From 31 March to 10 April 2025, the team of the Institute of Semitic studies organized a trip to Egypt for the students of multiple specializations at our university, including Semitic studies, Arabic studies, and Interdisciplinary Studies of the Middle East (ISME) programs.

Over ten eventful days, the group experienced Egypt’s extraordinary cultural, linguistic, and religious heritage. Starting in Cairo, we traced the layers of Islamic history through visits to the Cairo Citadel, mosques and madrasas along the historic Al Muizz street, and Khan al-Khalili bazaar.

Egypt’s multi-confessional past and present was in the focus of our tour of Coptic Cairo and Fustat, where we saw the Hanging Church, the Coptic Museum, the Ben Ezra Synagogue, and the Amr ibn al-As mosque. A special day trip to Wadi an-Natrun took students into the heart of Egypt’s monastic traditions, with visits to ancient monasteries that offered a glimpse into centuries of spiritual life.

For a change of pace, the group went to Alexandria, where we enjoyed the shore, the sea air. We also visited Bibliotheca Alexandrina and wandered through famous sites of the Antique Alexandria, such as the Roman Theater, the Serapeum, the catacombs of Kom ash-Shuggafa.

A trip to Egypt, of course, would not be complete without a visit to the pyramids. We had a chance to see the famous pyramids of Giza and the less well-known, yet impressive pyramids of Dahshur and Saqqara.

Beyond sightseeing, the trip also fostered academic connections: students visited the FUB liaison office and the DAAD office in Cairo, both located in the bustling Zamalek in the city centre.

Our first-ever study trip to Egypt was more than just a travel experience—it was a transformative journey that deepened students’ knowledge, sparked new ideas, and strengthened the vibrant academic life of our institute. We’re proud to offer such unique opportunities, and we look forward to many more adventures in the future!

Here is what the students had to say about the trip:

Julia Goriacheva, MA Arabic studies:

“At first, Egypt felt really overwhelming: the noise, the rhythm of life and everything was so intense and unfamiliar. But after a little while, I started to get used to it, and I began to see its charm and beauty. I really loved our trip! The schedule was tight, but it gave us a chance to experience so much. I learned a lot about the country’s history, and one of the most memorable parts for me was visiting not only the famous landmarks but also the Christian sites, especially the Syriac and Coptic churches and monasteries. That added a completely different layer to the journey. Egypt definitely grew on me, and I know I’ll be going back someday.” 

Alexander Hong, MA ISME:

“It was a great opportunity to see Egypt’s sites including some beautiful Fatamid and Mamluk architecture. We also used the colloquial Arabic that we have learned throughout the trip. Cairo and Alexandria are unique cities and I’m glad we got to know them through the people we met.”

Cahit Akin, doctoral student in Semitic studies:

Our trip to Egypt, one of the oldest civilisations in history, gave us the opportunity to see first-hand the works created in different civilisations and eras. This region, where different cultures and beliefs have been able to coexist in harmony for thousands of years, inspired me in every way. We had the opportunity to look at the past and the future in a historical panorama.