Latest news with #AmericanUniversityofCairo
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Obeying their pharaoh, they left behind a treasure trove in Egypt's 'lost golden city'
SO'OUD ATEN, Egypt — It's a familiar story: The whim of a leader upends citizens' lives and leads them into the wilderness. In ancient Egypt, Pharaoh Akhenaten was no different. Determined that his population should stop from worshipping multiple gods, more than 3,300 years ago he told residents to seal up their homes and workshops in the city of So'oud Aten with mud and clay bricks and move to a new home, a leading Egyptologist, Zawi Hawass, told NBC News last month. 'When the king makes a decision, everyone has to obey the decision,' Hawass said. 'This is the pharaoh.' So quick was their exodus that many left behind an array of items including jewelry, pottery, children's shoes and toys, as well as a pizza peel similar to those used to make bread by their modern day descendants — a treasure trove that is now being recovered by archeologists. NBC News was given exclusive access to the latest much is still a mystery in a city that was only discovered four years ago by archeologists searching for a mortuary temple where animal skeletons were arranged for religious rights. Egyptologists may never figure out why a fish was covered in gold. 'Nobody really can explain it,' Hawass said, adding that around 500 statues of the Sekhmet, the goddess of healing, have also been found at the site, which he has dubbed the 'lost golden city,' in part because it thrived during Egypt's golden age. Today it is a sleepy patch of desert, surrounded by a metal fence, and a dusty road. Archeologists work in the blazing sun at the site where an artificial lake with boat moorings was recently unearthed, likely created to deliver and dispatch goods to the Nile. Its location though is hugely significant. Situated near Luxor, an ancient city in central Egypt, it is surrounded by historical monuments, including the Colossi of Memnon, the Madinat Habu Temple and the Ramesseum. During the 18th dynasty, this was royal Egypt. Hawass, who served as Egypt's minister for antiquities, said that So'oud Aten provides important information about the high standard of living for artisans and craftsmen as well as 'the daily life of the people,' who were so well off that archeologists 'found many showers inside the houses,' he said. In the past few months Hawass said a set of administrative buildings akin to a police station or town hall have also been uncovered. 'It's a snapshot in time,' said Salima Ikram, a professor of Egyptology at the American University of Cairo. Workmen just laid down their tools, she said, adding, 'Their stuff is lying around. They're in the middle of making, you know, pegging out a cow hide. They're cutting out sandals, and suddenly, all of this.' Another recent discovery, a sun image etched onto the wall of a room in the district of the city where spinning, leatherwork and jewelry production took place, appears to signal a shift in religious thinking over time, Hawass said. Then in his life changing ruling, Akhenaten decided that his citizens should worship Aten, who was represented by the sun, he said, adding that it was possibly the first historical example of monotheism. Others like Ikram, prefer to define him as a henotheist — someone who worships one particular god, while acknowledging the existence and potential worship of other deities. Akhenaten, Hawass said, was 'hated' by religious priests who profited from the worship of multiple gods. 'He wanted to go to a place to worship Aten,' Hawass said, adding that he chose a site known today as Tell-el Amarna, around 200 miles south of Egypt's capital, Cairo. He called the new city the 'Rise of Aten,' Hawass said, adding that he believed that he was inspired to build the city by his father, Amenhotep III, who ruled Egypt from 1391 till 1353 B.C. Queen Nefertiti, Akhenaten's far more famous wife, would have walked the streets alongside him, Hawass added. The move was a 'religious revolution,' said Yasmin El Shazly, the deputy director of the American Research Center in Egypt, which , which offers financial assistance to some archeologists. 'We know that during the reign of Amenhotep lll, the religion became increasingly solar. There is evidence of the Aten, but there are other deities as well. So we know that it was not monotheistic at the time.' But mentioning other gods, even the major deity Amun, 'became almost taboo,' she said. After Akhenaten's death the city continued to be used by pharaohs including Tutankhamun, whose nearly intact tomb was discovered in the Valley of the Kings by British archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922. What the citizens thought about leaving their original home in So'oud Aten remains unclear. By blocking the doors, Hawass said it appeared that they were thinking they may come back and they wanted to 'keep it safe.' But at the time, he said no one could raise their objections to the pharaoh. 'No one can talk to the king,' he article was originally published on
CairoScene
17-02-2025
- Politics
- CairoScene
56 AUC Students Receive Scholarships Amidst USAID Cuts
Administrators said these scholarships will soon also be available to other foreign universities around Egypt. Feb 17, 2025 Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, announced the provision of 'alternative scholarships' for 56 new students accepted into the American University of Cairo. The initiative, according to Ashour, will provide these 56 scholarships to students who were accepted into AUC during the second semester of the 2024-2025 academic year for the first time. The announcement comes after the US government announced a suspension of foreign aid to American students studying abroad. Dr. Abdulwahab Ezzat, Secretary of the Council of Private Universities and acting Secretary of the Council of Foreign Universities Branches, said that these scholarships will soon be available to foreign schools located in the New Administrative Capital, as well as other European and Canadian universities in Egypt, including the British University in Egypt (BUE) and the German University of Cairo (GUC).
