Egypt: Tahrir Square Calm Once Again · Global Voices
Jillian C. York

This post is part of our special coverage of Egypt Protests 2011.
After violence from pro-Mubarak forces on February 2 and 3, the atmosphere in Tahrir Square calmed once again on February 4, a day referred to by protesters as the “Day of Departure.”  Though Mubarak did not in fact step down on Friday, Twitter users in Cairo reveled in the regained feeling of positivity in the Square.
@BloggerSeif noted that:
Tahrir feels much safer than yesterday, and definitely safer than the day before #jan25
@NadiaE also reported on the feeling of safety:
In tahrir. Peaceful walk along corniche. Barbed wire blocks entrance. Very long lines to get in. Stringent searches and IDcheck #egypt
@ElFoulio reported:
Ok I'm finally in #Tahrir square, a lot of ppl for this time of day with thousands queuing outside, positive vibes all arnd
Al Jazeera's @AymanM acknowledged the change too:
Festive and Celebratory atmosphere that marked the days of the protest b4 Pro-mubarak peeps attacked is back in #tahrir #feb4 #jan25
@NadiaE noted that journalists had returned to the square, despite a ban:
I can see some foreign journos with video cams. So glad they made it in and r safe #egypt
Writer @ianinegypt noted that journalists felt welcome in Tahrir Square:
Tahrir Square is like a “green zone” for journalists. Everyone was friendly and welcoming. #egypt #jan25
He also noted:
A stream of people continue to enter Tahrir. Reports that groups are still looking for foreign journalists. #jan25 #egypt
@Dima_Khatib, reporting from afar, noted that journalists were still at risk:
Oh forgot to say: They banned coverage of Tahrir Square.. cameras out ! And Al Jazeera Arabic still banned altogether. No reporters #jan25
Journalist Lara Setrakian tweeted from the Square:
Helicopters flying VERY low over Tahrir Square. Chants of ‘Mubarak go, Saudi Arabia is waiting for you.’ Some swap that with Tel Aviv #Jan25
She added:
New chant in Tahrir Square: ‘change, strength, nationalism, and justice.’ #Cairo #Egypt #Jan25
Observer @asteris watched the demonstrations from afar in Greece, sharing the above image:
“Day of Departure”: @AJEnglish live from Tahrir Sq, Cairo #Egypt http://twitpic.com/3wbxve
Another Greek Twitter user, @elentelon, shared his wish for Egypt:
Σήμερα είναι η μέρα που θα πέσει ο Μουμπάρακ! #Egypt #Wish
In an homage to Egyptian bloggers, @justimage praised activist and Twitter user Mona Seif:
Follow @monasosh, w/out the steadfastness of Egyptian activists/bloggers like her over the years today would not be possible #Egypt #jan25
And for her part, @monasosh shared her thoughts too:
Entrance 2 square is safe. Ppl r chanting,dreaming of a safe country 4 all of us. Come & join us win our country back #Jan25