Beginning of Missions in Egypt
Missionaries have been in Egypt since the beginning of Bible times and continue to work closely with its citizens today. There are two main types of missionary workers who have ventured into Egypt, mainly consisting of Christians and Muslims. Both groups continue to work hard to share their beliefs with the Egyptian people, as well as offering lots of humanitarian aid in the process. 

Abraham's journey to Egypt. 11

Christianity

Christianity made its way into Egypt through the hands of Biblical men. One of the first times this country is mentioned in the Bible is in Genesis 12:10 when Abraham is fleeing famine in the land, taking his wife and family into Egypt.1 Thus, one could say that Abraham was one of the first original “missionaries” that came proclaiming God as the I Am, even before Christ arrived. In the first century A.D., Saint Mark came into Egypt preaching the Word of God proudly and bringing in doctrine with theology.3 By the 1700’s, many protestant European missionaries expanded their forces to the continent of Africa. The Baptist, London, and Church Missionary Societies went into the midst of Egypt, bringing with them the Bible, medical professionals, and teachers.3 This allowed for the gospel to be shared in a Protestant view, while offering lots of aid to the poor and needy. The last group of missionary encounters came when American Presbyterians came into Egypt, desiring to establish the Near East Council of Churches (NECC) in the early 1960’s.4 This organization was able to solidify the churches of Egypt, evangelize to the lost, and convert many people from Islam. 

Muslim conquest of Egypt. 12

Islam

Missionaries of Islam have tried converting Egyptian citizens since 6^th century. Between 569 and 632 A.D. Mohammad preached his views throughout Egypt, conquering the country at the same time. He made it clear that one could either peacefully convert to Islam, or die because of refusal.5 However, because the religion appealed to the masses by aligning closely with traditional African views, it was easier for Egyptians to accept and convert. Marital interest along with political values were consistent with what Egyptians already believed, helping convert many souls to the Muslim faith in the first era of mission work. Amr took over after Mohammad died, moving troops across Egyptian boarders to subdue the citizens and conquer the cities.6

Impact on Today’s Society

Throughout the years, missionaries and religious activates have had great impact on the Egyptian people. Islam is currently the largest religion in Egypt, accounting for about 87% of its population.7 In the past few decades Islam has taken a very political role in Egyptian government, promoting democracy, extremism, and fundamentalism. This impact hit non-Muslims hard when they feared a struggle forming between modern thinkers and the legalistic Muslims. 8 Nevertheless, many Egyptians are in agreement that Islam continues to have a powerful role in the government today. On the other hand, Christianity may only represent 12% of Egypt’s religious beliefs, but it has provided much humanitarian aid to this African country. Samaritans Purse food, necessities, and biblical guidance to hurting people in and around Egypt.9 Habitat for humanity also offers the impoverished in Egypt housing to families who are in need of a warm, hygienic, and safe living space. 10

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[1] Holy Bible

[2] Perry, Glenn E. https://books.google.com/books?id=t5HvCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA69&dq=christian+egypt+1700s&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjl3Zfn_7HMAhWDaz4KHQIYBToQ6AEISTAI#v=onepage&q=christian&f=false

[3] Overfield, James H. 2011. "Christian Missionary Endeavors in Africa and Asia". In World History Encyclopedia, Alfred J. Andrea. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO. http://ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login?url=http://literati.credoreference.com/content/entry/abccliow/christian_missionary_endeavors_in_africa_and_asia/0

[4] American Evangelicals

[5] Fowler, Sir Montigue. Christian Egypt, Past, Present, and Future. London: Church Newspaper, 1901.

[6] Fowler, Sir Montigue. Christian Egypt, Past, Present, and Future. London: Church Newspaper, 1901.

[7] "Egypt." Operation World. Accessed April 28, 2016. http://www.operationworld.org/egyp.          

[8] Auxier, Richard C. "Egypt, Democracy and Islam." Pew Research Centers Global Attitudes Project RSS. January 31, 2011. Accessed April 29, 2016. http://www.pewglobal.org/2011/01/31/egypt-democracy-and-islam/.

[9] "Samaritan's Purse Disaster Relief: Past Activities." Samaritan's Purse Canada. Accessed April 28, 2016. http://samaritanspurse.ca/rss/disaster-relief/canada/samaritans-purse-disaster-relief-past-activities.aspx#.VyJflEYmsnI.

[10] "Egypt." Habitat for Humanity Int'l. Accessed April 28, 2016. http://www.habitat.org/where-we-build/egypt. 

[11] Christian Publishing House. The Sins of Abraham. Ohio, 2014. Web. 29 April 2016. http://www.christianpublishers.org/apps/blog/show/42802205-the-sins-of-abraham-

[12]  Pesantren Global. Muslim Conquest of Egypt. Pendidikan, 2013. http://www.pesantrenglobal.com/muslim-conquest-of-egypt/

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First Contacts With Egypt

Egypt’s location made it possible that other nations would want to come explore, trade valuable materials, and overcome territory with political powers. Egypt is accessible to the north from European nations, and the east from Asian nations, which allowed for the constant interchange of cultures and peoples throughout the ages.

Lapis Lazuli Figurine 7

Asian Contact

Trade is the main reason for Egypt’s contact with Asian nations. As early as 3500 B.C., Egyptians were traveling to Asia, seeking out a precious blue stone called lapis lazuli1. Khesbed is the Egyptian name for this beautiful stone, and could be frequently imported from quarries in the Western Asia country of Badakhshan. There were practical uses for this stone including jewelry, amulets, and figurines2. This not only brought in materials from Asia, but allowed for the exportation of Nile Region goods to West Asian countries. Pottery has been found in Southern Palestine, suggesting that a constant trade network was common as early as 3100 B.C. between those two nations3. Overall, Asian contact impacted the economy of Egypt, by providing sufficient trading partners and materials for the country to thrive off of.

