In a celebration of cultural ties between Italy and Egypt, Alessandro Giuli, the Italian Minister of Culture, and Dr. Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, today inaugurated the “Italians in Egypt” exhibition. The exhibition, a collaborative effort between the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the National Central Library of Rome, presents a curated collection of archival materials highlighting two of the most influential Italian literary figures of the 20th century: Filippo Tommaso Marinetti and Giuseppe Ungaretti.
Minister Giuli emphasized the historical bond between Italy and Egypt, reflecting on the shared Mediterranean heritage that unites the two nations. He also highlighted the ongoing cultural exchange through initiatives such as the donation of a collection of 550 books to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, as part of the “Library of Italy” project. This project aims to foster Italian language and culture around the world by supporting leading cultural institutions.
“Today, as we celebrate the opening of the ‘Italians in Egypt’ exhibition and donate this precious collection to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, we underscore the deep friendship that binds Italy and Egypt. Last year, we marked the bicentenary of the Egyptian Museum in Turin, one of the oldest museums in the world, cementing the importance of Italian heritage globally,” Minister Giuli noted. “This exhibition also highlights the profound impact that Egypt had on Marinetti and Ungaretti, two giants of Italian literature who found inspiration in this land.”
The exhibition, which includes first editions, posters, and texts from Marinetti and Ungaretti, offers a unique opportunity to explore their formative years in Egypt. It underscores the influence of the country on their education, writings, and subsequent literary contributions. The display offers a rare glimpse into the pivotal period of their lives, marked by the powerful creative forces that shaped their work.
As part of the event, Dr. Zayed expressed his delight in hosting the exhibition at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, which serves as a bridge between Egypt and the world. He reiterated the institution’s mission as a cultural hub, reflecting the strong, enduring relationship between Egypt and Italy. “This exhibition is a testament to our shared cultural heritage,” Dr. Zayed said. “It further strengthens the bonds between our two nations and reflects the rich history of collaboration between the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and Italian cultural institutions.”
Dr. Zayed also highlighted the long-standing cultural collaborations, including the launch of the Egyptian-Italian Year of Science in 2009, the publication of “Italy in Alexandria,” and the international seminar commemorating Leonardo da Vinci’s 500th anniversary. He expressed confidence that such partnerships will continue to grow, bringing even greater cultural benefits to both nations.
The exhibition was further enriched by the ceremonial exchange of gifts between Dr. Zayed and Minister Giuli, marking a significant moment in the strengthening of cultural ties. The 550 books donated by the Italian Ministry of Culture include a diverse range of topics such as history, art, literature, and the classics, providing valuable resources to enhance the library’s already extensive collection.
Michele Quaroni, the Italian Ambassador to Egypt, also addressed the gathering, expressing gratitude for the collaboration that made the exhibition possible. He underscored the importance of showcasing the influence of Egypt on Marinetti and Ungaretti, two literary icons whose work was deeply shaped by their time in Egypt.
The opening ceremony of the “Italians in Egypt” exhibition not only celebrates the literary legacies of Marinetti and Ungaretti but also exemplifies the ongoing cultural exchange between Italy and Egypt, further enriching both nations’ shared history and future collaborations.
