Coptic identity has been annoying the authorities in Egypt. Therefore, since the Islamic invasion to Egypt, it tried hard to completely eliminate the Coptic language, culture, history and religion if possible. On the other hand, the Copts resorted to a defensive mechanism for peaceful co-existence by using common names for their children and words that they can live in peace without being persecuted by the Muslim majority.
In spite of all attempts by the Copts, they were always targeted and eliminated. Now, Coptic women are identified by their unveiled heads.
Some Copts even claimed that they carry a Muslim identity. I wonder what’s wrong in Christianity that it doesn’t fit good identity and citizenship. In fact, Christianity never encouraged betrayal to the homeland and we have never heard of a Coptic Christian spy who betrayed his own country.
The Egyptian state encourages the Copts to forget about their Egyptian identity, but never gives them equal rights as Egyptian citizens. They are treated as second class citizens and their real numbers are hidden to underestimate their numeric power.
How may I forget about my Coptic identity that makes me suffer when I try to join certain colleges or jobs? Many Copts have immigrated because of such persecution and excelled in their careers abroad.
Our scuffing to build churches is indeed unforgivable pain that Copts are treated as if they were trying to establish a terrorist foundation instead of a church! Also, our daughters are threatened by kidnapping and forced conversion to Islam when the police welcome such crimes and is accused of complicity.
I can’t forget that the word Egypt is the source of Copts. Coptic indeed means Egyptian.
I’m Coptic Egyptian and after immigrating to America, I added the American identity to me. Now, I’m not allowed according to the Egyptian constitution to run for a parliamentary election. Yet, I’m happy with that, and I don’t even need this.
My Coptic identity is my fate and destiny. I can’t get rid of it just like my skin. It’s my cross and crown as well.
