Nasserama

President Gamal Abdel-Nasser is remembered as a far greater figure than a national leader and beloved father to his people. He was an Arab hero. Amira El-Noshokaty was delighted to find a museum devoted to his life and times
Dr Ragab's Pharaonic Village on Jacob's Island in Giza has expanded its historical coverage considerably in recent years. No longer is it solely devoted, as originally intended, to aspects of everyday life in ancient Egypt. Permanent exhibitions now cover Alexander the Great, Coptic Christianity and Islam, while the newest section, which opened to the public on 1 July 2001, is dedicated to Egyptian President Gamal Abdel- Nasser, who was born on 15 January 1918 and died on 28 September 1970.
As one enters the exhibition, one is assailed by the intonation of that powerful and memorable voice addressing the nation. The recording of Nasser's words, though part of the audio exhibition, is designed to echo throughout the hall. His strong face greets one from the video screen, the focal point of the exhibition, and before one knows it one is in another era.
On the right are rare photographs of Nasser as a young man, as well as some from his late teens and, in his later years, with his family.
"I've always admired the leader of the 1952 Revolution," Pharaonic Village chairman Abdel-Salam Ragab said. Ragab read no fewer than 14 books and articles on Nasser before deciding on how to handle his subject and arrange the section. He added that he was helped by Nasser's daughter, Hoda, and that it was necessary accurately to document the life of this powerful man, who was both politician and social reformer. "He was very genuine and had a special concern for social justice. His national efforts targeted low-income citizens and his agrarian reform acts endeared him to the mass of his people," Ragab said. The construction of the High Dam, industrialisation, and free university education were some of the hallmarks of Nasser's career.
"The Egyptian people will never surrender the canal," Nasser declared in his annual speech commemorating the July Revolution. "They will rebel against the centres of power." This was exactly what happened. The 1956 tripartite aggression on Egypt by British, French and Israeli military forces was the result.
Gamal Abdel-Nasser was a man who promised the world and, in the view of his staunchest followers, dared to deliver, despite the consequences. In 1967, following his resignation in the wake of Egypt's military defeat in June, tens of thousands took to the streets demanding he remain in power. Meanwhile, in Khartoum, thousands of Sudanese greeted the man who had suffered a setback but, undefeated, nevertheless attended the Arab Summit in the capital of Sudan only two months later.
"Hail the conquered" was splashed on the cover of Newsweek, the accompanying article describing the Egyptian leader as a man who, despite his loss of territory, was nevertheless regarded by the Arab masses as their leader. It went on to describe Nasser as a man who led many nations and aided liberation movements throughout Africa, becoming an Arab hero honoured from coast to coast.
"Today there are schoolchildren who do not know him," Ragab said. "That is one of the reasons why I decided to establish this museum -- to commemorate Nasser and to lead them to a better understanding of political events."
Old newspapers on display feature Nasser's public life; Egypt's unity with Syria and the 1956 war. Tapes of his speeches are on sale. Nasser may, like other leaders, have had his flaws, but the exhibition's guest book reveals how well he is remembered, loved and respected by so large a body of Egyptians.
Practical information
Dr Ragab's Pharaonic Village is open daily from 9am to 6pm.
Ticket includes unlimited access to Jacob's Island including the boat excursion and access to all museums: foreigners LE69, Egyptians and foreign residents LE35. Children up to five years: entrance free. From five to 10 years: half-price.
The short tour lasting an hour and a half includes the boat ride, Tutankhamun's tomb and Nasser's Museum: foreigners LE45; Egyptians LE22, Egyptian students LE10.5. Tel:5718675/6/7.
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