Cairo: Egyptians Redefine Lives After Mubarak Rule

June 06, 2011 | Pulitzer Center

Reese Erlich

An estimated 100,000 people rallied in Tahrir Square May 27 to demand an end to interim military rule in Egypt. Image by Reese Erlich. Egypt, 2011.

This hand-made Tahrir poster calls for unity of Muslims and Coptic Christians, who make up 10 percent of Egypt’s population. Extremist Muslims attacked churches in May. Image by Reese Erlich. Egypt, 2011.

Tahrir rallies bring out a wide spectrum of people, including workers and professionals. Families join in the fun with face painting. Image by Reese Erlich. Egypt, 2011.

The activists like to proclaim that they have no leaders. But some, such as Tarek Shalaby, have gained recognition. Shalaby had just been released from the prison where he had been held for protesting in front of the Israeli embassy. Image by Reese Erlich. Egypt, 2011.

Street vendors come out in force during Tahrir rallies. But, as with any entrepreneur, you’ve got to have a gimmick. Image by Reese Erlich. Egypt, 2011.

Doctors and staff at Manshiet al Bakry hospital in Cairo kicked out the pro-Mubarak administrators and elected their own manager. Here, dialysis patients receive treatment. Image by Reese Erlich. Egypt, 2011.

Dr. Ismail Milad is the newly elected administrator at Manshiet al Bakry hospital. He raised outside funds so patients no longer have to pay for basic supplies. Image by Reese Erlich. Egypt, 2011.

In May thousands of Coptic Christians sat in outside the government TV building to protest extremist Muslim attacks on churches. Image by Reese Erlich. Egypt, 2011.

Father Antonius, a Coptic leader, said Muslims and Christians can live in peace if the military-run government provides protection against extremist attacks. Image by Reese Erlich. Egypt, 2011.

The streets near Sayyida Zeinab mosque are crowded with working-class Egyptians, many of whom support the military government now in power. Image by Reese Erlich. Egypt, 2011.

Many people interviewed at random in the neighborhood surrounding Sayyida Zeinab mosque oppose continued demonstrations and strikes. Barber Salah Abdul Hamid says it’s time Egypt got back to work. Image by Reese Erlich. Egypt, 2011.

Egypt’s revolution is far from over. An interim military council rules the country while strikers and protesters continue to demand the dismantling of the old Mubarak-era system. Journalist Reese Erlich spoke with demonstrators in Tahrir Square, doctors who took over their own hospital and residents of a working-class neighborhood who support the military government.