Top 15 Famous Egyptian People

Top 15 Famous Egyptian People

Originally published by Lilian in October 2021, Updated by Charity K in April 2023 and Updated by Diana K in February 2024

Egypt is one of the oldest nations in the world, with an ancient civilization and the land of the pharaohs.

It dates back to the time of the pharaohs. Famous for its pyramids, the largest being the pyramids of Giza as well as the Great Sphinx.

The capital, Cairo, is home to the oldest mosque Muhammad Ali Mosque, the Egyptian Museum, and several other historical antiquities.

Its first famous people were the Pharaohs. They were like kings, powerful, and the only significant people in the land; they were treated like gods.

They ruled Egypt for more than 3,000 years. To maintain the royal bloodline, they often married their siblings.

Their unique tradition of preserving the dead by mummifying them is still a mystery to many. These mummies still exist today and more are being discovered.

Other than the pharaohs, Egypt has many other famous people who have made great contributions in various fields.

Here is our pick of the top 10 famous Egyptian people.

Read more about other world famous personalities here.

1. Mohamed Salah – Footballer

Mohamed Salah, popularly known as Mo Salah, is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for Liverpool Football Club. Salah is also the captain of the Egyptian national football team, the Pharaohs.

He is regarded as one of the best players in the world. His signature dribbling, speed, and tactics on the football pitch are unmatched.

Mohamed Salah is one of the highest goal scorers in Liverpool FC, additionally, Salah remains one of the most prolific forwards in the premier league.

He is a favourite of many in Anfield together with Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.

2. Faten Hamama – Actress

Faten Ahmed Hamama was a television actress and film producer. She was married to Ezz El-Dine Zulficar, a film director too. Her first appearance was in 1939 when she was 7 years old.

She is posthumously celebrated as one of the most iconic film actresses in Egypt. Hamama had a successful career for two decades and was a major figure in Egypt’s golden era of cinema. 

As a pioneer in the Egyptian film industry, Hamama is said to have had an indisputable talent. She appeared in more than 100 films and several television shows.

3. Ramesses II – Pharaoh

We cannot miss mentioning the pharaohs. The most popular one was Ramesses II. He was the third pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt.

Ramesses II is said to be the greatest, most powerful, and most celebrated pharaoh in Egypt. He also reigned the New Kingdom, a powerful period in Ancient Egypt.

This revered pharaoh had monuments dedicated to himself all over the kingdom. He was a mighty warrior and also a father to many.

His opulence could be seen through the majestic buildings he commissioned such as the temples at Karnak and Abu Simbel.

An interesting fact about Ramesses II is that he is the only pharaoh with a passport.

The passport was issued in 1974 when his body had to be flown to Paris for restoration. Ramesses II is believed to have died in 1213 B.C.

Read more about other world famous personalities here.

4. Nefertiti – Royal Wife

Nefertiti was a queen of the 18th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt. She was the Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten.

Both she and her husband are remembered for a religious revolution in Egypt. They worshipped Aten, the sun god. She also ruled after the death of her husband.

A painted sandstone bust of Nefertiti was rediscovered in 1913. It is regarded as an icon of feminine beauty and power.

She was the daughter of Ay, a top advisor who became a pharaoh after King Tut died in 1323 B.C.

5. Hosni Mubarak – Former President

Mubarak was an Egyptian military and political leader who served as the fourth president of Egypt from 1981 to 2011. Before becoming president, Mubarak served as an officer in the Egyptian Air Force.

In 1975, he was selected as the vice president by President Anwar Sadat. A few years later, President Anwar was assassinated and Mubarak took over.

Hosni Mubarak was the longest-serving Egyptian president as well as the 4^th longest-serving Arab leader.

He was forced to hold the first multi-party election in 2005 by the United States. Mubarak won the election and ruled for the fourth term.   

6. Ankhesenamun – Akhenaten’s daughter

Another famous Egyptian from the times of the Pharaohs is Ankhesenamun. She was a queen who lived during the 18th Dynasty of Egypt.

