Shalabi Ibrahim Shalabi Ali

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Researching the ancestry of Shalabi Ibrahim Ali – علي إبراهيم شلبي – requires gathering records from Egypt and any diaspora sources. Shalabi Ibrahim Ali was reportedly born in 1955 in Damanhur (دمنهور), possibly in the village of Ezbet Naqraha (عزب نقرها) near Damanhur – or alternatively in Alexandria (الإسكندرية). He has at least one known child, Evelyn Ali. No other relatives, exact birthdate, religion, or occupation are currently known. This makes the search challenging, but there are several strategies and resources to pursue in both English and Arabic. Below we organize key findings and suggest sources, including major genealogy websites, Egyptian civil and religious records, and other archives. We also provide guidance on next steps if direct records remain elusive.

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Known Information and Clarifying Details

Name: Shalabi Ibrahim Ali (in Arabic: علي إبراهيم شلبي). The structure of this name suggests “Shalabi” is the given name, “Ibrahim” might be his father’s name, and “Ali” could be the family surname. However, naming conventions vary, so all parts of the name should be searched. (The name Shalabi can also be spelled Shalaby or Shalabi in English transliteration.)
Birth Year and Place: 1955 in Damanhur, Egypt. Damanhur is the capital of Beheira Governorate in the Nile Delta. The village Ezbet Naqraha (عزب نقرها) is mentioned as a possible hometown near Damanhur. It’s also possible the birth took place in Alexandria, a major city relatively near Damanhur. Because of these discrepancies, it’s wise to consider records in both Beheira (the governorate for Damanhur/Naqraha) and Alexandria. (In Arabic, Alexandria is Al-Iskandariyya / الإسكندرية)
Known Child: Evelyn Ali. The name Evelyn suggests an international or Western context (perhaps an English-speaking country). Evelyn Ali could be researching her father’s family. It implies Shalabi Ibrahim Ali may have lived or had family abroad. Indeed, one record shows that a “Shalabi Ibrahim Shalabi Ali” was married in 1997 in Brooklyn, New York, indicating he immigrated to the United States. This 1997 marriage index entry lists Joann Ditommaso as the bride and Shalabi Ibrahim Shalabi Ali as the groom, marriage license issued in Brooklyn [2] (https://sortedbyname.com/letter_d/ditommaso/index_3.html). This suggests Shalabi might have had a life event (marriage) in the U.S., which could provide further clues (e.g. marriage certificate might list his parents’ names). It would be worthwhile to obtain the full New York City marriage record for details.

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Major Genealogy Websites (FamilySearch, YourRoots, etc.)

FamilySearch: The free FamilySearch database is a good starting point for any genealogy search. It has a global collection of records and user-contributed family trees. A search of FamilySearch’s indexed records for “Shalabi Ibrahim Ali” did not immediately return obvious matches (likely because Egyptian civil records from the mid-20th century are not publicly indexed online). However, FamilySearch’s Family Tree section may have entries if relatives or other researchers have added Shalabi or his family. It’s worth searching variant name spellings – for example: “Ibrahim Ali Shalaby” or “Shalaby Ibrahim” – in case the name was entered differently. FamilySearch also offers an Egypt research page and catalog. According to a 2024 genealogy report, FamilySearch’s catalog now lists dozens of Egypt-related resources (some in Arabic) as it continues to collect records [1] (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country/Egypt.html).

While these may not directly list Shalabi, they include historical records and guides that could help. For example, FamilySearch has microfilmed some older Egyptian records (like Ottoman-era census registers (nüfūs) and church records) which might be relevant for deeper ancestry once you identify earlier generations.

YourRoots.com: This site compiles links to popular genealogy sources by country. The YourRoots Egypt page confirms that research in Egypt often relies on civil records and some online indexes [7] (http://yourroots.com/search-record/country/egypt). It doesn’t provide specific records for individuals, but it lists sources genealogists use. Some top sources for Egypt include FamilySearch (for any available records) and international databases (which mostly cover expatriates or immigrants, as Egypt’s internal records are not broadly online). In the case of Shalabi Ibrahim Ali, YourRoots and similar portals underscore that key data (birth, marriage) must come from Egypt’s own records, as we discuss below.

