Obama - the New King Tut?

June 5, 2009 5:09 PM

"Obama - The New Tutankahamen of the World" shirts in Egypt? What's the story here? I saw lots of pictures of shirts, etc, with that on it. I'm kind of curious who would buy a shirt like that? Was it meant for American tourists? What does King Tut mean to the average egyptian (who I'd assume would be Muslim?) I'm interested especially in hearing what native Egyptians or people who spent some time living there think about it. Is "The New Tutenkhaman" a common idiom there like "A new caesar"?
posted by empath to society & culture (14 comments total)

It could have some deep cultural meaning ... or it could be that someone came up with a catchy slogan and threw it onto a t-shirt, and then a bunch of other people saw it and, uh, "borrowed" the idea. Sometimes, a cigar is just a cigar.
Yes, most Egyptians are Muslims, but what does that have to do with anything? King Tut most likely means as much to the average Egyptian as Pocahontas does to most Americans (except that Egytians were spared any horrific Disneyfication of Tut) - he's more folklore than fact now, and religion has nothing to do with it.
posted by robhuddles at 5:31 PM on June 5

Antiquities expert says President Obama looks like King Tut [video | 02:12].
posted by ericb at 5:36 PM on June 5

Only that I'd assume that there's a certain cultural disconnect between Modern Arabic speaking Muslim Egyptians and the distant pharaonic past.
posted by empath at 5:39 PM on June 5

I'm not sure what the question is. The shirts are just a commemorative souvenir meant for anyone who will buy one: whether tourist or ordinary Egyptian. It's hardly surprising that the most recognizable iconography of Egypt would be used in this regard. Obviously, just b/c most Egyptians are Muslims does not mean they are not aware of their world-renowned ancient history. I think the the average Egyptian is like the average Roman in this regard: when you grow up around that much ancient history, antiquity just becomes part of the scenery.
posted by ornate insect at 5:40 PM on June 5

King Tut most likely means as much to the average Egyptian as Pocahontas does to most Americans

Right, but saying that Obama is a new JFK is distinctly different from saying he's a new King George II, you know what I mean? I'm just curious whether people are often compared to King Tut in Egypt... whether it means something to Egyptians, or whether it was just slapped together for the tourist trade.
posted by empath at 5:41 PM on June 5

George Washington was considered the new Cincinnatus, who was thoroughly pagan.

I wouldn't necessarily assume that religion is a huge barrier between a nation/culture's perceived golden age and the present.

That said, I have no idea what is up with that.
posted by munchingzombie at 5:59 PM on June 5

OP, I had the same question when I saw those shirts on the news. I hope someone will answer the real question (which has nothing to do with religion):


Why would they compare Obama to King Tut vs. any other historical figure? What does a comparison to King Tut mean to the average Egyptian?


For comparison-- to the average American, the comparison of Obama to JFK is on the basis of his youth, history-making cultural background, and issuing in a new era of optimism and civic activism in the government. Thus, there is a particular reason to compare him to a specific former president and it's a compliment.

Is there a similar specific reason to compare Obama to King Tut? Is it a positive association?
posted by parkerjackson at 6:04 PM on June 5 [5 favorites]

FWIW, I saw a "man in the street" interview the other day where one Egyptian said it was due to Obamas age. As in, they were/are both young.
posted by Duke999R at 6:21 PM on June 5

Well, it's pretty easy to find Tut associated with the phrase "Egypt's most famous pharaoh". His tomb was discovered in modern times nearly intact, a rarity, since most tombs were looted centuries ago. He is best known because of the treasures of his tomb, not for any of his accomplishments.

I think it's just that Egyptians today consider him the face of Egypt abroad.
posted by dhartung at 6:31 PM on June 5

This shop owner in Egypt says the same thing about Obama being young.
posted by orme at 6:32 PM on June 5

Only that I'd assume that there's a certain cultural disconnect between Modern Arabic speaking Muslim Egyptians and the distant pharaonic past.

Well, sure. The Copts have preserved more of ancient Ehyptian language and writing than anyone else.
posted by rodgerd at 6:50 PM on June 5

Ask this woman.
posted by mrmojoflying at 7:03 PM on June 5

I live in Cairo, and I can't offer any special insight into this t-shirt except to say (warning: vast overgeneralizations ahead) Egyptians really like Obama, pretty much in proportion to how much they hated Bush. They felt that his choosing Egypt for his speech is a sign of how important Egypt is at a time when the Gulf countries are surpassing them in so many ways, especially wealth. They also live in police state and envy democracy. Some Egyptians think that Obama is really secretly a Muslim (and here that's a huge compliment). Egyptians are also very proud of their ancient history. It's what brings millions of tourist dollars here, and it's also a big source of pride, in a time when they might not love much else about their government and country.

Egyptians also hate Israel and hate American support of Israel. I didn't understand the depth of this til I moved here. But it explains Obama's strong words about the US alliance with Israel and condemnation of Holocaust-deniers, etc.

Obama's visit here was a huge deal. The entire city was shut down. Schools and businesses were closed. Roads were re-paved, buildings painted. Structures that hadn't been cleaned in 50 years were gleaming. This created some resentment, but in general Egyptians were thrilled about Obama coming to town.

The preparations for his visit may well have reminded people what would have happened if a pharaoh paid you a visit.
posted by bluedaisy at 11:44 PM on June 5 [3 favorites]

I live in Cairo as well, and have for 2 1/2 years. Knowing Egyptians, I would say you guys are way over-thinking this thing and that the average Egyptian doesn't even know these t-shirts exist.

It's an attempt to sell T-shirts. Period. Everybody loves Obama over here, and stick his name on a T-shirt and it will sell - it really doesn't have to mean anything.

Tutankahamen may be one of Egypt's best known pharoah's but he was also, ironically, one of their most insignificant. If it said Ramses II, then I might believe there was some meaning behind it.

Incidentally, for those Egyptians asked on the street - Funny thing about Egyptians, they won't ever admit they don't know the answer because they don't want to appear unhelpful. I would bet a fair bit money they've never seen the T-shirt but gave an answer just to be obliging. If you don't believe, try asking Egyptians for directions to a place that doesn't exist - you'll get an answer every time.
posted by scrute at 11:38 AM on June 6 [1 favorite]