But most scholars today see pharaonism as a late development shaped primarily by western Orientalism, and doubt its validity.
[13] One of them is the Canadian archaeologist Michael Wood who argues that pharaonism glorifies a period no one can remember and that lacks visible signs for Egyptians because the common language, culture and alphabet of ancient Egypt does not exist anymore.
[15] There were intentions from certain Coptic politicians, such as Dr. Akhnoukh Fanous to cooperate with the British colonialists, however most Copts did not support such plans due to belief that all Egyptians shared the same fate no matter the religion.
During the pan-Arab nationalist movement led by Gamal Abdel Nasser in the 1950s, Copts have heavily been marginalized of civil domains in Egypt, however this phenomenon has been aggravated under Hosni Mubarak and his three decade long presidential mandate, by being completely excluded “in a king of political (dis)engagement”.
The state religion in Egypt is Islam, which still creates religious tensions in society due to underrepresentation of Copts in political life.
[22] Egyptian Copts still undergo different types of violences through extremist groups attacks, religious marginalization and other forms of discrimination.
[25] The Coptic Church believes in the importance of remembering and celebrating such acts of “willful death” in order to preserve and continue both Egyptian and Christian identities.
[26] Common phrases spoken at protests, such as the Maspero demonstrations, are “With our spirits, our blood, we will redeem the cross” showcase the importance of religion in the Coptic community and their fight for rights.