Ankhesenamun was the 6^th daughter of Pharaoh Akhenaten and Queen Nefertiti. She got married to Pharaoh Tutankhamun and was regarded as his Great Royal wife.

There is very little public information about her life. As tradition would dictate, she got married to her half-brother Tutankhamun, also known as King Tut.

7. Mohamed Elneny – Footballer

Another famous Egyptian footballer is Mohamed Naser Elsayed Elneny. He plays professionally for the Arsenal football club and the Egyptian national team.

Elneny started his professional career as a midfielder in the Egyptian Premier League before transferring to Basel Football Club in 2013.

He helped his national Under 23 team qualify for the 2012 Olympics. He played in all the games before they were defeated by Japan.

As part of the national football team, Elneny helped the team qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

8. Gamal Abdel Nasser – Former President

This Egyptian politician served as the second president of Egypt from 1954 until his death in 1970. He is remembered for overthrowing the monarchy and bringing long-lasting reforms to Egypt.

His leadership was faced with a lot of opposition and at one point, there was an assassination attempt on his life by a member of the Muslim Brotherhood.   

He remains to be remembered for his fight for social justice and Arab unity. Nasser became more popular after he made the Suez Canal a state-owned company. He also implemented modernized policies. 

Read more about other world famous personalities here.

9. Mena Massoud – Egyptian-Canadian actor

Mena is an Egyptian-born Canadian actor and singer. He is known for her role in the Disney fantasy film Aladdin (2019).

Massoud is also featured as Jared Malik in the Canadian drama series Open Heart (2015), Tarek Kassar in Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan (2018), and Ethan Hart in the series Reprisal (2019).

His family moved to Canada when he was 3 years old. He grew up in Ontario and attended St. Brother André Catholic High School.

Massoud is a big fan of his local basketball team, the Toronto Raptors of the NBA. He launched the Ethnically Diverse Artists Foundation to help artists from underrepresented groups in 2019.

10. Umm Kulthum – Singer

Last on our list is Umm Kulthum. She was an Egyptian singer, songwriter, and film actress. Her active years were from the 1920s to the 1970s. Umm is regarded as the voice of Egypt and was honored with the title Kawkab al-Sharq.

There are over 300 songs recorded by this amazing songstress with a career spanning over 60 years. Her Arabic poetry is rich and has inspired musicians beyond Egyptian borders.

Her music still gets airplay today. She came from a family of musicians. Her father used to sing religious songs with her brother to supplement their income.

11. Muhammad Anwar el-Sadat

He was born n December 25, 1918. He was a politician and a military officer. In addition, he used his army skills to overthrow King Faruk during an Egyptian Revolution in 1952. Additionally, he served as the third president f Egypt from 1970 to 1981.  Additionally, served as the vice president to President Gamal Abdel Nasser. He was the winner f Nobel Peace Prize jointly with Israel Prime Minister Menachem Begin. They won the prize for agreeing t sign a peace treaty between Egypt ad Israel.

Read more about other World famous personalities here.

12. Omar Sharf

He was born on April 10, 1932. He became a famous actor who globally is regarded as the top and greatest of his time film star. It is important to note that he acted in British, American, French, and Italian film productions where he is on the record to have been in over 100 films. Some of the awards he won include the Golden Globe Award and a César Award for Best Actor.

13. Mohamed Al-Fayed

He was born n January 27, 1929.   He was a successful businessman with business mostly in London. His businesses include Hôtel Ritz Paris and formerly Harrods department store, more importantly, the Fulham F.C. His wealth is estimated to be approximately US$1.9 billion.  His son, Dodi is known to have had a romantic relationship with the Princess of Wales, Princess Diana who died together with the Princess in a car crash in Paris in 1997.