Other Genealogy Databases: Traditional sites like Ancestry.com, MyHeritage, and Geni may have limited direct information on Egyptian ancestors, but they are worth checking for any user-uploaded family trees or records of immigration. For instance, if Shalabi became a U.S. resident, Ancestry.com might have records such as a naturalization petition, alien registration, or passenger list. As a test, searching Ancestry’s public trees or databases for the name (and variants like “Shalaby Ali born 1955”) could reveal if someone has already documented him. Keep in mind these are subscription sites; however, many public libraries or FamilySearch Centers allow free access to them. As noted, one concrete lead from U.S. records is the 1997 Brooklyn marriage index [2] (https://sortedbyname.com/letter_d/ditommaso/index_3.html).

Additionally, if Shalabi ever obtained a Social Security number or died in the U.S., the Social Security Death Index or public records databases might list him (e.g. an SSDI entry if he has passed away, or address directories if he lived in the U.S. for a time). No such entry was immediately found under this exact name, but slight spelling differences should be tried (e.g. “Ibrahim Shalaby”).

Name Variations: When using these databases, consider that Arabic names can be transliterated in various ways. “Shalabi” might appear as Shalaby, Shalabi, Shalby, or even Shelaby. The surname “Ali” is common and might sometimes be treated as a middle name. For example, the Brooklyn record shows the name formatted as “Ali, Shalabi Ibrahim Shalabi” in one index, implying a possible duplication or confusion of surname. Be creative and broad in searches (both “Shalabi Ali” and “Ibrahim Ali”). If possible, search using Arabic script as well on Arabic-language sites or Google (e.g. searching for “مواليد علي إبراهيم شلبي 1955”). Arabic search might turn up local forums or notices that are not indexed in English.

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Egyptian Civil Registration Records (Vital Records)

Civil Registration in Egypt: Egypt has a long-standing civil registration system for births, marriages, and deaths. In fact, since 1912 Egypt has had compulsory civil registration of births and deaths for all residents [3] (https://wasgs.org/blog/2024/07/12/lets-talk-about-egyptian-genealogy/). This means Shalabi Ibrahim Ali’s birth in 1955 should be officially recorded in a civil registry. The birth record (“شهادة ميالد” – birth certificate) would typically list his date and place of birth, and the names of his father and mother (and sometimes other details like the father’s occupation or the family’s address). Identifying Shalabi’s parents is a crucial step, and a civil birth certificate is the most direct way to get that information if accessible.

Where to Find Birth Records

In Egypt: One can visit a local civil registry office (مكتب سجل مدني) in the governorate where the birth occurred (for Damanhur, that would be in Beheira Governorate). Providing the person’s full name, date of birth (or at least year), and place can allow the officials to retrieve the record from their archives. Today, Egypt has computerized many records, so a central database might have the certificate available to print at any civil registry or even at new self-service civil document kiosks [10] (https://blogs.realestate.gov.eg/civil-registry-machines-in-egypt/).

From Abroad: If you are not in Egypt, the Egyptian Embassy or Consulates in your country can assist in obtaining civil documents. Typically, you would contact the consular section and fill out an application for a birth certificate extract. For example, the Egyptian Consulate in the U.S. or U.K. accepts requests for birth certificates and then forwards them to Cairo. Expect a waiting time (often several weeks) and a fee for this service [11] (https://egyptconsulate.co.uk/consular-services/birth-certificate/). According to one consular source, a computerized copy of an Egyptian birth certificate costs a small fee (around 15 EGP) in Egypt, but via embassy there will be processing fees and postage. An important note: the application forms and process may be in Arabic, so you might need someone who reads Arabic to fill in details, or the embassy staff will guide you. Be prepared to provide proof of relation or entitlement (since Shalabi is presumably still living or at least was born in 1955, his records might be protected by privacy laws unless requested by him or immediate family). Evelyn Ali, as his daughter, should be able to request her father’s birth certificate with the proper documentation. Embassy websites often list “شهادات الميالد” – Birth Certificates under their civil affairs services.

