Encyclopedia of Islam

Copts and the Coptic Church

---

century, such that by the 15th century the Coptic 

language had all but disappeared except for litur-

gical purposes.

In the medieval period, despite the Copts’ pro-

tected status and service in the government, they 

suffered from periodic popular discrimination 

and waves of persecution during times of famine 

or hardship. This continued into the modern era. 

Egypt now has a constitution promising equal 

rights to all citizens regardless of their religion, 

but many Copts feel they are victims of discrimi-

nation as a religious minority in a predominantly 

Muslim country.

The last hundred years have witnessed a 

revival among the Copts. This is most clearly evi-

denced by the greater focus on “Sunday school” 

instruction and renewed interest in the monastic 

way of life. At the same time, however, the num-

ber of Copts within Egypt continues to dwindle, 

primarily as a result of emigration to the West.

See also c

hristianity

 

and

 i

slam

.

Heather N. Keaney