14. Moses

The bible story of Moses who delivered the Israelites from Egypt in 1391 BC reflects a man who was brought up as an Egyptian in the family of Pharaoh of Egypt. The greatest miracles that are recorded in the bible were performed by Moses who was used by God. One of these was splitting the waters of the Red Sea for the Israelites to pass through from Egypt to Canaan.

15. Cleopatra

She was a very beautiful lady who took over Egyptian leadership from her father as a Queen. She was wise and was able to speak many languages, a skill she used in trading. She brought into Egypt silver, copper, and metal coins making it a wealthy nation during her administration. She was the last Egyptian Queen to rule. Her beauty has been featured in various paintings and sculptures in the history of Egypt.

 

Top 20 Incredible Facts about Egyptian People

 

1. Egyptian People are Descendants of an Ancient Civilization

Ancient Egyptian civilization emerged over 5,000 years ago and lasted for almost 3,000 years. Egyptian culture flourished along the banks of the Nile River where the fertile soil and regular floods allowed agricultural surpluses that fueled its growth. The ingenuity of ancient Egyptians led to landmark innovations in fields like architecture, as seen in the majestic pyramids, mathematics, medicine, art and literature that went on to inspire subsequent civilizations. Reverberations of ancient Egypt are still felt today through their philosophical, scientific and religious traditions that influenced cultures across the world. Their glorious past serves as a bridge between antiquity and modernity.

2. Egyptians make the Most Populous Arab Nation

As the most populous Arabian country with over 100* million people, Egypt has a booming, youthful population rooted in thousands of years of rich history interwoven with diverse influences. Its strategic location bridging Asia and Africa has enabled Egypt to assimilate customs, languages and ethnic elements over time.

Today, Egypt’s population is concentrated around the fertile Nile delta and valley as around 95% of people live on just 8% of the land. With a growth rate over 2% annually, the population is projected to reach 160* million by 2050, posing challenges for resources and jobs to match the pace. Still, Egyptians maintain strong optimism rooted in the accomplishments of their magnificent past civilizations.

3. Most People in Egypt are Muslims…

Religion holds vital spiritual and social significance in Egyptian society with around 90% people adhering to Islam, predominantly Sunni. Most Egyptian Muslims belong to schools of Islamic jurisprudence like Hanafi, Maliki and Shafi schools of thought popular across the Arab world that shape personal status and family law matters. Around 10*% of Christian Egyptians belong mainly to Coptic Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant denominations residing across the ancient Christian heartland.

Alexandria was home to one of the most influential Christian theologians and scholars – Clement I. Egypt also hosts small populations of non-Abrahamic faiths practiced for centuries. As more Egyptians relocate out of the country, they carry forth their religious identities nurtured for generations along the hallowed banks of River Nile.

4.  ….. and Most Egyptians Christians are Coptic

The Coptic Orthodox Church headquartered in Alexandria and Cairo represents the enduring Middle Eastern Christian community tracing back to 42 AD. Making up over 10% of Egypt’s population today, the resilience of Egyptian Copts for over two millennia as a religious and ethnic minority speaks to pluralistic assimilative capacities despite external social and political upheavals.

The Coptic Church retains many features and liturgies from ancient traditions and Ge’ez scripts even as most adherents speak Arabic today. Prominent Coptic cultural icons and spiritual leaders through the ages like Saint Anthony left behind lasting theological and monastic legacies. Their contributions underscore the continued national salience of Egyptian Copts at the intersection of Pharaohnic, Greco-Roman, Byzantine and Islamic crosscurrents that shape modern Egypt. 

5.  They Speak their own Arabian Dialect

As the official language of over 300 million people across the Middle East and North Africa region, Arabic deeply connects the heritage of Egyptians across borders while retaining unique identity markers. Egyptian Arabic is the dialect spoken as mother tongue by Egyptians, bearing only partial mutual intelligibility with Modern Standard Arabic frequently used in education, media and formal contexts across the Arab world.