Information from the Birth Record: Once obtained, Shalabi’s birth certificate will likely give his father’s name (likely “Ibrahim Ali …”) and mother’s name (her full maiden name). This is the key to moving one generation back. With the parents’ names, you can then look for their marriage record or birth records. For example, if his father is Ibrahim Ali [Surname], you’d search for father’s birth (perhaps around the 1920s or 1930s) or any other children of those parents. Because civil registration started in 1912, if Shalabi’s parents were born after that, they too would have birth certificates on file. Civil marriage records in Egypt (وثيقة زواج رسمي) are also kept by the Ministry of Interior and can sometimes be retrieved in a similar way. A marriage record of Shalabi’s parents (if they married in say the 1940s or 1950s) would list the names of the bride and groom’s fathers (i.e., Shalabi’s grandparents). In this way, official documents can yield two generations of ancestry fairly quickly.

Historical Civil Records: If you aim to go back further, say to Shalabi’s grandparents or beyond, the civil registration continues to be useful. For individuals born before 1912, there was no compulsory civil register; however, there may have been local or religious registrations or the 19th-century “nüfūs” (census) records. Egypt conducted several local enumerations in the late 1800s for taxation and military purposes (often in Arabic ledgers). Some of these older records (late Ottoman period) are stored in the Egyptian National Archives (Dar al-Watha’iq القومية) or the Dar al-Mahfuzat (دار المحفوظات) in Cairo. These can be very valuable if the family has roots in one location for a long time, but accessing them usually requires on-site research or a hired researcher. FamilySearch has microfilmed a few of these; for example, it lists “Ottoman nüfūs registers” under Egypt which might include names of heads of households in the 1840s–1860s in certain areas.

Religious and Community Records

If Muslim: In Egyptian practice, Muslim births and marriages are primarily recorded through the civil system, not separately by mosques. However, local mosques or Islamic officials (ma’zoun مأذون) handle marriages and then report them to the state. You generally won’t find a “mosque birth register” for a Muslim family (unlike church baptism registers for Christians). That said, families sometimes keep family notebooks or genealogies especially if they descend from notable Islamic scholars or sheikhs. It’s rare, but worth asking within the family if any record of ancestors exists (some families record births/deaths in Quran margins or notebooks). Also, tombstones in local cemeteries, if readable and accessible, can provide names and dates for previous generations. In rural Egypt, gravestones sometimes have the deceased’s name and father’s name. If you can locate where the family was buried (Damanhur cemeteries), it might be a source (though many cemeteries are unindexed and require local presence).

If Christian: If Shalabi’s family was Christian (for example, Coptic Orthodox, which is a sizable minority in Beheira/Alexandria), there would be church records. Coptic churches keep registers of baptisms, marriages, and funerals. A person born in 1955 would likely have a baptism record if Christian. One would need to identify the church (e.g., the local Coptic Orthodox church in Damanhur or Alexandria). The baptism record would list the date, parents, and godparents. The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Beheira (based in Damanhur) might have archives or could direct you to the right parish if you inquire. Similarly, if the family was Catholic or Protestant (less common but possible in cities like Alexandria), those churches also kept records. FamilySearch has microfilmed some Catholic church records in Egypt (1736–1965) – mostly for Cairo and Alexandria’s expatriate communities [13] (https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/31793). If, say, Shalabi’s family were part of a Catholic or Anglican community, those could be found in such collections. Given the names “Ibrahim Ali” and “Shalabi,” a Muslim background is more likely, but we shouldn’t assume. Checking both civil and church sources covers all bases.

Jewish Records: It’s unlikely given the names and location, but if by chance the family were Egyptian Jews, then synagogue registers or community archives (often now held by the Israeli or French archives after Jews left Egypt) would be relevant. For example, a Jewish birth in 1955 in Alexandria might be recorded by the Rabbinate. But there’s no indication of this here, so this is probably not applicable.

