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Order Of The Nile: A Rich Tapestry Of History, Significance And Notable Awardees

June 25, 2023

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi bestowed the ‘Order of the Nile’ award on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (June 25), the nation’s highest state honour. This is the 13th such highest state honour bestowed upon PM Modi by various countries around the world. PM Modi is in Egypt for a two-day state visit. This is his first visit to Egypt, as well as the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country since 1997.

As Prime Minister Modi is bestowed with the prestigious civil decoration of Egypt, we delve into the significance of the award and take a closer look at some of its notable past recipients. Read on to explore the realm of this distinguished honour and the extraordinary individuals who have been honored with it.

READ | PM Modi Conferred With ‘Order Of The Nile’ Award, Egypt’s Highest State Honour

What Is The ‘Order Of The Nile’?

According to the official website of the Arab Republic Of Egypt Presidency, the ‘Order of the Nile’ is a civil decoration of Egypt that was established in 1915 by Sultan Hussein Kamel. It is awarded to both Egyptians and foreigners for distinguished service to Egypt, either in the military or in the civilian sector.

As per the website, the order has five classes:

  • Grand Cordon with Collar

  • Large Cord

  • First Class

  • Second Class

  • Third Class

READ | PM Modi Meets Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi On His Maiden Visit: Watch

A Golden Star And A Green Wreath: Decoding The Insignia Of The ‘Order Of The Nile’

  • The insignia of the order is a gold star with five points.

  • The star is surrounded by a green wreath and topped with a crescent moon and star.

  • The ribbon of the order is green with a white stripe in the center.

  • The order is awarded by the President of Egypt.

  • The order is named after the Nile River, which is the lifeline of Egypt.

  • The Order of the Nile is a prestigious award that is only given to those who have made a significant contribution to Egypt.

  • It is a symbol of the country’s appreciation for the work of these individuals.

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Symbolic Splendour: Decoding The Design Elements Of The ‘Order Of The Nile’

According to the official website, each particular element of the award represents some significance and has a meaning attached to it:

  • The Order of the Nile showcases a collar made of pure gold, consisting of three square gold units adorned with Pharaonic symbols.

  • The first unit represents the concept of safeguarding the state against malevolence, while the second unit symbolises the prosperity and bliss bestowed by the Nile.

  • The third unit signifies wealth and endurance, embodying the importance of these qualities to Egypt.
    These units are intricately connected by a circular gold flower embellished with turquoise and ruby, enhancing the majestic allure of the collar.

  • Dangling from the collar is a hexagonal pendant adorned with flowers styled in the Pharaonic tradition, accentuated by turquoise and ruby gemstones.

  • At the heart of the pendant lies a prominent emblem, portraying the Nile, symbolically uniting the representation of the North (depicted by the Papyrus) and the South (represented by the Lotus) regions of Egypt.

READ | PM Modi In Egypt: Cairo Hotel Adorned With Special Exhibitions Celebrating Bilateral Ties. WATCH

Notable International Figures Honored With The ‘Order Of The Nile’

The Order of the Nile is one of the most prestigious awards that can be given by Egypt. It has been awarded to a number of notable figures from the international community, including:

  • King Hussein of Jordan (1955)

  • Marshal Josip Broz Tito, President of the Federal People’s Republic of Yugoslavia (1956)

  • Professor Mohamed ElBaradei, former Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (1999)

  • President Jimmy Carter, President of the United States (1979)

  • Emperor Akihito of Japan (1993)

  • Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa (1999)

  • Adly Mansour, acting President of Egypt (2013)

  • Dr Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu, Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (2015)

The Order of the Nile is a symbol of Egypt’s appreciation for the contributions of those who have helped to promote the country’s interests or to improve the lives of its people. It is a highly coveted award that is only given to those who have made a truly outstanding contribution.