In his award-winning book “My Egypt Archive,” Yale historian Alan Mikhail provides an intimate exploration of Egypt’s bureaucratic labyrinth, meticulously charting the quirks, hierarchies, and rhythms within the state-run Egyptian National Archives. The book, based on Mikhail’s decade-long journaling during his Cairo residency from 2001 to 2010, recently clinched the prestigious 2023 Victor Turner Prize in Ethnographic Writing.
Mikhail’s keen observations within the archive’s reading room offer readers a nuanced lens into Egyptian society’s political and cultural fabric. Against the backdrop of growing discontent in Egypt, notably leading to the 2011 uprising against President Hosni Mubarak, Mikhail reflects on how the state apparatus unknowingly paved the way for its own undoing.
“My Egypt Archive” comprises chapters that dissect various aspects of archival culture, delving into the nebulous permit-granting process, the wielded power of bureaucrats, and the persistent issue of noise within the archives. Mikhail’s firsthand account of the bureaucratic idiosyncrasies serves as a microcosm, allowing readers to glean insights into broader societal dynamics.
The book’s recognition by the Victor Turner Prize underscores its contribution to ethnographic writing, praising Mikhail’s ability to offer “graceful, accessible ethnographic writing” that deeply explores its subject and innovatively contributes to the field of anthropology. More than 100 books contended for this coveted prize.
In an interview with Yale News, Mikhail, the Chace Family Professor of History at Yale’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, discussed the anthropological influences in his work. While he identifies as a historian, he acknowledges drawing inspiration from anthropology, viewing it as a source of methodological rigor.
He clarifies that “My Egypt Archive” wasn’t explicitly written as anthropology or ethnography but echoes the lessons learned from the field. The book signifies an anthropology of archival research, offering a distinct perspective in historical storytelling.
Madame Amal, head of the archive’s reading room, emerges as a central figure embodying the machinations of the authoritative state within a confined space. A government bureaucrat, she exercises authority while navigating her own vulnerabilities within the patriarchal societal framework. Madame Amal becomes a microcosmic representation of Egypt’s larger socio-political structure.
Mikhail delves into power dynamics, highlighting a reversal of global politics within the reading room. The book captures the unique interplay where an Egyptian bureaucrat exercises dominance over an American from a privileged background, providing a captivating exploration of power dynamics.
Mikhail discusses the “politics of delay,” emphasizing how anticipation and expectation, even if unfulfilled, can shape perceptions of power. Drawing on an anecdote about Suzanne Mubarak’s rumored visit to the archive, Mikhail elucidates how the politics of delay creates an environment where Egyptians are habitually forced to wait. This, he argues, contributes to the structure of power and played a role in the 2011 uprising.
“My Egypt Archive” offers readers a thought-provoking journey into the intricacies of bureaucracy, power, and societal dynamics, making it a significant addition to the realms of history and anthropology.
