*Spicy Melokhia Soup*
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*Note: This recipe of Spicy Melokhia Soup represents the second revolution that occurred in Egypt since 1919: the Egyptian Revolution of 1952. Soup is a soothing, calm liquid - not one to defend itself against the British. At this time, Egypt had no real Army, and was under the control of King Farouk, who was an "irresponsible playboy," according to the Egyptian citizens. Thus, the wishy-washy soup represents the king and fact that Egypt can't fight to defend itself. But what about the "spicy" part of the recipe? The spice in the soup represents the mobs, mischief, and the corruption of Egypt at that time. However, the spice also represents the power and determination of two men known as Neguib and Nasser. These two men helped Egypt get through this rough time and pulled it out of corruption and fear.
Before you begin
Following the Palestine War in 1948, mischief-making elements have been assisting one another, and traitors have been commanding Egypt's army. They appointed a commander who is either ignorant or corrupt. Egypt has reached the point, therefore, of having no army to defend it.
Preparation
In December, 1951, have some British troops bulldoze 50 Egyptian mud brick houses to make way for a new road to a water supply for British military installations. On January 25th 1952, have the British troops attack the Egyptian police barracks in Ismailia when the police refuse to surrender. Fifty Egyptian police officers will be killed and one hundred will be wounded. All Egypt is incensed.
Making you meal
Step I: Begin my making something known as "Black Saturday." On January 26, 1952, have an Egyptian mob burn Cairo, targeting British interests such as Shepheard's Hotel, BOAC offices, and the British Turf Club in particular. Throw Black Saturday into a large pan.
Step II: Fire up your stove. Have the citizens of Egypt awake on Wednesday morning, 23 July, 1952, to discover that the revolution had occurred and that the armed forces are taking up posts in some of the corners and streets in Cairo. At 7:30 a.m., have them listen to a broadcast station issue the first communiqué of the revolution in the name of Gen. Muhammad Neguib to the Egyptian people that stated the justification for the revolution, read by Anwar Sadat: their future president.
Step III: Stir up some confusion. By the 25th have the British army occupy Alexandria, where King Farouk will leave the Muntazah Palace and move to Ras al-Tin Palace on the waterfront. The "Free Officers," a secret revolutionary society, will stage a coup to get rid of King Faruk. Neguib will order the captain of King Farouk's sea-going yacht not to sail without orders from the army. The order for Farouk to abdicate and depart into exile will finally arrive on Saturday, the 26th, and at 6 o'clock that evening, and the king will set sail for Italy.
Step IV: During the same day, overturn the monarchy of King Farouk and add a man named Naguib to the soup mixture. Naguib is a highly respected officer who earned his reputation largely in the 1948 war. This will start the temporary installation of a government under Naguib, which is also known as "the short-lived president of the revolutionary council."
Step V: In 1954, add a man named Nasser to your soup to add flavor and power. Nasser was born in Alexandria on January 15, 1918, the son of a postman. After secondary schooling in Cairo, he entered the Royal Military Academy, and graduated in 1938. Now, he will help in getting the British to evacuate the Suez Canal, in suppressing the militarist group the Muslim Brotherhood, and in establishing a Marxist democracy in Egypt.
Step VI: To cool your soup, have Nasser negotiate a treaty with the British, by which Egypt will be evacuated after 72 years of occupation. Make sure that Nasser is officially elected president in 1956.
Step VII: When 1956 comes around, take the pot off the stove. Have Egypt embrace "Arab Socialism," which will lead to sweeping social reforms, including the suffrage of women in 1956 and the right of women to run for political office. This period will then began a two-decade period of migration into urban areas, such as Cairo, Alexandria, Suez and Port Said, where economic and educational opportunities are greater.
Finishing Up: After each of these steps have been completed, pour some of the soup into a bowl, sit down, and enjoy as you bask in the warm sunlight of Egypt. Remember the mobs and the death, the riddance of the notorious playboy known as King Farouk, and the triumph as Nasser became president and Egypt was saved.