Local Histories and Oral Sources: Sometimes villages and towns have published chronicles or the local government keeps track of prominent families. Damanhur, for example, is a large city with many notable families. Checking Arabic sources like local history books or even contacting the Beheira governorate offices might yield something if the family was prominent. Social media groups can also be surprisingly helpful; there are Facebook groups for genealogy and local history in Egypt. In Arabic, one might post in a group “أنساب العائالت المصرية” (Egyptian families genealogy) asking about “عائلة شلبي في دمنهور” (the Shalabi family in Damanhur). There might be someone who knows the family or the lineage. In fact, one Arabic source claims that the Shalabi family in Egypt is an old and respected lineage, tracing back to Arabian tribes and even to Al-Hussein bin Ali (the Prophet’s grandson) [3] (https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php/?story_fbid=2343204515891854&id=1611064349105878&locale=ar_AR).

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Additional Sources and Strategies

Immigration and Citizenship Papers: If Shalabi Ibrahim Ali emigrated (for example, to the USA in the 1980s or 1990s), immigration records could provide personal details. A U.S. naturalization application often asks for birth date/place and sometimes parents’ names. If he became a U.S. citizen, the naturalization certificate and its application (on file with USCIS or NARA) would be valuable. If he only had a Green Card, there might be an Alien Registration Number (A-file) with USCIS that close family can request (under the Freedom of Information Act, if he is deceased or with his consent if alive). Similarly, passport applications in the new country can have birth info and parent names. Since we know of a marriage in New York, one could also check for any state or federal records around that time – for instance, did he perhaps sue for a divorce or was mentioned in public notices? These are long shots, but worth keeping in mind.

DNA Testing: If traditional records are limited, DNA genealogy is a modern tool. Evelyn Ali or other descendants might consider doing a DNA test (e.g., AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage DNA). If Shalabi’s extended family or distant cousins have tested, the matches might reveal connections to certain surnames or regions in Egypt. For example, a cluster of cousin matches might all trace back to a “Shalabi” family in Beheira, confirming the lineage. While DNA won’t directly name his parents, it can provide clues to the family tree and sometimes connect you with relatives who might have information.

Local Archives and Libraries: The National Archives of Egypt (Dar Al-Watha’iq) in Cairo holds a wealth of historical documents, though accessing personal records from 1955 there is unlikely (those are with the civil registry). However, if the family had land or legal documents, sometimes older title deeds or court records (e.g., sharia court records for inheritance or waqf endowments) can mention family relationships. FamilySearch’s catalog lists some court records under Egypt which might include inheritance proceedings (these would be in Arabic). If Shalabi’s father or grandfather owned property or was part of an estate division, such documents could be another angle (though finding them is difficult without knowing names of earlier generations). This is a more advanced research path.

Published Genealogies: There are a few compilations of Egyptian family lineages (often focusing on notable or aristocratic families). One example is a book called “Dictionary of Egyptian Families and Tribes” (قاموس العائالت والقبائل المصرية) which sometimes lists origins of surnames. These books might mention if the Shalabi family has notable branches in certain cities. For instance, some Palestinian families named Shalabi/Shalaby claim Egyptian origin [14] (https://www.palestineremembered.com/Tulkarm/Wadi-al-Hawarith/Story16471.html), indicating the name’s spread. While these sources might not list individual 20th-century members, they provide context that could steer you toward specific towns or family clusters.

Online Forums and Social Media: As noted, do not underestimate contemporary methods. Posting inquiries on forums like the Reddit Genealogy subreddit, or the Egypt subsection of Reddit (r/Egypt) (especially for guidance in Arabic document requests), can yield advice. There are also Facebook groups dedicated to genealogy in the Middle East. When reaching out in Arabic, it helps to provide the name in Arabic script (علي إبراهيم شلبي) and as much detail as possible (e.g., “مواليد ١٩٥٥ في دمنهور” – “born 1955 in Damanhur”). Local enthusiasts might direct you to someone who knows the family or to regional archives.

