Cross-Cultural Interaction in Egypt through the Ages Conference

ARCE is organizing an in-person, three-day conference in Cairo that will be live-streamed.

Dates: December 5-7, 2025

Location: Ewart Hall, AUC Tahrir Campus, Cairo, Egypt

Egypt’s long and complex history is marked by continuous interaction with diverse peoples, empires, and cultures. From pharaonic times through the Greco-Roman period, the Islamic era, colonial encounters, and into the modern age, Egypt has served as a dynamic space of cultural exchange and transformation. These interactions have left enduring legacies in language, art, religion, governance, architecture, commerce, and identity.

This conference seeks to explore the multifaceted ways in which Egypt has engaged with—and been shaped by—cross-cultural encounters across millennia. We welcome papers that investigate historical, archaeological, anthropological, artistic, and sociopolitical dimensions of intercultural interaction within the Egyptian context.

Topics must fit into one of the following themes:

  • Trade and diplomacy across the Eastern Mediterranean basin.
  • Artistic and architectural influences across the Eastern Mediterranean basin.
  • Cultural assimilation and resistance in different historical periods.
  • Migration, settlement, and diaspora communities in Egypt.
  • Religious syncretism and transformation.

We encourage interdisciplinary approaches and welcome scholars working in the fields of Egyptology, Islamic studies, Coptic studies, history, anthropology, and art history.

Paper Submission Guidelines

Deadline for submission: July 25, 2025

Notification of acceptance: September 10, 2025

Please submit an abstract, in English, of no more than 300 words, along with a brief bio (max. 150 words), here.

For questions, please send an email to: cross-cultural_interaction@arce.org

We look forward to welcoming scholars to reflect on the diverse and dynamic intercultural histories of Egypt.

SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT

The American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE) prioritizes sustainable resource consumption and incorporates environmental considerations into our meetings and conferences. As we commit to reducing our environmental impact, please note that most of our previously printed materials are now available digitally.

Coming soon!

The American Research Center in Egypt reserves the right to use any photograph/video taken at any event sponsored by ARCE, without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video. ARCE may use the photograph/video online or in print media produced, used, or contracted by ARCE including but not limited to brochures, invitations, books, newspapers, magazines, television, websites, etc.

To ensure the privacy of individuals, images will not be identified using full names or personal identifying information without written approval from the photographed subject.

A person attending an ARCE event who does not wish to have their image recorded for distribution should make their wishes known to the photographer and the event organizers or contact ARCE at info@arce.org in writing of their intentions and include a photograph. ARCE will use the photo for identification purposes and will hold it in confidence.

We invite you to consider becoming a sponsor for the American Research Center in Egypt’s conferences. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of research and scholarship in Egypt while also gaining visibility among a distinguished community of scholars, researchers, and professionals.

We welcome sponsorships at all levels, from individuals and organizations looking to make a difference, to those wishing to enhance their brand’s presence in a meaningful way. No matter the size of your sponsorship, we are committed to ensuring that your support is acknowledged and appreciated.

Your involvement will help sustain ARCE’s important work in preserving Egypt’s cultural heritage, promoting academic exchange, and fostering international collaboration.

We look forward to partnering with you!

Our main partners: