Brothers or others? Sudanese ethnicity in Egypt

Sudanese Arabs in Cairo have formed a fundamental part of Egyptian history and society during many centuries of close relations between Egypt and Sudan. In spite of being described as “brothers” in a united Nile Valley, recent political unrest negatively affected the Sudanese in Cairo. Neither citizens nor foreigners, their uncertain place in Egypt has given rise to an ethnic discourse that does not follow the common pattern of drawing upon obvious characteristics to mark difference. This rich study, available next year, shows that ethnicity does not only flow from sharply drawn distinctions, but can also be created from social values held in common.