American University in Cairo
New Cairo Campus
ECLT Conference Room 1104, Alwaleed Hall
Mon 28, 1-2.30pm: “Playing the Fool”: The Essay as Dialectical Performance” special lecture by Paul Keen from Carleton University explores the essay as a performative and self-reflective genre. In this talk, Keen will explore the essay as a genre that blends performance with critical inquiry. He will discuss how its self-reflective and performative nature has historically challenged distinctions between public and private knowledge. Situating his analysis within a broader critical tradition, Keen’s lecture offers insights into how the essay functions as a dialectical tool for questioning and reshaping intellectual discourse.
Tues 29, 7-8pm (Online Event): Join a virtual book talk about "Visualizing Egypt: European Travel, Book Publishing, and the Commercialization of the Middle East in the Nineteenth Century" with author Paulina Banas who explores how market forces shaped illustrated publications on Egypt at a time of peak European colonial interest. The book features over 70 stunning illustrations and reveals the complex interplay between art, commerce, and imperialism. The event includes a live Q&A. The zoom link is https://e.cglink.me/2kZ/r300112839
Beit Al She'r (Al Sett Wassila)
Al Azhar district, behind Al Azhar Mosque, Al Aini St, Tel 02 2510 3171
Sun 27, 7pm: “The Evening of Yehia El-Taher Abdallah: The Spirit of Poetry Between Narration and the Poem” an evening of poetry readings by a group of poets and novelists.
Diwan Bookstore
105, Abu Bakr El-Seddiq St, Almazah, Heliopolis, Misr Algedida, Tel 02 2690 8184/85/ 0122 6000168
Thurs 24, 6pm: “Art and Diplomacy: Bridging the Human and National Soul” is an inspiring talk that explores how artistic expression can serve as a powerful tool for cultural dialogue and mutual understanding — with a special case study on the Egyptian Academy of Fine Art in Rome. Keynote Speaker: former director of the Egyptian Academy of Fine Art in Rome MP Gihane Zaki
moderator Ambassador Ahmed Farid, with introduction by artist
Khaled Hafez.
159, 26th of July St, Zamalek, Tel 01222 40 7084
Sat 26, 7pm: Book discussion and signing ceremony of Omar Taher’s book titled Akhawayet Altabaqa Alwousta (Middle Class Brotherhood). The discussion will be moderated by writer Nora Nagui.
Maqas Maq’d of Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitby (MASQ)
Darb Al-Saqia St, behind Qaitbay Mosque, City of the Dead, Cairo, Tel 01226569944
Sat 26, 6pm (Free and open to the public): “The Mamluk Archive of Cairo” special lecture as part of the “Cairo, My Love” – Episode II, will be delivered by Emad Abou-Ghazi — Professor of Archival Studies at Cairo University, and one of Egypt’s most prominent scholars — to shed light on the essential role of archives in understanding Cairo’s urban transformations during the Mamluk period. (The lecture will be delivered in Arabic, with simultaneous translation into English available).
El Sawy Culturewheel
End of 26th of July St, underneath the 15th of May Bridge, Zamalek, Tel 2736 8881/6178/2737 4448
Word Hall
Mon 28, 6pm (open to the public): “Physiognomy” religious seminar features Sheikh Ahmed Abbadi, researcher and preacher at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif Religious Information Department, Cairo Region. He will discuss the ABCs of physiognomy, the Muslim and physiognomy, the history of physiognomy among the Arabs, as well as physiognomy and living in difficult times.
Tahrir Cultural Centre (TCC)
AUC’s Tahrir Campus, Al-Sheikh Rihan St, off Tahrir Square, Tel 02 2615 2694/01280009077
Oriental Hall
Wed 30, 7-9pm: “Colourful Korea in Cairo 2025- a Cultural and Arts Exchange Symposium and Cultural Performance” celebrates Korea-Egypt 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The talks will be held as follows.
Wed 30, 2pm - 5:30pm: Main symposium contents: A talk about the “K-POP and K-Culture Design” by Jaeheon Yoo, CEO of YOUJAM STUDIO.
“The Future of Art Education Challenges and Opportunities in the Digital Age” a talk by Daeyoung Lee and Ibrahim Hesham. “Social Message through Art: The Power of Empathy and Solidarity” a talk features Cho Kang-hoon and Art d’Egypte founder Nadine Abdel-Ghaffar. “Status of Korean- Egyptian Theater Exchange” discussion features Son Jeong-woo and Mazen El-Garabawy. “5000 Years of Culture and Smart City” a talk by Han Yeong-geun and Seif Alnaga. “The Role of Photography in the Digital Age” talk by Yoo Soo-chan, and Alaa Elbasa.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 24 April, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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