Traces of ancient languages like Coptic and Egyptian Demotic survive in loanwords of day-to-day Egyptian Arabic lexicon today. The Egyptian dialect also has influences of languages like Turkish, French and English interspersed today. Still, Arabic scripts that bear witness to ancient Egyptian civilization feats continue to shape modern Egyptian language and culture.

6.  For Egyptians, Names Reflect Lineage Stories

Typical Egyptian names reflect the regional milieu and linguistic influences unique to the area. Surnames were rare until the 20th century. Therefore, names connoting familial lineage remain crucially entwined with identity much like the ancient dynastic lineage lists stringing Pharaohs together. Following the Islamic tradition of nasab, names of sons have “ibn (ٱبْن)” meaning “son of” before the father’s name while daughters have “bint (ٱبْنت)” meaning “daughter of”.

Frequent references to parenthood and ancestry reinforce the centrality of family heritage. Thus, names like Ahmed Ibn Khalid or Heba Bint Rasheed reveal snippets of great family chronicles linking Egyptians to the rich biographies of families nurtured by the nourishing Nile valley since time immemorial.

7.  Family and Kinship Network is Imports for Egyptians

The primacy of family is deeply ingrained in Egyptian culture with family welfare prioritised over individual interests, much like ancient communal living patterns. Multi-generational families often reside together in the same dwelling or vicinity, enabling tighter kinship bonds and support systems. Egyptian parents spend considerable time and effort in nurturing children too.

Beyond the nuclear family, the anchoring matrix of extended family clans provides emotional and financial security cushions to weather life’s storms together. Even as urbanization rises, family retains a stronghold over major life decisions related to marriage, vocation or migration. Kinship networks stretch across villages and neighbourhoods explaining the enduring appeal of familial ties that bind.

8. Traditional Attires Blending Millennial Influences  

Most Egyptians wear contemporary Western clothing for daily wear today. Yet vibrant remnants of Pharaohnic attires persist in Egyptian wardrobes and fashion without diluting their essence over changing times and external influences. Men don the classic galabeya (long loose-fitting robes) paired with skullcaps like taqiyah for religious occasions.

Similarly, traditional women’s kaftan dresses and billowing jalabiya combine motifs from ancient times with trends du jour through versatile fabrics, cuts and embellishments. The national colors of red, white and black predominate flags and crests also echo in apparel choices. Bazaars stocking local handicrafts do brisk business as cultural nostalgia powers interest in heritage collections.

9.  The People of Egypt Enjoy Cuisine that Reflects Cross-Cultural Influences

 

Egyptian cuisine beautifully encapsulates its location at the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe through cuisine that assimilates these influences. Staples like flatbreads, rice, beans accompany flavourful stews and vegetables brimming with aromatic spices and herbs. Popular dishes like the famous national dish, koshari, combines pasta, rice, lentils with zesty tomato sauce.

Ful medames (fava beans) makes regular appearances during breakfast. Falafel stuffed with veggies in pita breads represents Egyptian street food excellence. Remaining connected to the land and agriculture is evident in their fresh farm-to-table culinary traditions passed down generations. These delectable cuisines will delight gastronomes seeking authentic North African and Middle Eastern delights. 

10.  Egyptians Love their TEA

Tea occupies cultural sanctity in Egypt consumed frequently by itself or during meals, conversations and family gatherings. Egyptians traditionally serve piping hot sweet black tea combined with herbs and spices like cinnamon and cardamom to guests as marks of honor, warmth and hospitality. Tea shops dotting streets and neighborhoods function as community hubs bringing people together regularly.

Exchanging the latest happenings over tea represents a cherished excuse for familial reunions or friendly banter. Even during work hours, tea breaks re-energize working minds and bodies while strengthening social connections. Offering sugary Shai bil na’na (tea with mint) remains hallmark to Egyptian conviviality and congeniality – feelings that amplify manifold when shared over tea.

