After years of being treated like a periphery, it’s time that we all recognize Alexandria as the beautiful city it is. Even though Egyptians were known to show so much love for the unique Alexandrian culture and its beaches, many Cairenes still believe several myths about Alexandria that are not true! I, for one, blame Egyptian movies for their false portrayal of the real Alexandrian culture. Here’s a list of myths about Alexandria that we all need to stop believing:
1. “Gneh”
Alexandrians have always been known to call the Egyptian pound “gneh” and even though some still use this term, most of us Alexandrians have never used it ever before! So no, not all Alexandrians say “gneh”!
2. Alexandria, like Sa7el, is a place where you can rent bikes
People really need to start creating a distinction between Sa7el and Alexandria. In case you didn’t know, most of Sa7el is actually in Marsa Matrouh, not Alexandria! When you’re on vacation, don’t expect to take a nice bike ride under the sunset in the streets of Alexandria in your comfortable beach wear, it’s just not going to happen!
3. Fala7een
I still remember my first day in Cairo like it was yesterday… a guy I’ve gotten to know told me that before getting to know me, he thought all Alexandrians were “fala7een” who farmed for a living. Alexandria is an urban city just like Cairo!
4. “A7eih” and “Ayooh”
Okay, everyone really needs to stop generalizing and claiming that all Alexandrians use one or both of these two words to express excitement or despair. While some Alexandrians believe it to be extremely acceptable, others prefer to avoid these terms. Yes, we don’t find it shocking or rude when we hear someone saying either of these words, but that does not mean that we all use them!
5. “Outa” Vs. “Tamatem”
I’ve grown up believing that Cairenes say “outa” instead of “tamatem”. To my surprise, I found out that my fellow Cairene friends thought that I say “outa” because I’m Alexandrian. I really do not know who really uses that word, but let’s just agree that tomatoes are called “tamatem” and put this to sleep already!
6. “Why are you cold? Aren’t you Alexandrian?”
Let’s get one thing straight: Alexandria is NOT colder than Cairo! Yes, it’s windier than Cairo and it rains often, but that does not mean it’s colder because it truly isn’t. Living in Tagamoa for two years got me acquainted with how it feels to slowly turn into a human popsicle, a feeling I’ve never known in Alexandria!
7. Every single time it rains heavily…
I’m honestly tired of all the commotion that happens every winter whenever it rains heavily in Alexandria. I’ll only say this once: Every year, it rains heavily around 12 times per winter. The streets get soaked, the sewers get blocked and it’s just really messy… but it’s a norm!
Alexandria is a beautiful place to live and yes, we do have our own rituals and distinct language. We do say “falafel” instead of “ta3meya”, and we do pronounce certain words differently, but all you Alexandrians out there can relate when I say that Alexandria is home!
WE SAID THIS: Don’t miss 10 Signs You Were Born and Raised in Alexandria.