1. “The 18 Days of Tahrir”
Ahmad Shokr

2. Tahrir Square History of the Square
Built in the mid-19th Century as symbol of Modernity, and has traditionally been a site of popular gatherings.
Recent Large Gatherings
demonstrations celebrating birth of the Republic
Bread Riots
protests against the war in Iraq.
More Recently, State Attempted to Limit the Space
Police had set up check points, barriers and square had been neglected in recent urban development.

3. Tahrir Square January 28 2011: Changed Everything
The police attempted to reclaim the square, but despite their best efforts they were unable to do so.
Tahrir Transformed: Model of Alternative Society
As the revolt unfolded, Tahrir was transformed from a rally site to the model of an alternative society.
Scene in Tahrir:
Every Sector in Society was Represented. There was a spirit of mutual support: free food, free medical clinics, volunteer security.

4. Tahrir Square Tahrir Transformed: Model of Alternative Society
The protestors in Tahrir created an “anti-city” of sorts: things slowed down, ther were no strangers…
“Social codes that customarily define appropriate interactions between people collapsed.”
Tabrir Turned into a Polis
The people in the square created an alternate society: they used democratic decision-making to resolve all the decisions of life.

5. Tahrir Square Tahrir Transformed: Battle of the Camel
They also engaged in Self Defense: state sent in “thugs” on camels to disperse crowds, and those in the square were required to defend themselves.
Experience was Transformative: The Experience of Ownership
People were felt powerless, who felt as though they were always losing finally felt like they were winners, or could win. They owned the square.

6. Tahrir Square The Politics of Tahrir: Egyptian patriotism
The politics of of the square slowly turned to an expression of Egyptian patriotism. Egyptian flags took over the square and the people did not attack the army.

7. Tahrir Square Impact of Tahrir and Problems Ahead
What happened in Tahrir will not solve all the challenges facing Egypt: sectarian divisions, class and gender inequality, political opportunism.
Continued Opposition
Army has denounced labor protestors as factional.
Tahrir: Lasting Impact: People More Hopeful
What Tahrir did do was make people more hopeful.