08.05.2025 Connecting Heritage Science to the Heritage of Science

Professor Albrecht Fuess Strengthens CNMS Ties with Egypt Through Lectures and Conference Participation

In April 2025, Professor Dr. Albrecht Fuess from the Department of Islamic Studies at the Center for Near and Middle Eastern Studies (CNMS), Philipps-Universität Marburg, undertook a significant academic visit to Egypt, participating in two high-profile events that underscored the CNMS's ongoing commitment to international scholarly exchange.

From April 6–9, Professor Fuess was an invited speaker at the international conference “Connecting Heritage Science to the Heritage of Science”, held at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Alexandria. This prestigious event brought together global experts in heritage science and cultural history to explore the intersections between scientific heritage and historical knowledge systems. In his contribution, Professor Fuess drew upon his expertise in Islamic history and cultural exchange between the Islamic world and Europe, highlighting the role of heritage sciences in preserving and interpreting Islamic scientific and cultural achievements. Conference participants also engaged in guided tours of Alexandria’s historic sites, including the Greco-Roman Museum and the Citadel of Qaitbay, and took part in various networking events.

Shortly after, on April 13, Professor Fuess gave a public lecture at the Institut français d’archéologie orientale (IFAO) in Cairo, titled “A Cash-Based Economy: Explaining Taxation Changes in the Late Mamluk Period.” Hosted by the IFAO and coordinated by Dr. Ahmed Al-Shoky (Ain Shams University) in collaboration with Dr. Abbès Zouache (IFAO), the lecture examined the fiscal transformations during the late Mamluk period. The event attracted a diverse audience of scholars, students, and heritage professionals, and sparked lively discussions during the Q&A session that followed.

These engagements not only demonstrated Professor Fuess’s academic contributions but also reinforced CNMS’s active role in fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration with key institutions in the Middle East. The visits enhanced scholarly networks between Marburg, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the IFAO, and regional universities, reflecting the CNMS’s broader mission of promoting intercultural understanding and research.

Watch and Explore:

·       📽 Conference Opening Session – Bibliotheca Alexandrina Webcast

The presentation was followed by a lively Q&A session and informal discussions among attendees. The IFAO also made the recording and event photos publicly available:

·       📽 Lecture recording: Watch on YouTube

·       📷 Event photos: View Photo Album

Professor Fuess’s participation in this event further deepens CNMS’s academic exchange with key institutions in Egypt and the broader Middle East.