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Next Steps and Research Plan

1. Obtain the Birth Certificate: The top priority is to get Shalabi Ibrahim Ali’s birth certificate from 1955. This will likely require working with Egyptian civil authorities. Contact the nearest Egyptian consulate or embassy for their procedure on requesting a birth record. Provide Shalabi’s full name, birth date (if known, otherwise give an approximate or the year 1955), and place (Damanhur/Beheira, or Alexandria if that’s a possibility). As the daughter, Evelyn should include proof of her relationship (maybe her own birth certificate naming Shalabi as father, if available). Once you receive this document, extract the names of Shalabi’s parents (and note if it includes their ages or any other info).
2. Search for Parents’ Records: With the parents’ names from the birth certificate, you can then search for their marriage record. For example, if the father is “Ibrahim Ali [Surname]” and mother “X [Surname]”, try to find an Egyptian marriage certificate for them (likely in early 1950s, possibly in the same region). Marriage records can be requested similarly through civil registration offices. They will give you the next set of ancestors: usually each marriage record lists the fathers of the bride and groom. This way you identify Shalabi’s grandparents’ names. Also consider obtaining the death certificates of his parents if they passed away in Egypt; death records often list age (hence birth year) and sometimes the person’s parents as well. Each vital record you obtain becomes a puzzle piece leading further back.
3. Explore Religious Archives if needed: If civil records hit a roadblock (for instance, if for some reason the birth certificate cannot be found due to spelling issues or if the family moved), turn to religious records. Identify the likely religious affiliation and reach out to the relevant institutions. In Damanhur, the Coptic Orthodox Church of St. George (for example) or others in the area might confirm if a baptism took place. In Alexandria, large churches or cathedrals hold archives. The Coptic Diocese archive might allow searches by name for that era. If the family was Muslim, you might skip this, but if any hint of Christian background emerges (sometimes a child’s name like Evelyn might indicate a mixed or Christian family), definitely pursue church registers.
4. Local Inquiry in Egypt: If you have contacts in Egypt or can hire a local researcher, consider doing so. A person on the ground could visit the civil registry in Damanhur or Alexandria in person (which might be more effective than an overseas request). They could also visit local municipal offices or libraries to see if there are local census lists or voter registration lists from mid-20th century. For example, Egypt conducted a national ID scheme starting in the 1960s; by the 1980s, everyone had a national number. The old paper ID cards (بطاقة شخصية) often listed the person’s place of birth and sometimes had their family’s registration number. While those are not publicly accessible, if you have Shalabi’s national ID number, the first part encodes his birth date and governorate. A local may help interpret such details.
5. Connect with Family: Try to find any relatives of Shalabi, even distant. Since you know his daughter, maybe she knows of cousins, siblings of Shalabi, or old family friends. Even if Shalabi had no known relatives abroad, he might have siblings or cousins in Egypt. Searching social media (Facebook, etc.) for the surname Shalabi/Shalaby in Damanhur or Beheira might lead you to people who could be related. A polite outreach explaining the research can sometimes open doors to family knowledge (oral history, family trees, or even documents and photos kept by relatives).
6. Utilize Arabic Language Resources: As you continue, use Arabic resources wherever possible. The names of record offices, archives, and documents will often be in Arabic. For instance, to search Egyptian archives, knowing terms like “سجل المواليد” (birth register), “وثيقة زواج” (marriage document), “دفتر النفوس” (population register) can be helpful. If you obtain documents in Arabic and need help reading them, there are online communities that can assist with translation. Always keep copies of original documents – they will serve as proof and may contain details that a summary does not.
7. Document Everything: As you gather information, keep careful notes and copies. Genealogy is iterative – one clue leads to another. You might find yourself building a timeline of Shalabi’s life: born 1955, possibly schooled in X, married (perhaps more than once if Evelyn’s mother is different from the Joann in 1997), immigrated when?, etc. Each event potentially has a record. For example, if he attended university or served in the military (Egypt had mandatory service for men – those records are not public, but knowing if/when he served can add context), or if he left Egypt, an exit record might exist (though not easily obtained). Piece by piece, you reconstruct the family story.

