Living By the Nile's Edge

"There are in Egypt enduring world views which have barely changed from the era of ancient myths until the present. This is because they are tied to the innermost essence of this earth, deriving their inspiration from the soul of the clay of this fertile valley and from the spirit of this eternal Nile. For man's world view, his beliefs, his religions and his superstitions are generated by the forms of life which surround him."

-- Tawfiq al-Hakim, 20th century Egyptian intellectual and author