Armenians have resided in Egypt for centuries, inhabiting the region since the early years of the Persian Empire. Recent archeological findings suggest that Armenians may have been visiting Egypt as early as 982 C.E. Modern-day Armenia and Egypt were under the same ruling power for centuries, and exchange between the two cultures was frequent.[1]
Armenians have for centuries played a role in Egyptian government and have long held a fairly secure and stable place in society. The group has held political and military roles that have shaped Egyptian institutions. Commercially and industrially, Armenians have participated in various forms of craftsmanship, agriculture and business, while also creating and maintaining their own schools and newspapers. In the early 19th century some well-educated Armenians came to Egypt to work in sectors such as banking, commerce and education. Today, Armenians are able to use schools, clubs, and sports facilities as centers to preserve their culture and heritage.[2]
The church remains the focal point of Armenian culture, and there are currently six functioning in Egypt. The church is viewed as the guardian for cultural assets and is run by a council that is elected every eight years. This council and the church in general are viewed as cultural caretakers.[3]
Demography
The Armenian population in Egypt fluctuated prior to the Armenian Genocide of 1915, as many members of the group voluntarily entered and exited the country. Then, in the wake of the Genocide, many Armenians were resettled in Egypt; the group’s population in the country peaked in the 1940s at around 40,000. That number quickly fell as the political climate in Egypt changed in the 1960s, as newly-instituted nationalization polices led many Armenians who had been active in the private sector to leave the country.[4] In 1989, the Armenian population in Egypt was estimated at around 12,000.[5] Today, Armenians makes up less than 1 percent of Egypt’s total population,[6] with a community that is said to number between 6,000 and 8,000 members.[7]
Geographic Distribution
Cairo has traditionally been the main cultural hub for Armenians in Egypt, but there is also a large community in Alexandria. Prior to the emigration of many Egyptian Armenians, many members of the group resided in the zones of Bein El-sourain and Darb El-Guenina, which were considered Armenians areas. After 1950, Cairo’s suburbs became home to many Armenians, particularly Heleopolis, Nozha, Maadi and Herwan.[8]
Historic Hardship
The Armenian population in Egypt has declined significantly in the past half-century. This trend was most evident in the mid 1950s under the administration of President Gamal Abdel Nasser, whose socialist laws led to a major exodus. Western ties allowed many Armenians to emigrate out of Egypt, leaving a much smaller population behind.[9]
Ongoing Hardship
Today, the Armenians community is said to reside relatively comfortably within Egypt. While there are growing tensions in the country between Christians and radical Islamists, the Armenians have been able to maintain a somewhat neutral position. Still, they continue to face the difficultly of large-scale emigration. Those that remain in Egypt face the task of preserving a culture threatened by a dwindling population.
