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On November 7, 2023, The Africa Institute hosted Professor Hanan Kholoussy for a seminar titled ‘Edges of Egypt, Interiors of Africa.’ As part of The Africa Institute’s commitment to fostering critical thinking in African studies, the event aimed to unravel the history of beach development in Egypt and its impact on culture, economics, and politics.
Hanan Kholoussy, Associate Professor of History at The American University in Cairo, explores the often-neglected history of Egypt’s beaches, challenging the predominant focus on cities like Cairo and Alexandria. She examines how these coastal edges, once feared or ignored, have evolved into vibrant microcosms, shaping the nation’s culture, politics, and identity. Spanning colonialism, war, revolution, tourism, and more, her research discussed the intricate interplay of class, gender, race, and space on Egypt’s shores.
Beginning with French colonizers in 1798 and extending to the return of the Sinai Peninsula in 1982, Professor Kholoussy’s research traces the transformation of beaches from elite retreats to public spaces. Drawing from diverse disciplines and utilizing primary sources from Egyptian and British archives, the study offers a nuanced understanding of Egypt’s coastal history.
Organized chronologically and thematically, Professor Kholoussy’s research unfolds a narrative spanning health and healing, leisure, colonial relations and sports among others. Each chapter unravels layers of Egypt’s beach development, unveiling the dynamics of power and resistance that have shaped its shores.
Professor Kholoussy holds a joint Ph.D. with distinction in history and Middle Eastern and Islamic studies from New York University. She earned a joint B.S./M.A. with honors in foreign service and Arab studies from Georgetown University. Kholoussy is the author of “For Better, For Worse: The Marriage Crisis That Made Modern Egypt” (Stanford, 2010) and co-editor of “Domestic Tensions, National Anxieties: Global Perspectives on Marriage, Crisis, and Nation” (Oxford, 2016). A frequent media commentator on Egypt’s marriage crisis, she has published several articles on marriage, gender, Islamic law, and Egyptian history.
Professor Kholoussy’s research sheds light on the role of Egypt’s beaches as dynamic spaces for cultural, sociopolitical, and economic interactions since the nineteenth century. Emphasizing the need to view Egypt as part of Africa, she remarked, “The beach has become a significant space, reflecting the evolving cultural, economic, and political dynamics of Egypt. In understanding this, we not only embrace our shared heritage with Africa but also unravel the threads that connect us to a deeper narrative of cultural exchange and resilience.”
The seminar was moderated by John Thabiti Willis, Associate Professor of African History, The Africa Institute who prompted reflections on how coastal boundaries shape a nation’s identity. “Today’s discussions contribute to our understanding of Egypt’s history and emphasize the broader significance of coastal regions in shaping national narratives,” said Professor Willis.
The Africa Institute’s ongoing efforts in hosting lectures and workshops align with its mission to study Africa and its diaspora, fostering critical thinking in African studies. The seminar, enriched by Professor Kholoussy’s insights, provided a platform for engaging discussions and challenging perspectives on the interconnectedness of cultures and histories.
On November 7, 2023, The Africa Institute hosted Professor Hanan Kholoussy for a seminar titled ‘Edges of Egypt, Interiors of Africa.’ As part of The Africa Institute’s commitment to fostering critical thinking in African studies, the event aimed to unravel the history of beach development in Egypt and its impact on culture, economics, and politics.
On November 7, 2023, The Africa Institute hosted Professor Hanan Kholoussy for a seminar titled ‘Edges of Egypt, Interiors of Africa.’ As part of The Africa Institute’s commitment to fostering critical thinking in African studies, the event aimed to unravel the history of beach development in Egypt and its impact on culture, economics, and politics.
Hanan Kholoussy, Associate Professor of History at The American University in Cairo, explores the often-neglected history of Egypt’s beaches, challenging the predominant focus on cities like Cairo and Alexandria. She examines how these coastal edges, once feared or ignored, have evolved into vibrant microcosms, shaping the nation’s culture, politics, and identity. Spanning colonialism, war, revolution, tourism, and more, her research discussed the intricate interplay of class, gender, race, and space on Egypt’s shores.
Beginning with French colonizers in 1798 and extending to the return of the Sinai Peninsula in 1982, Professor Kholoussy’s research traces the transformation of beaches from elite retreats to public spaces. Drawing from diverse disciplines and utilizing primary sources from Egyptian and British archives, the study offers a nuanced understanding of Egypt’s coastal history.
Organized chronologically and thematically, Professor Kholoussy’s research unfolds a narrative spanning health and healing, leisure, colonial relations and sports among others. Each chapter unravels layers of Egypt’s beach development, unveiling the dynamics of power and resistance that have shaped its shores.
Professor Kholoussy holds a joint Ph.D. with distinction in history and Middle Eastern and Islamic studies from New York University. She earned a joint B.S./M.A. with honors in foreign service and Arab studies from Georgetown University. Kholoussy is the author of “For Better, For Worse: The Marriage Crisis That Made Modern Egypt” (Stanford, 2010) and co-editor of “Domestic Tensions, National Anxieties: Global Perspectives on Marriage, Crisis, and Nation” (Oxford, 2016). A frequent media commentator on Egypt’s marriage crisis, she has published several articles on marriage, gender, Islamic law, and Egyptian history.
Professor Kholoussy’s research sheds light on the role of Egypt’s beaches as dynamic spaces for cultural, sociopolitical, and economic interactions since the nineteenth century. Emphasizing the need to view Egypt as part of Africa, she remarked, “The beach has become a significant space, reflecting the evolving cultural, economic, and political dynamics of Egypt. In understanding this, we not only embrace our shared heritage with Africa but also unravel the threads that connect us to a deeper narrative of cultural exchange and resilience.”
The seminar was moderated by John Thabiti Willis, Associate Professor of African History, The Africa Institute who prompted reflections on how coastal boundaries shape a nation’s identity. “Today’s discussions contribute to our understanding of Egypt’s history and emphasize the broader significance of coastal regions in shaping national narratives,” said Professor Willis.
The Africa Institute’s ongoing efforts in hosting lectures and workshops align with its mission to study Africa and its diaspora, fostering critical thinking in African studies. The seminar, enriched by Professor Kholoussy’s insights, provided a platform for engaging discussions and challenging perspectives on the interconnectedness of cultures and histories.
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