Introduction
Culture is a critical aspect in any society because it can act as the pillar of unifying a community during a crisis or a conflict. The successful ousting of presidents in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and other countries in the Middle East during the 2011 Arab Uprising had a strong backing of Arabic and Islamic culture. 90% of Egypt’s 80 million people are Muslims and the Islamic culture unified the citizens during the 2011 uprising that removed Hosni Mubarak prom power.
Culture united and motivated millions of Egyptians to achieve common objectives. The Quran, upon which most of Egypt’s culture is based, promises to good life as a reward upon those who bring peace and this was a major motivation to the people to pursue peaceful resolution of the conflict. Tahrir Square in Cairo, which was previously a centre of violent protests soon, became a centre for preaching peace thereby helping to end the conflict peacefully. At the Square, protesters were motivated to pursue lasting peace and embrace the new government with the objective being the rebuilding of a united and democratic country.
The business community and corporate organizations in Egypt are heavily anchored on Muslim culture. The corporate bodies helped to fight negative public propaganda for those people on either divide; those in support of the ousted regime and those who fought the regime. Islamic teachings on the importance of respecting other people’s opinions and views helped restore peace in the country.
Religious leaders in Egypt provided also provided very crucial leadership on Islamic culture and its role in resolution of conflicts. The leaders urged for cultural diplomacy. They preached to Muslims in Egypt about peace, justice and respect of humanity and personal property.
Implementation strategies
Building a capable organization
Organizations such as the Muslim Brotherhood were formed based on Islamic culture and teachings. The Muslim Brotherhood was the most potent organization in the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak and the successful installation of Mohamed Morsi as the president. Although president Morsi was removed from power through a coup, the Muslim Brotherhood organization is testimony to the crucial role that culture has played in the resolution of conflict in Egypt.
Allocating resources to strategy-critical activities
Egyptians were unified by Islamic culture which urges for hospitality. Wealthy individuals and Islamic religious organizations allocated time and funds to attend to those injured during the conflict. Others supported through finances the non-governmental organizations which were set up bring peace to the country.
Establishing strategy-supportive policies
Islamic cultural practices such as Friday prayers used to help people congregate and the most agitated protests used to be held after the Friday prayers. Culture also unified the people due to the commonality of Islamic religious teachings about leadership and oppression. As such religious teachings and views formed a common opinion on protesters.
Installing needed information, communication, and operating systems
The Egyptian people have adopted heavy use of technology and their culture allows free expression when they feel oppressed. Islamic cultural teachings motivated many people to take up to social media (twitter and facebook) to preach peace to each other urging them not to participate in violent demonstrations.
Conclusion
Egypt was one of the countries hardest hit by violence during the Arab Uprising. The country however managed to resolve the conflicts, achieve peace and hold peaceful elections because the people were united by common Islamic culture and teachings. Part of the implementation strategies for the resolution of the conflict involved building of capable organizations such as the Muslim Brotherhood which championed for peace and the allocation of resources (money, time and manpower) to restoration of peace. In addition, there were supportive strategies such as the cultural Friday Prayers after which people congregated at the Tahrir Square and spread peace messages. In all, Islamic cultural teachings played a central role in the resolution of conflicts in Egypt during the uprising.
