Syro-Lebanese in Egypt
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| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| Egypt | |
| Languages | |
| Egyptian Arabic, French | |
| Religion | |
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| Related ethnic groups | |
| Greeks in Egypt, Armenians in Egypt, Italians in Egypt, Maltese in Egypt |
The Syro-Lebanese of Egypt (Egyptian Arabic: شوام مصر, transliterated: Shawam Masr) (French: Syro-Libanais d'Egypte), also known as the Levantines of Egypt, are an ethnic minority group in Egypt. They are Egyptians who have ancestry originating from the Levant, mostly what is now Syria and Lebanon. The majority of Egypt's historic Syro-Lebanese community is Christian (Melkite Greek Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Maronite Catholic), although some families were also Muslim (Shia/Sunni) and Jewish.
Since antiquity, there has always been a Levantine presence in Egypt, however, they started becoming a distinctive minority in Egypt around the early 18th century. The majority of Syro-Lebanese migrants who arrived in Egypt during this time were French-speaking and highly influenced by the European Culture. By the dawn of the 20th century, the Syro-Lebanese of Egypt were considered a powerful and cosmopolitan community that played an important role in both Egypt's economy and culture.
Due to the rise in nationalism along with the loss of economic freedoms during the 1950s, most of Egypt's Syro-Lebanese community left the country immigrating to the Americas, Europe, and Australia, as well as many returning to their native Lebanon (especially Beirut) and Syria. Notable descendants of Egypt's Syro-Lebanese community include the world-renowned Egyptian actor Omar Sharif (born Michel Chalhoub) and Egyptian film director Youssef Chahine.
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