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Document Details :

Title: Some Features of Coptic Identity
Author(s): MOAWAD, Samuel
Journal: Ancient Near Eastern Studies
Volume: 53    Date: 2016   
Pages: 243-274
DOI: 10.2143/ANES.53.0.3154568

Abstract :
In a multi-lingual and multi-religious society such as the Egyptian one, the development of the collective memory is obvious and can be traced in order to identify the events in Christian Egypt that were most influential in shaping Coptic consciousness. Coptic identity can be recognised in every element of the Coptic heritage, such as literature, archaeology and art. The present paper tries to highlight the self-identification of the Copts as it is reflected in their own literary texts produced until the end of the Mamluk period (1517 CE). Since Coptic identity is variegated, this brief study will be limited to only three features: language, conversion and martyrdom, and apologetics and religious dialogue.

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