11.  Nile River has Supported Egyptian Peoples Survival for Ages 

Since rising in the highlands of Lake Victoria of the Great Rift Valley thousands of years ago, the bluish-green waters of the magnificent Nile River carved a lifeline across the barren Saharan desert to endow Egypt with the gift of a flourishing civilization. The annual floods transformed arid areas into fertile plains for agriculture.

This enabled ancient Egyptians to perfect essential elements of stable society like farming, divisions of labor, artisanal production, storage and trade networks thousands of years ago. Most modern Egyptians continue living within minutes of the Nile’s banks through a narrow green valley and fan-shaped delta nourishing and linking communities across rural hamlets and modern-day megacities like Cairo through shared dependence on these sacred waters. 

12.  Desert Conditions Inspire the Ingenuity of Egyptian

The inhospitable arid desert landscape dominating Egypt’s geography has challenged its inhabitants to cultivate innovative adaptations for thriving since millennia. Sparsely distributed oases with sources of water enabled limited availability of food, housing materials and fuel sources subject to climatic whims. Yet, transforming these constraints into opportunities, ancient Egyptians invented critical infrastructure for irrigation, agriculture, animal domestication and soil nourishment.

Today, around 20* percent of desert areas have been reclaimed for human settlements. However, the desert retains quintessential sway over Egyptian worldview and way of life visible in architecture, clothing, literature and philosophy – inspiring creativity that blossomed then continues to date.

13.  They are Protectors of Ancient Architectural Marvels

From the mystifying pyramids of Giza to the colossal temples of Karnak, Egypt hosts iconic ancient monuments ranking among humanity’s most outstanding achievements combining advanced engineering, astronomy and artistry. The only surviving wonder of the ancient world, the Great Pyramid erected over 4,500 years ago with uncanny geographical and astronomical precision, continues attracting global admiration.

Similarly, the imposing Sphinx and Valley of the Kings tombs give glimpses into fascinating funeral traditions and afterlife beliefs of ancient Egyptians. These architectural and artistic feats displaying mathematical genius, skilled labor and resource management underscore why ancient Egypt remains relevant capturing popular imagination through preserving ancient wisdom for posterity. 

14.  Egyptians Appreciate Arabic Calligraphy

Originating from ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, Arabic calligraphy embellishing mosques, mausoleums and museums represents one of Egypt’s most refined Islamic art forms. Stylized variations of Arabic alphabets like Thuluth, Naskhi, Ruq’ah and Kufic populate street signs, official insignia, books and logos as visual treats. Wall murals bearing calligraphic proverbs and poetic verses decorate Egyptian homes and cultural centers too in aesthetically pleasing displays.

The infinite versatility of calligraphy celebrating religious or cultural motifs highlights artistic ingenuity passed down generations. Indeed, Egyptian calligraphy retains distinction as a unique non-verbal communicator binding history with visual splendor.

15.  Egyptians are also Influential Films and Stars

 

Emerging as cultural and entertainment powerhouse in the early 20th century, Egypt’s film industry enjoys immense popularity across the Middle East and beyond as “Hollywood of the Middle East”. With over 120* movies produced annually in a nation of cinephiles, Egyptian cinema has launched international superstars and pioneering directors achieving critical acclaim in major European and Middle Eastern festivals. Movies reflecting sociopolitical commentary on post-colonialism garner immense domestic popularity like the comedies of legendary Ismail Yasin during the 1950s-60s.

Contemporary productions funded by oil-rich Arab investors and harnessing latest CGI technologies also foster dialogue around issues like radicalism and gender. Indeed, the ever-expanding landscape promises to sustain Egypt’s cinematic leadership and storytelling splendour connecting global audiences through laughs, tears and the shared human experience. 

16.  The Women of Egypt are Fighting for their Space Inch by Inch

Despite bearing one of history’s longest-reigning female monarchs like Queen Hatshepsut, contemporary Egyptian society grapples with polarized gender identities and roles. Traditionally patriarchal norms expect feminine modesty and domesticity contrasted against masculine qualities like domination and breadwinning. However, the 2011 Arab Uprisings stirred national dialogues over women’s underrepresentation in positions of power and gender-based violence.

