National identity is a vital concept that goes beyond being a cultural notion, it is a strategic one that requires the involvement of all state institutions and society as a whole. According to Islam Afifi, a writer for Al Akhbar, the most dangerous thing that can happen to national identity is not an external attack, but rather its transformation into a celebratory concept within the state itself. This happens when national identity becomes just a ritual, a song, or a flag, while daily life remains separate from the values it represents.
The concept of national identity is not just about what we say about ourselves, but also about what people experience every day in their relationship with their country, institutions, society, and memory. Afifi emphasizes that national identity is not a file that can be attached to the state's work, but rather an integral part of its strategic structure. A state that loses the ability to produce a common meaning among its citizens may have a strong army and economy, but it remains vulnerable to erosion from within.
The "National Identity Document" issued by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is an important step in this direction, as it presents national identity as a living system of memory, values, language, citizenship, and belonging. The document sees social cohesion, public trust, and historical awareness as part of the state's overall strength, not just cultural decorations. It addresses the family, education, media, religious and cultural institutions, and civil society as partners in building this identity.
However, Afifi believes that the role of the state's executive agencies in building national identity is crucial and needs more discussion. He argues that national identity is not just built by the Ministry of Culture, nor is it constructed by an administrative decision that demands loyalty from citizens. Rather, citizens learn the meaning of the state from how it functions, when they interact with government offices, schools, hospitals, or deal with local or regional service agencies.
The performance of executive agencies becomes part of national security in its broader sense, as it applies the law fairly, preserves cultural heritage, and provides quality services. Afifi believes that the point of intersection between national identity and public administration is the production of trust or alienation. Ignoring citizens' needs, bureaucracy, and discrimination, as well as poor services, do not just produce social anger, but also create a psychological distance between citizens and their country.
Awareness is key in this context, as national identity without awareness can easily turn into intolerance, and awareness without identity can lead to complete disconnection from society. What is needed is a citizen who knows their history but does not live as a prisoner of it, takes pride in their culture but is not afraid of other cultures, and disagrees with fellow citizens without turning differences into hostility towards the nation itself.
The Egyptian identity, with its rich history, does not need a narrow or artificial definition, its strength lies in its cumulative nature, carrying ancient, Coptic, Arab, Islamic, Mediterranean, and African elements. The national identity document confirms this extension and considers diversity an essential part of identity, not a threat to it. Therefore, the state's role should be to protect this diversity, not to flatten it, and to make citizens feel that their local culture is part of the public sphere.
Key points
- The concept of national identity requires the involvement of all state institutions and society as a whole.
- The performance of executive agencies is crucial in building national identity.
- Awareness is key to preventing national identity from turning into intolerance or disconnection from society.
