-56. DOI:https://doi.org/10.35765/pk.2022.3702.05.
Section
Ancient Middle East as Received by Contemporary Culture