The American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE), in partnership with the American University in Cairo, is organizing this conference to explore the multifaceted ways in which Egypt has engaged with—and been shaped by—cross-cultural encounters across millennia. The conference, being held on December 5-7, 2025, will investigate historical, archaeological, anthropological, artistic, and sociopolitical dimensions of intercultural interaction within the Egyptian context.

Proposal 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

And, interdisciplinary approaches and welcome scholars working in the fields of Egyptology, Islamic studies, Coptic studies, history, anthropology, and art history are encouraged. Abstracts in English, of no more than 300 words, along with a brief bio (max. 150 words) must be sent in by July 25, 2025, closing at midnight Cairo time.  For more information and to submit an abstract, visit https://orcfellowships.smapply.org/prog/cross-cultural_interaction_in_egypt_through_the_ages_-_call_for_abstracts/.

More information on the conference will be posted as it become available at https://arce.org/cross-cultural-interaction-in-egypt-through-the-ages-conference/.