In tracing the civilizational divergence between East and West, I find myself repeatedly stopping at the year 1517. In that year, two pivotal events occurred, shaping the course of world history: one led the West toward democracy and enlightenment, while the other plunged our region into centuries of stagnation and even decline.
In Europe, Martin Luther, the German religious reformer, launched what became known as the Protestant Reformation, breaking the iron grip of the Church and igniting the spark of intellectual and political freedom. Meanwhile, in the Arab world, our region was losing the Battle of Ridaniya, falling prey to the Ottoman Sultan Selim I, marking the beginning of four centuries of Ottoman occupation.
This historical paradox is not merely a series of events but a reflection of divergent civilizational paths that have profoundly shaped the present we live in today. While the West chose to confront its history and address its flaws, we continued to cling to symbols of a past that may not align with our current aspirations or values.
We can grasp the profound impact of that historical moment by examining the trajectory of the European Renaissance, which was built upon the foundation of the Protestant Reformation. This was followed by scientific reform in the 17th century and then industrial and social reform in the 18th and 19th centuries. In contrast, our region experienced a rise in Ottoman authoritarianism during the same period, accompanied by the suppression of local cultural identities and the neglect of centers of knowledge and learning, which had previously thrived in places like Baghdad and Cordoba.
Martin Luther represents the concept of change. While his ideas were initially religious, they paved the way for intellectual and political revolutions, laying the foundations for principles such as freedom of thought, equality, and human rights.
It is striking, even perplexing, that in Egypt we have numerous streets named after figures like Selim I, yet not a single place bears the name of Martin Luther, whose ideas indirectly shaped the modern world. It is as though we celebrate the history of occupation without reflecting on its implications or its impact on our identity.
The duality of “Martin and Selim” is not just a comparison between two figures; it is an exploration of two historical paths from which we can draw valuable lessons. The first represents liberation and reform, while the second signifies domination and stagnation. As we look to the future, we must choose symbols that reflect our aspirations and values and embark on the long-overdue journey of both symbolic and material reform.
One key takeaway from this duality is the necessity of revisiting history with objectivity and opening ourselves to other human experiences instead of retreating into narratives that perpetuate stagnation and reinforce isolationist tendencies. Drawing inspiration from the values of reform and change does not require us to adopt all aspects of Western experiences. Instead, it urges us to craft our own model, a blend of authenticity and modernity, that positions us on the path toward a long-awaited renaissance.
About the Author
Ramy Galal is an Egyptian senator, writer, and academic specializing in public management and cultural policies. He has authored studies on cultural diplomacy, the orange economy, and restructuring Egypt’s cultural institutions.
Galal holds a PHD degree from Alexandria University, a master’s degree from the University of London, and Diploma from the University of Chile.
He studied advanced programs in governance and leadership from King’s College London, Hertie School of Berlin, and Missouri State University, USA.
A former adviser and spokesperson for Egypt’s Ministry of Planning. He was also the spokesperson for the Egyptian Opposition Coalition. He represents Egypt at international forums and contributes to leading publications.
