When the news came [about the resignation], people lifted each other, hugged each other and rejoiced, but they cried as they left.
We walked so much that night. From the presidential palace, to Tahrir Square, we looked at every street and alley with fresh eyes. We were drunk with the euphoria, believing in our strength and giddy with the excitement of possibility. I remember walking endlessly, feeling like I was documenting a moment in time, capturing the glimmer of hope that was throbbing across the city.
Even the air smelled different that night and the following day. I kept taking deep breaths, marvelling at the instantaneous change. Everywhere you looked, people were laughing and smiling at each other. With the happiness came a sense of ownership of this country. We went down the next day to pick up the rubbish, clearing up the streets after the late-night celebration.
The possibilities seemed endless. We pass by Tahrir Square now and look away, unable to raise our heads. We went from the peak of happiness and hope to the depths of despair and darkness. We lost something so precious that it was impossible to move on. That unifying thread ran through the different groups of Egyptian society, and that made January 25 possible.
People had tried to protest before, to organise demonstrations or labour movements. But January 25 was pivotal in that everyone held their breath, waiting to see if something would come from it — if this would be the time that people succeed.
The Arab Spring protests convulsed regimes across the Middle East. From corruption and brutality to military heroism , Mubarak leaves behind a complicated legacy. A look at some of the key moments in the life of the man who ruled Egypt for almost 30 years.
Why do so many feel nostalgia for the deposed dictator? And is this justified? More from News. US: Death toll from Astroworld music festival stampede rises to 9. Rittenhouse murder trial: Closing arguments to be heard on Monday.
Mexico raises interest rates for the fourth consecutive time. Most Read. Or, if you are already a subscriber Sign in. Other options. Close drawer menu Financial Times International Edition. Search the FT Search. World Show more World. US Show more US. Hosni Mubarak was president of Egypt for 30 years.
View this post on Instagram. Who was Mubarak? Mubarak: Egyptian statesman of war and peace Egypt's day revolution. Morsi: A turbulent presidency cut short by the army. Related Topics. Egypt Egyptian revolution of Hosni Mubarak.
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