20110725 interview

Abstract

######, a maintenance supervisor on staff at the American University in Cairo, describes his experience of Egypt’s 2011 revolution. He tells of being responsible for managing the resumption of internet connections at the New Cairo campus, which had been cut due to the internet outage after January 28. ###### recounts attending the protests at Tahrir Square, and depicts the coexistence there of people from all segments of society, though he emphasizes the participation of educated young people. He mentions seeing Muslims and Christians sharing food, and did not observe women being harassed. What he saw convinced him to bring his children to the demonstrations at Tahrir Square, because he felt it was safe for them to attend. ###### recalls his doubts that President Mubarak would step down, and tells about driving around aimlessly in his car on the day before Mubarak’s departure, filled with pessimism. He notes that the revolution broke a barrier of fear in the Egyptian people and convinced them of their right to free expression, and discusses his hopes for the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections.

The University on the Square: Documenting Egypt's 21st Century Revolution project was made possible by a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.