Dr. Jihan Zaki Appointed to Lead New Era for Egyptian Culture
A new chapter is beginning for Egypt’s cultural landscape with the appointment of Dr. Jihan Zaki to oversee the nation’s cultural file, succeeding Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hanno. The Ministry of Culture selected Dr. Zaki based on her extensive background in international academic and diplomatic affairs, signaling a commitment to a globally-engaged cultural strategy.
A Scholar of Egyptology and Cultural Diplomacy
Dr. Jihan Zaki is a distinguished Egyptian academic specializing in Egyptology, with a career built on the intersection of academic research, cultural management, and cultural diplomacy. Born in Cairo on July 4, 1966, her educational journey began at Helwan University’s Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, culminating in a Bachelor of Egyptology in 1987, earned with distinction and honors.
She continued her studies, obtaining a Master of Egyptology in 1993, followed by a PhD from the University of Lyon, France, in 2000. Her doctoral research focused on “Aswan and Nubia in the Greco-Roman Era,” demonstrating an early commitment to exploring the complexities of Egypt’s historical connections. Further broadening her expertise, Dr. Zaki earned a Master in Cultural Management from the University of Siena, Italy, in 2014, with a thesis entitled “Cultural Diplomacy and Globalization.”
Academic and Administrative Ascent
Dr. Zaki’s academic career progressed steadily at Helwan University, beginning as a teaching assistant in 1988 and evolving through the ranks to assistant lecturer (1993), teacher (2000), assistant professor (2005), and ultimately, professor of Egyptology in 2010.
Alongside her academic pursuits, Dr. Zaki held several key executive and administrative positions within Egypt’s antiquities and culture sector. From 2003 to 2005, she served as a representative of the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities at UNESCO in Paris, focusing on the preservation of Egyptian cultural heritage. She later held the roles of Director General of Lower Egypt Antiquities and Director General of the Department of International Organizations and UNESCO Affairs at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, demonstrating a commitment to both domestic preservation and international collaboration. She also oversaw the management of recovered antiquities and directed the Nubia Antiquities Rescue Fund in 2010.
Pioneering Leadership at the Egyptian Academy of Arts in Rome
A defining period in Dr. Zaki’s career was her tenure as president of the Egyptian Academy of Arts in Rome from 2012 to 2019. In this role, she broke new ground as the first woman to lead the academy in its nearly century-long history, having also been the first president selected through an open and competitive process.
During her leadership, the academy experienced significant institutional growth. She strengthened its position among other foreign academies in Italy, successfully registered the academy’s headquarters as a site of architectural significance, and elevated its profile through events like the acclaimed “Tutankhamun and the Lost Mystery” exhibition. Dr. Zaki also prioritized the revitalization of the academy’s library and the development of programs for young people, fostering a new generation of cultural engagement.
Global Recognition and Continued Service
Dr. Zaki’s contributions have been recognized internationally through numerous accolades, including the Knight of the Order of the National Class – France (2009), a Fellowship of the Berlin Academy (2010), and honors from the UAE and UNESCO (2013, 2015 respectively). She received the Italian Bronze Rose in 2015 and the Humanity Tree Medal in 2017.
Beyond her administrative and academic roles, Dr. Zaki has shared her expertise as a visiting professor and lecturer at prestigious institutions worldwide, including the Sorbonne, Lyon, La Sapienza Rome, Waseda Tokyo, and Ain Shams University. She has also served on several scientific and national committees dedicated to antiquities recovery, external exhibitions, and heritage preservation projects, including those focused on Alexandria and Mediterranean lighthouses (PHAROS). Her scholarly output encompasses a diverse range of publications in Arabic, French, English, and Italian, covering Egyptology, antiquities, history, and cultural management. One notable publication is “Coco Chanel… A Time for Hearts… Braids of Formation and Betrayal.”
Currently, Dr. Zaki serves as a member of the Egyptian Parliament, appointed in 2021, bringing her wealth of experience to the legislative arena. Her appointment to lead the Egyptian cultural file marks a pivotal moment, promising a dynamic and internationally-focused approach to preserving and promoting Egypt’s rich cultural heritage.
