Journey to 1930s Egypt: Boissonnas Legacy Brought Back to Life in Cairo
Rana Atef
On Thursday, the anticipated exhibition of Egypt: A Photographic Portrait by Frédéric Boissonnas was opened. This exhibition presents the exceptional works of the late Swiss photographer Frédéric Boissonnas (1858–1946), with a focus on his photographic journey in Egypt.
Boissonnas was invited by the late King Fuad I to tour Egypt, including the magical lands of Sinai, and undertake an extensive photographic mission. The results of the mission were collected in a monumental book called Egypt (L'Égypte) in 1932.
The book was widely celebrated in several ceremonies, and a grand exhibition was hosted at the Royal Geographical Society in Cairo.
However, the legacy of the late Swiss photographer faded. Therefore, the Library of Geneva and various Swiss parties preserved the complete collection of around 4,000 photographs.
Hosted at the Goethe-Institut in Tahrir as part of Cairo Photo Week activities, the opening of the exhibition witnessed the presence of the Embassy of Switzerland's Charg ée d'Affaires a.i Elisabeth Gilgen, Goethe-Institut Cairo Director Lilli Kobler, and the late King Fuad's great-grandson, Prince Mohamed Ali.
During her remarks at the opening, Kobler welcomed the guests to the event, expressing her gratitude for the institute's cooperation with the Swiss Embassy in Cairo and Cairo Photo Week.
On her side, Gilgen thanked the Goethe-Institut and said that the exhibition is a celebration of the 90th anniversary of the mutual relationship between Egypt and Switzerland.
She said, "This celebration allows us to reflect on the nine decades of cooperation, friendship, and mutual respect between the people and the nations of Switzerland and Egypt."
The Swiss official also welcomed Prince Mohamed Ali, the great-grandson of King Fuad I, who called Boissonnas to conduct this photographic mission in Egypt.
Prince Mohamed Ali told SEE News that he is happy to be there, as this exhibition is a connection with the family. He asserted that the goal of King Fuad was to make these photos represent Egypt to the world.
"He wanted the world to know Egypt, not only the Muslim part of Egypt but also the Coptic part."
Among the exhibited photos were rare shots of prayers inside Al Azhar Mosque and worshippers inside the Monastery of Saint Anthony and Saint Catherine's Monastery.
The member of the Egyptian royal family added that this exhibition is a tribute to Egypt, not just for his family.
He also appreciated the efforts of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi as he acknowledged the existence of the family and established peace between modern Egypt and the time of the kingdom.
The exhibition reflects the good ties between the Swiss Embassy in Egypt and other European partners, such as the Goethe-Institut, on the lands of Egypt.
Gilgen praised the cooperation between the Swiss Embassy and the Goethe-Institut, as they were driven by the close relationships between Switzerland and Germany in terms of people, culture, and language.
The Swiss official told SEE News, "The idea of the exhibition was conceived a long time ago. We heard about the work of the photographer, and we were looking for a special occasion."
She highlighted that the occasion is celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Friendship Treaty between Egypt and Switzerland.
"Together with our partners, the Goethe-Institut and the University of Geneva, we have the curator here, and then we collaborated with them."
On the presence of Prince Mohamed Ali, she said, "It's a great honor for us that his great-grandson, Prince Mohamed Ali, is here tonight with us."
Gilgen further described the exhibition as reflecting the essence of Egypt and its people between the past and the present: "There are still many similarities because it captures really the essence of what Egypt was and what Egypt still is."
The Swiss official also praised the close ties between Egypt and Switzerland in all fields.
On her side, Kobler reflected that she is happy that the Goethe-Institut is hosting the exhibition as part of their cooperation with the Swiss Embassy in Cairo and the framework of Cairo Photo Week.
She asserted that the institute is working on creating more spaces for independent and promising Egyptian artists.
As the exhibition continues to draw attention to the rich cultural history of Egypt through the lens of Boissonnas, it serves as a reminder of the enduring ties between Switzerland and Egypt.
The legacy of Boissonnas' photographs not only highlights a shared past but also reinforces the importance of cultural exchange in strengthening international relations.
This exhibition is not only a tribute to the past but also a testament to the power of photography in bridging cultures and fostering mutual understanding between nations.
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