Girls and the Building of Modern Egypt

Abstract

Muhammad al-Harawi’s collection of children’s poems about modern technology includes photographs of children, mostly boys, next to such items as typewriters, cars, cameras, and telescopes. In one photo, a girl dressed in western attire sits at a desk reviewing her agenda while consulting a wristwatch.¹ Her brother stands near her, also holding a watch. On one level, the photograph speaks about the early twentieth-century class issues that were discussed in Chapter 3 of this book. The photograph illustrates the new Egyptian effendi identity that sought to emulate European bourgeois identity through picturing Egyptian children in western-style clothing and owning modern technology. The image suggests to the viewer that no Egyptian middle-or upper-class child goes without a watch, as they are all constantly keeping time. On another level, the photograph speaks about gender issues of the era. The role of a female student was a relatively new one at this time. The image suggests that studying and knowing how to keep time are important skills for girls. The book targets Egypt’s next generation, enhancing the significance of such a photograph.