Arab West Report Egyptian press summaries and media research for dialogue

Mahdī Bunduq presents a historical background to Muslim-Christian relations from the Islamic invasion of Egypt in 641 A.D. to the establishment of modern state in the 19^th century.

He explains that Christians of Egypt had only three ways to survive after the Islamic invasion; to fight Muslims, pay the jizyah, or to embrace Islam. Poor Copts at that time had no other choice but to embrace Islam, the author adds.

He cites many other historical events when Copts were persecuted by Muslim rulers. However, he explains, the year 1876 marked the end of official discrimination against Copts when the first Ottoman Constitution was articulated which abolished jizyah as well as the term ahl al-Dhimmah.

Bunduq believes that achieving equality and granting Copts their due rights will not be achieved unless Copts come out of their caves and abandon their seclusion. He urges Copts to take part in the political sphere and join civil societies so that they will be more able to achieve their goals.