Cairo Reflections

In this powerful critique of passport privilege, GPRI Research Assistants Sara Ameri and Fahimeh Ghorbani share their struggles with visa restrictions as Iranian scholars. Denied visas to attend the Cairo workshop, they spotlight the broader inequities in global mobility affecting academic opportunities. Emphasizing the need for supportive academic networks, they call for a sustained dialogue on accessibility and equity in contemporary scholarship.

Against the rich materiality of Cairo’s Al Aqmar Mosque, PhD Candidate Muhamad Abdelmageed compellingly critiques the political neutrality of postdisciplinarity for its reliance on western epistemic ideals and failure to recognize and engage with non-western perspectives. Join Muhamad in close reading Tomas Pernecky’s “An Unintroduction to Postdisciplinarity” and uncover the complexities and nuances of “whitewashing” theoretical discourse in a global context.

Explore Sarah Awni’s captivating journey through historic Cairo’s ever-evolving architecture. As a master’s student in Islamic Art and Architecture, her visits to al-Muʿizz Street, especially with the Global Past team, transformed her perception of the city’s historic sites. Discover how layers of history, philosophical readings, and collaborative research reveal new ways to understand Cairo’s rich heritage.

How do we talk about art? PhD Student Kai Wang grappled with this question throughout the Cairo Workshop. In his compelling reflection, he highlights the challenge of discussing art across disciplines and cultures. Join Kai as he explores profound questions about art interpretation, fostering invaluable cross-cultural dialogue and enriching our understanding of art in a global context.

PhD Student Yating Liao invites us to explore Egypt’s ancient stone manufacturing techniques, drawing comparisons with Chinese marble and jade craftsmanship. In this engaging thought journal, Yating emphasizes the significance of cultural mobility and technological exchange on ancient production methods across diverse civilizations.

PhD Candidate Rachel Al Rubai emphasizes the vital role of behind-the-scenes museum efforts in globalizing collections and engaging visitors. Through the lens of a door lintel showcased at the Coptic Museum, she delves into the museum’s delicate task of balancing the portrayal of the object’s Christian symbolism with its nuanced cultural significance. This delicate balance, she argues, often results in cultural artifacts losing their distinctiveness to uninformed viewers.

PhD student Amarjeet Singh delves into the complexities of understanding the “global past.” In conversation with Rita Felski’s literary criticism, Amarjeet reflects on his visit to the pyramids and Sultan Hasan’s complex, offering a philosophical discussion on how art and history transcend local contexts to reveal universal themes of human finitude.

PhD student Sowmya K reflects on her visit to Cairo’s Nilometer, highlighting its role in ancient Egyptian flood control. Fascinated by water systems, she compares it to South India’s Eri system, emphasizing their significance in sustaining civilizations through innovative irrigation. Through her reflections, Sowmya invites us to contemplate the ingenuity of ancient societies in managing floods and ensuring food security.

PhD student Mutharasu Anbalagan shares his awe-inspiring experience from the GPRI workshop in Cairo. Amid the grandeur of the pyramids, he finds beauty in overlooked flint pebbles, reflecting on their significance in microlithic tool production. Discover his journey of appreciating the subtle wonders amidst Egypt’s iconic landscape.