O Son of Maleka: A Folk Curse for the 'Habashi' Who Sold the Nile"

"O Son of Maleka: A Folk Curse for the 'Habashi' Who Sold the Nile"


Translation of the Text:


"O son of Maleka, O you

Who beats the'zoomera', O you

Beat it like war,O you

It jumped into my heart,O you

And what has been done to us,O you

And the'Habashi' laughs at us, O you

Thirsty is Beheira,O you

Who sold its water to whom?

Occupied its lands,O you

Killed its children,O you

Uprooted its pegs...O you

His uncles are in it,O you

Ezra and Cohen and Manoli

O son of Maleka,O you

May a trolley run over you!"


Explanation for International Readers:


This powerful piece of folk satire uses traditional Egyptian poetic structure and local dialect to deliver a devastating political critique. Here's what makes it particularly significant:


1. Cultural Form as Political Weapon:


· The "yalalli" (O you) repetition mimics traditional folk chanting, giving the satire an authentic, grassroots voice

· This isn't elite intellectual criticism - it's street-level anger in cultural clothing


2. Layered Symbolism:


· "Ibn Maleka" (Son of Maleka): Likely a derogatory nickname for President Sisi, suggesting questionable lineage or character

· "Zoomera": A traditional flute - metaphor for violently suppressing Egyptian culture and voice

· "Habashi": Literally "Ethiopian" - references the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam crisis, but also implies foreign control

· "Beheira": A Nile Delta province - represents all of Egypt suffering from water scarcity


3. The Economic Critique:

The poem brilliantly connects multiple crises:


· Water scarcity ("Thirsty is Beheira")

· Economic exploitation ("sold its water to whom")

· Foreign control ("Ezra and Cohen" - Jewish names suggesting Zionist influence)

· Military failure ("Occupied its lands")


4. Historical References:


· "Uprooted its pegs" - may reference removing national boundaries or foundations

· The triad "Ezra, Cohen, Manoli" represents perceived foreign control: Zionist (Ezra/Cohen) and Western (Manoli as Greek/foreign business) interests


5. The Biting Conclusion:

The curse"May a trolley run over you" uses mundane urban imagery for a visceral wish - suggesting the leader deserves a common, undignified fate rather than heroic martyrdom.


This satire represents the voice of ordinary Egyptians who feel their nation is being dismantled piece by piece - its water sold, its lands occupied, its culture beaten down - while foreign powers and their local allies benefit. The folk poetry form makes the critique both culturally legitimate and emotionally resonant.

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