Ancient Egyptian Civilization and Afrocentrism: History, Archaeology, Medicine, and Genetics

Prof. Alaa Eldin Shaheen; Professor of Ancient History of Egypt and Near East - Prof. Sahar Saleem; Professor of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Kasr Al-Ainy, Cairo University - Prof. Heba Gamal Eldin; Head of the Future Studies Department at the Institute of National Planning

28 July 2026

01:00 PM

Bibliotheca Alexandrina Conference Centre, Delegates Hall

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina, through the Antiquities Museum affiliated to the Cultural Outreach Sector, organizes a seminar entitled: “Ancient Egyptian Civilization and Afrocentrism: History, Archaeology, Medicine, and Genetics”, Tuesday, 28 July 2026; 1:00 pm, at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina Conference Centre, Delegates Hall. As part of the “Alexandria Dialogues 15”, which is an annual BA event.

The Seminar is moderated by Prof. Ahmed A. Zayed; Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and features distinguished professors and specialists to provide a scientific vision based on historical, archaeological, medical and genetic evidence; Among them Prof. Alaa Eldin Shaheen; Professor of Ancient History of Egypt and Near East, Former Dean of the Faculty of Archaeology, Cairo University, who gives a lecture entitled: “Responding to the Claims of the Afrocentric Movement about Ancient Egyptian Civilization”, Prof. Sahar Saleem; Professor of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Kasr Al-Ainy, Cairo University, her lecture sheds light on “Egyptian Identity: A Journey of Archeology,” the Seminar also hosts Prof. Heba Gamal Eldin; Head of the Future Studies Department at the Institute of National Planning, and Member of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, the Egyptian–Palestinian Friendship Association, and the Egyptian–Chinese Friendship Association, in a lecture entitled “The Afrocentric Movement and its Future Effects on Egypt”. These lectures sheds light on Afrocentric theses and the discussions they raise regarding the origins of ancient Egyptian civilization and the identity of the ancient Egyptians.

It is noteworthy that the “Alexandria Dialogues 15” series is a group of discussion forums launched by Prof. Ahmed A. Zayed several years ago, and aims to enhance open dialogue between intellectuals, decision-makers, and the public, by discussing political, economic, social, and cultural issues, which contributes to supporting the Egyptian cultural movement and consolidating the role of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina as a leading intellectual and dialogue platform.