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Conclusion

Tracing Shalabi Ibrahim Ali’s ancestry will rely heavily on Egypt’s civil records and possibly local knowledge, since online databases have sparse coverage for mid-20th-century Egypt. Start with what is certain – his birth record – to unlock the generation before him. Use major genealogy sites as a support: for example, once you have names of parents or grandparents, you could plug those into FamilySearch or Ancestry to see if perhaps some distant relative already created a tree or if those names pop up in any colonial-era records (in case an ancestor served in the military or had dealings with the British administration, etc.). Also, consider both English and Arabic sources: an English-language site like FamilySearch might give structural help (e.g., confirming that “Egypt had compulsory registration from 1912” [3]), while Arabic sources might give rich family detail or context (like the noble lineage claim of the Shalabi family [3]). Both together will enhance your understanding.

If direct records prove limited (for instance, if access is blocked due to privacy or bureaucratic issues), do not get discouraged. Instead, pivot to alternative strategies: engage with the community (both the genealogical community and any community from the hometown), leverage DNA as evidence of kinship, and keep an eye out for any new databases (e.g., sometimes archives are digitized gradually; FamilySearch or other organizations may add Egyptian records in the future given the interest).

In summary, key steps are: obtain official documents (birth, marriage, etc.), use those to identify ancestors, and then dig deeper using both online genealogical tools and on-the-ground research in Egypt. While challenging, this approach offers the best chance to uncover Shalabi Ibrahim Ali’s parents, grandparents, and beyond, connecting Evelyn Ali with her family’s roots in Egypt. Good luck with your research – or as one might say in Arabic, بالتوفيق في رحلة البحث عن جذور العائلة!

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Sources and Further Research

Egypt civil registration policy and research guidance
[1] (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country/Egypt.html)

New York City marriage index entry for Shalabi I. S. Ali (1997)
[2] (https://sortedbyname.com/letter_d/ditommaso/index_3.html)

Arabic commentary on Shalabi family lineage (Facebook genealogy discussion)
[3] (https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php/?story_fbid=2343204515891854&id=1611064349105878&locale=ar_AR)

Wikipedia (Arabic) on Ezbet Naqraha, Damanhur – locale context
[4] (https://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D8%B9%D8%B2%D8%A8_%D9%86%D9%82%D8%B1%D9%87%D8%A7)

Ditommaso Family History - Sorted By Name
[5] (https://sortedbyname.com/letter_d/ditommaso/index_3.html)

Let’s Talk About: Egyptian Genealogy « Washington State Genealogical Society Blog
[6] (https://wasgs.org/blog/2024/07/12/lets-talk-about-egyptian-genealogy/)

Genealogy sites to search records for "Egypt"
[7] (http://yourroots.com/search-record/country/egypt)

Kuzmich.com – Egypt Genealogy PDF
[8] (https://kuzmich.com/Facebook/Egypt%20Genealogy.pdf)

General Register Office - FIBIwiki
[9] (https://wiki.fibis.org/w/General_Register_Office)

Civil Registry Machines in Egypt: How to Quickly Obtain a Birth Certificate
[10] (https://blogs.realestate.gov.eg/civil-registry-machines-in-egypt/)

Birth Certificate - Egypt Consulate UK
[11] (https://egyptconsulate.co.uk/consular-services/birth-certificate/)

KOBLI: Birth Registration - NRC
[12] (https://egypt.kobli.no/en/page/birth-registration)

Church records, 1736–1965 [Egypt Reformed] - FamilySearch Catalog
[13] (https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/31793)

شجرة عائلة شلبي - وادي الحوارث قضاء طولكرم (القرنين 20 و21)
[14] (https://www.palestineremembered.com/Tulkarm/Wadi-al-Hawarith/Story16471.html)

Let me know if you’d like me to continue formatting any other parts of the PDF.

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