The October 1973 victory celebrations evoke cherished memories for many Egyptians. For those who lived through that era, including the author, the "October War" represents a defining moment in their lives. President Anwar El-Sadat is one of the prominent figures associated with this triumph. The author has always been fascinated by El-Sadat's life and has made it a point to learn more about him, especially during the annual October celebrations.
The author's search for answers about El-Sadat's life led them to conduct interviews and gather testimonials from people who knew him. One such encounter took place 45 years ago, in late September 1981, when El-Sadat made his last field trip, visiting the city of Mansoura by train. The author was among the crowd that gathered at the train station, and they recall the president wearing a dark blue suit, waving at the crowd with a smile.
What caught the author's attention was the contrast between El-Sadat's dark skin and the pale color of his palms. This brief encounter left a lasting impression on the author, who couldn't help but wonder why El-Sadat's train had stopped in Mansoura. The incident remained a mystery for nearly 25 years until the author spoke with Fikri Makram Ebeid, a veteran politician and former deputy prime minister.
Fikri Makram Ebeid shared with the author the story behind El-Sadat's train journey. According to Ebeid, El-Sadat was dissatisfied with the train's speed, which prevented him from interacting with the crowds. The president instructed the transportation minister, Engineer Suleiman Metwally, to instruct the train driver to slow down at each station. This allowed El-Sadat to wave at the people and take in the enthusiastic reception.
One of the stops was the town of Qaha, where El-Sadat's train halted. The author reflected on the significance of this moment, realizing that they had been part of the crowd that had gathered to see the president. Ebeid's account provided insight into El-Sadat's personality and his connection with the Egyptian people.
The author's encounter with El-Sadat on the train has remained etched in their memory. This experience sparked their interest in learning more about the president's life and legacy. Through conversations with those who knew El-Sadat, the author aims to shed more light on this pivotal figure in Egyptian history.
El-Sadat's leadership and vision continue to inspire Egyptians to this day. His legacy serves as a reminder of the country's rich history and its people's resilience. As the author continues to explore El-Sadat's life and presidency, they hope to share more stories and insights with their readers.
Key points
- President Anwar El-Sadat made a memorable train journey to Mansoura in 1981, where he interacted with the local crowd.
- El-Sadat was dissatisfied with the train's speed, which prevented him from connecting with the people.
- The author's encounter with El-Sadat on the train sparked their interest in learning more about the president's life and legacy.
