OIKOS Mediterraneo promotes cultural and interfaith dialogue in Egypt

From 7th to 12th September, a group of young Italians and Egyptians shared an immersive experience combining cultural diplomacy, music workshops and the important consolidation of the partnership with Al-Azhar University. 

The “Mediterranean: Polyphony of Diversity” camp was a cultural diplomacy and exchange experience promoted by OIKOS Mediterraneo. Fr. Milad Shehata, head of the Franciscan Cultural Centre in Cairo, organised the initiative in collaboration with the Province of the Friars Minor of Egypt. 

The first day focused on getting to know one another and exploring the theme of diversity in Egypt under the guidance of Marianne Mounir, who offered insights into local cultures, laws, and religions. Among the most visually and spiritually impactful moments, the young people visited the famous ‘City of Rubbish’ and the Sanctuary of St Simon, carved entirely from rock. The programme then continued with a workshop on the Mediterranean and the official presentation of OIKOS Mediterraneo by Fr Francesco Zecca, concluding with a cooking competition and a music workshop. 

One of the most significant stops on the entire trip was the institutional meeting aimed at strengthening collaboration with the prestigious Al-Azhar University, which has 500,000 students. The Italian and Egyptian delegations were warmly welcomed by representatives of the Al-Azhar Graduates’ Organisation on a day entirely dedicated to interfaith dialogue and exchange. 

The seminar was attended by leading academic and religious figures, including Prof. Dr. Abdel Dayem Nossair, Secretary General of the Organisation and Adviser to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar; Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Al-Hadid, Scientific Adviser to the Organisation and former President of Al-Azhar University; Fr. Milad Shehata, Director of the Franciscan Cultural Centre for Studies and Research; Eng. Mohamed Galal Kotb, Director of the Organisation’s Projects Department; Prof. Tasneem Ammar and Prof. Tasneem Yehia, Deputy Directors of the Projects Department; and Prof. Mostafa Abdel Hamid, of the Projects Department. 

The Minister of Culture at Al-Azhar University also came to greet us. Following a discussion centred on diversity in the Mediterranean basin, the participants took part in an Arabic calligraphy workshop and an intercultural socialisation activity led by Fr Francesco Zecca. The meeting, which concluded with the presentation of a plaque of appreciation, marks a historic step for OIKOS Mediterraneo, the Pontifical Antonianum University and Al-Azhar University, with a view to transforming diversity into a concrete space for building the future. 

The third day featured a special appearance by Maestro Carlo Morelli (a Neapolitan conductor, composer and arranger), who travelled from Italy to join the group and lead a music workshop focusing on rhythm and music’s ability to break down cultural barriers. The musical journey found its ultimate expression of solidarity at the paediatric cancer hospital in Cairo, where the young people met the young patients and ran a therapeutic music workshop. The day then concluded with a visit to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation. 

The trip then focused on exploring the places of worship of the three great Abrahamic traditions. The young people visited monuments that bear witness to Egypt’s profound religious diversity, including the Sultan Hassan Mosque (1356), the Al-Rifa’i Mosque (1912), the Coptic Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary, the Greek Orthodox Church of St George and, finally, the historic Ben Ezra Synagogue. This symbolic itinerary reaffirmed the Mediterranean's pluralistic roots and cultural richness. 

Against this backdrop, a conference explored the relationship between the figure of Saint Francis of Assisi and contemporary Arab culture. Guiding us on this journey was Prof. Giuseppe Cecere, from the University of Bologna and the Italian Archaeological Centre in Cairo, who introduced us to the perspective of Hasan ‘Uthmān (1907–1973), a great Egyptian scholar and translator. 

The experience concluded with a visit to the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, symbols of a millennia-old history that continues to bear witness to the Mediterranean's complexity and richness.