Al Bawaba
27-01-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Azizi Developments' Burj Azizi Global University Exposure Program shares Dubai's engineering marvels with the world
Azizi Developments, a leading private developer in the UAE, has announced the launch of its Burj Azizi Global University Exposure Program. On Sunday, the 26th of January 2025, a group of 8 students and 2 faculty members from the engineering faculty of Egypt's prestigious American University of Cairo (AUC) have arrived in Dubai for a 10-day educational tour, marking the launch of the much-anticipated program that is established by Azizi Developments as part of its commitment to introduce Dubai's achievements in engineering and architecture on the world stage. The group was received by Group CEO, Mr. Farhad Azizi and Deputy CEO, Mr. Ahmad Masoud. The Burj Azizi Global University Exposure Program is a four-year initiative that aims to bring together university students from diverse engineering disciplines worldwide for a unique series of educational visits to Dubai. The programme provides an immersive experience in the real-world application of cutting-edge architectural design, sustainable building practices, and modern technology integration in construction. The overall goal of the programme is to share Dubai's experience and achievements in engineering and provide inspiration to the next generation of builders from around the world. During their visit, the students and faculty members will visit the site of Burj Azizi, currently under construction and slated to become the world's second tallest tower. Through a mixture of lectures and guided site visits, the group will gain in-depth insights into various features of the iconic project, including structural and civil engineering, architectural design, MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) plan, interior design and the project construction plan. The group will also engage with senior Azizi executives and experts, including Mr. Kang Sang Ku, the renowned South Korean engineer who is the Executive Director of Burj Azizi. Mr Kang, who comes with over 30 years of international experience managing construction of some of the world's most prestigious high-rise projects, including Burj Khalifa, is overseeing the construction of Burj Azizi. His mission is not only to ensure that the project is completed on time but also that it meets the world's latest standards in technology and construction practices. Speaking on the important occasion, Mr. Mirwais Azizi, Founder and Chairman of Azizi Developments, said: 'I am delighted to welcome the first group of international students to visit Burj Azizi and its construction. This is part of our effort to show to the world what Dubai has to offer in engineering and architectural excellence. Dubai today is number one in the world on many fronts – security, services, economic opportunity, family life and more. On top of all this, Dubai is also a world leader in architecture and engineering. I am glad we are able to share our achievements with the future generation of engineers from around the world.' The Burj Azizi Global University Exposure Program, of which the AUC visit is the first step, will see university visits from around 100 countries around the world through to the end of 2028 while Burj Azizi is under construction. The next country in line is the United Kingdom, to be followed by India and others, all keen to learn about the cutting-edge engineering practices that are used to build Dubai's next engineering marvel – Burj Azizi. 'It fills me with pride that universities from 100 countries have shown interest to be part of this program and to learn about the Burj Azizi project. This is, in reality, a homage paid to this country's leadership and vision, especially to that of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Personally, I am very proud that we at Azizi Developments are able to contribute to His Highness' vision for Dubai to lead the world in innovation and ambitious undertakings', added Mr. Azizi. Burj Azizi, a 131+ storey tower, rising proudly on Dubai's prestigious Sheikh Zayed Road, will feature a unique all-suite seven-star hotel, inspired by seven cultural themes, alongside luxury residences that include penthouses, apartments, and holiday homes. Burj Azizi will also offer a luxury shopping mall and a range of amenities, such as wellness centres, swimming pools, saunas, cinemas, gyms, resident lounges, a children's play area and much more.
