Due to the deterioration of the security situation in Lebanon and the rapid escalation of the war, we have temporarily relocated our operations to Cairo. At no point did the fighting affect the institute’s premises in Badaro or the residential areas of our staff.
In Cairo, we are hosted at the Dutch-Flemish Institute in Cairo (NVIC), located in the heart of the city. NVIC’s research focuses on ancient Egyptian culture, Islamic studies, and contemporary Middle Eastern studies. In addition, the institute offers Arabic language instruction and organizes student courses, much like FIME. On Sundays, they host a film night. NVIC will celebrate its 55th anniversary at the end of April and has been located in the same villa in Zamalek throughout its history.
In Cairo, we also have a partner institute, as the Danish Institute in Damascus has opened a residency at the Bayt Yakan Cultural Center. The Cultural Center is located in a house built in the 1760s, the restoration of which was led by architect Alaa Elhabashi.
From Cairo, we will continue to organize events, support researchers and students, and above all conduct research and produce research-based knowledge. We warmly thank NVIC Director Marleen De Meyer for the generous reception and for making the facilities available to FIME.
