Icons of modern Egyptian history
2020’s got us thinking about icons and their social influence: 2020 has given everyone time to reflect on the future, present and recent past, along with the role that leading figures play in directing social change — whether they’re rapid-fire tweeting presidents or football heroes.
And modern Egypt was undoubtedly shaped by towering figures who left their mark in almost every imaginable field: From science to art to economics, these icons used their individuality, tenacity and vision to create change, moving society in new directions and influencing countless members of the generations that followed them.
From Mahfouz to Mosharafa — who are the icons that really stand out for us? Clearly, this isn’t an exhaustive list, but Enterprise’s own selection of the iconic characters who played a significant part in Egypt’s modern history and whose personalities and achievements still have a hold on our collective imagination.