Subsequently, policy changes expanding socioeconomic rights contrast growing conservatism in rural areas, underscoring disconnects between legislation and ground realities. Still, activism through arts, academia and social media platforms continues registering incremental positive changes towards equitable access and agency. With almost half the population comprising women, Egypt’s future trajectory will undoubtedly be shaped by empowering women fully.

17.  Egyptians Played a Prominent Role in the Arab Spring

 

The simmering undercurrents of Arab discontent over corruption, inequality and unemployment erupted into seismic grassroots protests in 2010-11 threatening authoritarian establishments. Egyptian masses demonstrated at the iconic Tahrir Square seeking democratic reforms that toppled President Mubarak’s 30-year regime.

The Arab Spring revolutions reflected youth aspirations for dignity, liberty and social justice aided by internet connectivity. Despite subsequent instability, these movements  irreversibly transformed regional geopolitics and realized people power in inkling participatory politics and organizing. Much like the early 20th century Egyptian struggle for independence, recent events have stoked visions of a democratic future staying faithful to legendary Egyptian resistance. 

18.  People of Egypt have a Long History of Scholarship

From ancient libraries in Alexandria pioneering book collections to Al-Azhar University standing today as a global authority on Islamic studies, Egypt boasts illustrious educational heritage. Increased public investments in recent decades have boosted literacy levels to 75% and trimmed gender gaps in school enrollment. Sustained exposure to knowledge production hubs around Mediterranean and Red Sea ports cultivated intellectual traditions that blossomed into astronomy, geometry and medical innovation in ancient Egypt.

Modern education reform seeks continuity with this golden heritage by promoting values of analytical inquiry, scientific temper and equal opportunity necessary for Egypt to regain its stature guiding world civilization – this time into knowledge frontiers of the future.

19.  Ancient Egyptians made Significant Contributions to Medicine

Egyptian medicine inherits the rich legacy of influential physicians and medical institutes through history extending global reach like Ibn Sina’s seminal medical compendium used in Europe for 6 centuries. With the establishment of Western medicine, healthcare infrastructure saw substantial investments over the 20th century.

Notable examples include Abbas Pasha establishing hospitals in 1860s as part of modernization schemes and more recent commitments to nationwide public health coverage like the “Hundred Million Health” initiative. Propelled by increasing partnerships with Western and Gulf countries facilitating medical tourism and Egypt’s expertise, ongoing healthcare expansion promises substantial quality of life improvements for Egyptian masses through addressing persisting challenges.

20.  Egyptians are Known for their Hospitality and Warmth Towards Guests

Arab societies cherish hospitality as central to cultural ethos. As the saying goes, guests bring blessing to a home. For Egyptians, known for their  courtesy across the Mediterranean warmth, welcoming guests with utmost generosity reflects well on the host besides facilitating fruitful social ties. Often strangers are invited to share meals, tea or even accommodations not solely out of individual charity but communally-oriented beneficence.

Lavishing food, pleasantries and gifts on visitors testifies to the goodness within hosts. In public sphere too, congenial manners facilitate smooth social coordination. Together, ascending hospitality elevates each ordinary moment into an extraordinary meeting potentially culminating in lifelong camaraderie. Indeed, for Egyptians society thrives on these person-to-person bonds cultivated through individual acts of hospitality and goodwill.

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From engineering wonders like the pyramids, to preserved artefacts like ancient bread, to iconic leaders like the female pharaoh Hatshepsut, the creative accomplishments of ancient Egyptians continue to impress. Enduring mysteries like the Sphinx and King Tut’s intact golden death mask further illustrate why Egyptian history has such a widespread and lasting fascination. Even today, famous Egyptians like Cleopatra remain household names, proving how Egyptian culture has rippled through time. After thousands of years, Egyptians continue to dazzle anthropologists and hobbyists alike, ensuring their impressive legacy will wow future generations.