Égyptiens d’outre-Nil : des diasporas égyptiennes

Abstract

Egyptian expatriates in the Gulf States, in North America and Europe seem more to pertain to a transnational community than to a diaspora. Recently, however, uses of the term « diaspora » have considerably increased, first of all in order to qualify religious communities (Coptic diaspora, Egyptian Jews diaspora), but also to refer more and more to a national social organization, very likely reinforced by the Revolution of 25 January, which transcends religious differences. Inspired by Stéphane Dufoix’s works, this article aims to provide an empirical contribution to the scrutiny of the « diaspora » concept. Beyond fixed categories (« diaspora » or « transnational community » ?), it focuses on the uses of the word « diaspora » in the Egyptian context. Stressing the complex identification processes of Egyptians living abroad, the article examines « diaspora making » processes due to different interpretations of the so-called national homeland.