In the Middle East, using the word "Gypsy" to identify someone is considered an insult. In reality, this word speaks of an ancient people that originally emigrated from India to Europe and the Middle East centuries ago. Although there are at least one million Gypsies in Egypt, they are not counted in the national censuses or registered by the government. They have no identity cards or birth certificates and are not eligible to work. They live in clans and families in or near the cities of Alexandria, Fayoum, Cairo and Salaam City.

Their dark skin and brown hair gives them the appearance of East Indians. Their language is related to Sanskrit and the languages of north-west India. Some Gypsies settle in one city, while others move from one place to another looking for employment or refuge. Numbers of Gypsies gather in Cairo from different parts of Egypt on the birthday of the prophet Mohammed the "Mouloud El Nabi".

Gypsies often use several names to hide their true identity, making them somewhat mysterious. "Ashoor" can be found playing his flute and accompanying dancers during festivals and parties. On another occasion he is "Abu Sereea", serving coffee in different festivals from a mobile coffee shop in the Nile Delta. He may take the name of "Abu Doma" while doing iron-working in Cairo.

Jobs

Gypsies have a wide range of low-paying jobs. Some sell fruit in the parking lots of cities such as Cairo, while others do iron-working. Young Gypsies who rebel against their parents often find themselves in jobs that require little skill or end up in drug trafficking. Some women work as dancers in the evening at religious festivals in the city of Tanta and later as prostitutes during the night. Gypsy women are highly valued because they work hard - whether in sales, factory work or prostitution. In many cases Gypsy men don't work at all, but profit from their women's efforts. "Pleasure seeking" is certainly a phrase that sums up most Gypsies. The ultimate aim of their work efforts is very often simply to create opportunities for pleasure, be that through laziness, smoking, drugs or sex. Christian moral values and finding a profound meaning of life are unfamiliar concepts to them. Their lifestyle usually leads to rampant poverty. Rejection and low self-image are written on their faces and deeply rooted in their hearts.

Flag of Egypt

Map of Egypt

In Egypt, most Gypsies call themselves Sunni Muslims, but in reality they often have very little religion. Their strong beliefs in the supernatural and miracles are opening doors for the gospel. They enjoy listening to stories about Jesus and the Christian saints performing miracles. When they discover that they are loved and accepted they welcome people into their homes. The Jesus who brings joy and does miracles can reach them!

Prayer Guide for Gypsies in Egypt

* Pray that Egyptian Christians will reach the Gypsies of Egypt with the love of Christ.

* Pray that Jesus be revealed to the Gypsies of Egypt.

* Pray that they will be delivered from evil spirits.

* Pray that Gypsy women would be reached.

* Pray that converted Gypsies will take the gospel to their own people.

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