Zawya
27-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Azizi Developments' Burj Azizi Global University exposure program shares Dubai's engineering marvels with the world
Dubai: Azizi Developments, a leading private developer in the UAE, has announced the launch of its Burj Azizi Global University Exposure Program. On Sunday, the 26th of January 2025, a group of 8 students and 2 faculty members from the engineering faculty of Egypt's prestigious American University of Cairo (AUC) have arrived in Dubai for a 10-day educational tour, marking the launch of the much-anticipated program that is established by Azizi Developments as part of its commitment to introduce Dubai's achievements in engineering and architecture on the world stage. The group was received by Group CEO, Mr. Farhad Azizi and Deputy CEO, Mr. Ahmad Masoud. The Burj Azizi Global University Exposure Program is a four-year initiative that aims to bring together university students from diverse engineering disciplines worldwide for a unique series of educational visits to Dubai. The programme provides an immersive experience in the real-world application of cutting-edge architectural design, sustainable building practices, and modern technology integration in construction. The overall goal of the programme is to share Dubai's experience and achievements in engineering and provide inspiration to the next generation of builders from around the world. During their visit, the students and faculty members will visit the site of Burj Azizi, currently under construction and slated to become the world's second tallest tower. Through a mixture of lectures and guided site visits, the group will gain in-depth insights into various features of the iconic project, including structural and civil engineering, architectural design, MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) plan, interior design and the project construction plan. The group will also engage with senior Azizi executives and experts, including Mr. Kang Sang Ku, the renowned South Korean engineer who is the Executive Director of Burj Azizi. Mr Kang, who comes with over 30 years of international experience managing construction of some of the world's most prestigious high-rise projects, including Burj Khalifa, is overseeing the construction of Burj Azizi. His mission is not only to ensure that the project is completed on time but also that it meets the world's latest standards in technology and construction practices. Speaking on the important occasion, Mr. Mirwais Azizi, Founder and Chairman of Azizi Developments, said: 'I am delighted to welcome the first group of international students to visit Burj Azizi and its construction. This is part of our effort to show to the world what Dubai has to offer in engineering and architectural excellence. Dubai today is number one in the world on many fronts – security, services, economic opportunity, family life and more. On top of all this, Dubai is also a world leader in architecture and engineering. I am glad we are able to share our achievements with the future generation of engineers from around the world.' The Burj Azizi Global University Exposure Program, of which the AUC visit is the first step, will see university visits from around 100 countries around the world through to the end of 2028 while Burj Azizi is under construction. The next country in line is the United Kingdom, to be followed by India and others, all keen to learn about the cutting-edge engineering practices that are used to build Dubai's next engineering marvel – Burj Azizi. 'It fills me with pride that universities from 100 countries have shown interest to be part of this program and to learn about the Burj Azizi project. This is, in reality, a homage paid to this country's leadership and vision, especially to that of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Personally, I am very proud that we at Azizi Developments are able to contribute to His Highness' vision for Dubai to lead the world in innovation and ambitious undertakings', added Mr. Azizi. Burj Azizi, a 131+ storey tower, rising proudly on Dubai's prestigious Sheikh Zayed Road, will feature a unique all-suite seven-star hotel, inspired by seven cultural themes, alongside luxury residences that include penthouses, apartments, and holiday homes. Burj Azizi will also offer a luxury shopping mall and a range of amenities, such as wellness centres, swimming pools, saunas, cinemas, gyms, resident lounges, a children's play area and much more. About Azizi Developments Azizi Developments is a leading developer based in Dubai, UAE. With more than 30,000 homes successfully delivered to local and international investors and end users of over 100 nationalities, the developer prides itself on its extensive portfolio of modern luxury developments across Dubai's most sought-after residential and commercial destinations, its construction-driven approach, and its commitment to transparency and customer centricity. Azizi's residential and commercial properties are investor friendly, catering to all lifestyles. The developer makes it its international mission to develop lifestyles and enrich the lives of its residents with a focus on catalyzing the vision and development of the markets that it operates in. Azizi currently has around 40,000 units under construction that are projected to be delivered by 2027, worth several billion US dollars. The company is renowned for developing the world's second tallest skyscraper and an AED 2.5 billion opera, which is its gift to the city, as part of its cultural district at Azizi Venice. Azizi has a strong track record and sizeable project pipeline through its extensive land bank and strategic partnerships with Dubai's key master developers, and is instrumental in developing world-class properties in MBR City, Palm Jumeirah, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai South, Al Furjan, Studio City, Sports City and Downtown Jebel Ali.
