A Blog by the Editor of The Middle East Journal

Putting Middle Eastern Events in Cultural and Historical Context

Monday, January 6, 2014

Al-Ahram Comments on 115 Years Since First Egyptian Pound, Still Doesn't Explain Bactrian Camel

Yesterday Ahram Online noted the 115th anniversary of the first Egyptian pound note. Though the Egyptian pound was first authorized in 1834, it circulated as specie until 1899, when the first Egyptian paper pound appeared (January 5 marked its anniversary).  I noted the same thing a year ago, 

People called it Abu al Gamalayn for its two camels, but Ahram still ignores my question from last year:  why is one of the camels a long-haired, two humped Bactrian from cold countries much further East? The only Bactrians in Egypt are in zoos.





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