In his new book, “The Armenian in Egypt: A Forgotten Sports History”, Egyptian journalist Jamal Abdel Hamid uncovers the significant yet often overlooked contributions of the Armenian community to Egypt’s sporting landscape.
Through research, Abdel Hamid explores how Armenians played an instrumental role in the development of sports in Egypt, from the early 20th century through their involvement in various athletic disciplines such as basketball, boxing, cycling, and swimming.
The book starts by acknowledging that while the Armenian presence in Egypt is well-documented in fields like trade, politics, and culture, their contributions to sports have largely been forgotten.
Abdel Hamid argues that the Armenians were not passive observers but active participants who helped shape Egypt’s sporting culture by founding sports clubs and nurturing young talent, both within their community and the broader Egyptian society.
The author highlights several key Armenian athletes, coaches, and administrators who achieved prominence in their respective sports.
Despite their success, these figures have been largely neglected in mainstream historical accounts of Egyptian sports. Through the book, Abdel Hamid sheds light on their achievements and aims to restore their place in Egypt's sports history, which has long been dominated by more well-known figures.
One of the book’s most compelling aspects is its focus on the role of Armenian-led sports clubs in Cairo. These clubs were more than just places for competition; they were cultural hubs that helped integrate the Armenian community into Egypt’s diverse society while maintaining their distinct identity. By contributing to the development of organized sports, these clubs played a crucial role in fostering a broader sports culture in Egypt.
Abdel Hamid also underscores the importance of the Armenian contribution as part of Egypt's larger narrative of social cohesion. The book demonstrates how sports became a means of cultural exchange, where ethnic and national identities were both preserved and shared.
The Armenians’ involvement in sports created bridges between various communities in Egypt, fostering a sense of unity in a nation that was evolving socially and politically.
The book is an important work that not only resurrects the memory of Armenian athletes and coaches but also calls for greater recognition of the diverse influences that have shaped Egyptian sports.
Abdel Hamid’s research is a reminder that history often overlooks quieter contributions, and it urges modern Egyptians to rediscover and celebrate the legacy of those who helped shape the country's athletic culture.
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