Ottoman Empire control 8

European Contact

By the 16^th Century, Europe had an increasingly powerful role on the Egyptian people. The Ottoman Empire had the first main impact of any European nation within this norther African country. This Turkish kingdom desired to have complete dominion over all European countries, and even wanted to inherit areas farther South and East4. Turkey’s ruler Suleiman 1 conquered pieces of Egypt in 1517 by means of defeating the Mamaluks5, giving them direct access to any cultural and intellectual influences of the Mamaluk people. The main reason that the Ottoman Empire wanted to gain territory was for political means. Rulers wanted to extend the territory and offer security and control to vast numbers of Egyptians. People did find a comfort in the security of the Ottomans, and more of a fear under the rule of the Mamaluks6.

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[1] Shaw, Ian. The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000. p. 313

[2] Shaw, Ian. The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000. p. 313

[3] Shaw, Ian. The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000. p. 314                            

[4] Yapp, Malcolm Edward. "Ottoman Empire." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. October 23, 2015. Accessed April 22, 2016. http://www.britannica.com/place/Ottoman-Empire.

[5] "Ottoman Empire." - New World Encyclopedia. March 5, 2015. Accessed April 22, 2016. http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Ottoman_Empire.

[6] Yapp, Malcolm Edward. "Ottoman Empire." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. October 23, 2015. Accessed April 22, 2016. http://www.britannica.com/place/Ottoman-Empire.

[7] Oliveira, Jumera. Lapis Elephant. January 7, 2005.

[8]Anatolia: expansion of the Ottoman Empire, 1300–1699, Map, from Encyclopædia Britannica Online, accessed April 22, 2016, http://www.britannica.com/place/Ottoman-Empire/images-videos/Expansion-of-the-Ottoman-Empire/678

  

               

Natural Resources and Trade within Egypt

Nile River Delta. [8]

       Egypt has many natural resources that it can exploit, but its main resource is one that does not need any mining or digging. The Nile River is one of Egypt’s most prized possessions. This natural resource provides a vast amount of clean water, transportation, and flood valleys to its surrounding people.

   

Flood valley farming. [7]

       The Nile is the largest river in Egypt, and has played a huge part in the development of this nation in the past. Throughout history, people have used the Nile’s to water many crops surrounding the river. Farmers have historically depended on this source of water to keep their crops from dying in the arid dessert climate. In Ancient times, one would rely on seasonal flooding, when water would go into the flood plains, providing an ample amount of water for crops during the growing season 1. However, in the modern era, technology has allowed Egyptians to extract vast amounts of precious water from the Nile River. Crops grown in the Delta and River valleys are supported by irrigation systems. These irrigation stations use pumps to from the canals to distribute water to various crop fields 2. Farmers will then use sprinkler and drip irrigation tools so that the water is used efficiently and carefully. 

 

Railway system along the Nile [9]

Trade was also greatly impacted by the Nile because it allowed many people to travel up and down the waterfront, dispersing different types of goods. In Ancient times, people would use boats floating on the water to move cattle, crops, soldiers, and other goods throughout the country in a safe and efficient manner 3. Not only was trade internal, but other Mediterranean countries were able to trade with Egypt at the Nile's delta. Ports would be filled with ships from places such Greece, Cyprus, and Phoenicia to trade silver, paper, wine, oils 4. This large body of water thus allowed for quick transportation of goods from the Mediterranean cities down into the middle of Egypt and rest of Africa. However, today there are many railway systems that follow alongside the Nile River. This has changed immensely how people use the trading system that is now mainly on land rather than on water. The Nile was only able to allow trade with Mediterranean cities, but the railroads surrounding the River have allowed for trade with adjacent countries. Now, Egyptians are able to do business with Libya, Sudan, Palestine, and Israel 5.

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[1] Baines, John. "The Story of the Nile." BBC. February 17, 2012. Accessed April 13, 2016. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/egyptians/nile_01.shtml.

[2] Kundell, Jum. "Edit Content Edit Classification Publishing Workflow Featured Settings Delete Content Water Profile of Egypt." Water Profile of Egypt. July 16, 2010. Accessed April 15, 2016. http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/156938/.

[3] "Natural Resources." PBS. March 16, 2006. Accessed April 13, 2016. http://www.pbs.org/empires/egypt/newkingdom/resources.html.

[4] Alberge, Dalya. "Naukratis: Ancient Egypt's Version of Hong Kong Unearthed by British Team." The Guardian. December 26, 2015. Accessed April 15, 2016. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/dec/26/ancient-egypts-version-of-hong-kong-is-unearthed-by-british-team.

[5] "Egyptian National Railways." Wikipedia. January 17, 2016. Accessed April 14, 2016. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_National_Railways.

[6] "Ancient Egypt." Ian History for Kids: Boats and Transportation. Accessed April 14, 2016. http://www.ducksters.com/history/ancient_egypt/boats_and_transportation.php.

[7]Hallman, Ruth. Farming on the River Nile. November 24, 2009. Egypt.

[8]Getty Images. Egypt: Satellite View of the Nile River Delta. Egypt.

[9]Mike’s Railway History. The Egyptian State Railways. http://mikes.railhistory.railfan.net/r050.html