Egypt's forgotten women bullies

Egyptian women ventured into the world of bullies over the years, which is similar to a state within a state. It is not strange for men to be bullies, people usually hear of a man who takes to fighting in festivals and weddings, and who is known in his neighborhood to be of physical might and daring attitude, which is only natural in the world of bullies existing throughout the nineteenth century and half the past century. But there lies in every world strange and amusing stories. Among them are stories of women who defeated men by their muscular strength and might, and sat on the throne of bullies for many years, keeping long records of intimidation and having different methods from those of male bullies. From amongst these women bullies there is Aziza El-Fahla, bully of Megharbelin district in Alexandria; Sekseka, Giza’s bully; Om Hassan – aka Om Gamousa – the Sayeda Zeinab bully who used to trade in Kersha (slaughtered cow’s or sheep’s stomach, a popular dish), and others who conquered men. Each have strange stories and amusing tales of their world of bullies, with deeper overwhelming connotations at the same time. Aziza El-Fahla Aziza El-Fahla interrupted Khedive Abbas’s procession with her strength and might, as the sheriff had been unjust to her, leading her to his superior, then the mayor, who took no action. Thus, she could not think of a better solution than to interrupt the Khedive’s procession, stopping him and screaming “I’m persecuted Effendina”, which led to Khedive Abbas ordering that her problem be solved at once, so that she would not interrupt his path with her men ever again. The Dowry… A Fight As for Galila, Giza’s bully, she was known for her precise political stands, where she used to support El-Wafd Party at the time. She owned a well-known coffee shop by the name “El-Shisha” (Hookah), and many strangers used to come to the coffee shop only to see its famous owner, as she used to venture into several battles. A fellow named Abbas liked her and admired her strong personality. He asked for her hand in marriage, which is when she told him that her only condition is that he proves his bravery. Thus, she took him to a fight, and asked him to interfere and break it apart by force, promising to be his wife if he succeeded. Abbas was able to break off the fight easily, then married Galila whose dowry was only a “fight”. Galila did not start fights for the sake of fighting, but rather out of gallantry and to protect the poor. It is said that the rate of divorce in her alley was very low, as Galila used to go to any husband who attacked his wife, and once she was certain of his oppression, she would stand up against him and beat him. Furthermore, people in her neighborhood rarely resorted to the police in their fights, as she always used to finish them before the police’s intervention, putting an end to oppression. She was nicknamed ‘Sekseka’ and she dreamed that people would live in harmony and peace, away from fights and quarrels. Touha Beats 20 Men Touha, Matareya’s bully, was different than other women bullies, as her husband was the reason behind her fights. She could never stand to see him in trouble without rushing to help. Her real name was Fatma Mohamed Salem, from Belbis, Sharkeia governorate. After her first marriage failed, Touha met Abdel Sattar who introduced her to the world of bullies, and taught her how to defend herself and grab her rights by force from people. She then worked as an extra in movies and gained fame. As for the reason behind her nickname, it goes back to a radio series called “Touha” that she used to listen to. She found great similarities between herself and the character in the radio series and decided to call herself Touha, Matareya Conqueror of men  Monasra’s bully in 1915’s Old Cairo was known for her black complexion, wide eyes, broad shapely muscles, short build, large head, hostile temperament, and her grand steps. People greeted her with importance because she was Zakia, the market bully. Not a single person in her neighborhood could deny her dangerousness or was unaware of her weight, and no single man was able to stand up against her or turn down any of her orders. Zakia used to spend her day smoking her sheesha, greeted with respect and significance by whomever passed her by, and woe awaited he who would overlook greeting her or neglect her presence. The world of bullies and gallantry has come to an end and become a folded page in history, only existent in the films based on works of the late great author Naguib Mahfouz, and long after women used to grant others their rights by force, they are now in search of their own. As for Touha, Sekseka, Om Gamousa, and Zakia, may God have mercy on their souls.